GARDEN NEWS Spring 2018

Thank You for Helping us Grow TABLE OF by Dave Barnett, Board President CONTENTS Dear Friends of the Garden, Director’s Note 2 Over the years, we have encouraged you to “Come Grow with Us”. Apparently, it is working and some kind of magic fertilizer has been sprinkled on the West Virginia Botanic Garden. Appreciating George W. Longenecker 3

Late Summer Night’s Dream 3 We finished 2017 with a year-end appeal goal ofplanted $30,000 and and parking all of you was helped expanded reach for that goal and more! In 2017, gardens were Varieties, Hybrids, Sports, 4 and Cultivars Hundreds participated in a wide array of activitiesthe ever-growing and more daily children use of enjoyed the garden. summer Friends of the WVBG 5 and Other Donors camps. We hosted a fabulous and delicious dinner series, a Late Summer Party that WVBG Spring 2018 Activities 6 was the best party of the summer, and a

The Wild, the Innocent, and 9 celebration recognizing WVBG’s founder the WV Botanic Garden and workhorse, George Longenecker. For Wintering Bird Community 10 WVBG past President, Bill Johnson (right) presents George me it was hard to keep up with all the Use of West Virginia Wetlands W. Longenecker with a Life Director certificate at an event in wonderful activity at the garden. Thanks September 2017. Photo by Randall Smith. to all the garden employees, volunteers and WVBG Members Receive 11 Discounts at Businesses the direction of our past President, Bill Johnson. With Bill’s leadership and direction WVBG has made huge leaps and bounds and fortunately for us, he will continue his service as Board Year-round Learning and Fun 11 Treasurer. for Children at the WVBG Volunteers Are at the Heart 12 Hopefully as you read this spring will be in the air and you are enjoying the longer days. of Our Garden Hundreds of bulbs were planted this past fall by our Executive Director and volunteers. I’m sure it will be a quite a show this spring and even more so in future springs to come. I am WVBG Featured in History 12 Publications humbled that the Board asked and elected me as President. I hope to see you at the Garden this year and welcome your input and ideas.

The Garden is open daily dawn to dusk.

Admission is free! WEST VIRGINIA BOTANIC GARDEN, INC. Director’s Note BOARD OF DIRECTORS by Bill Mills, Executive Director Bill Mills, Executive Director Dave Barnett, President As I write this, the world outside my window is deeply frozen. There are far Shawn Grushecky, Vice-president Jodie Jackson, Secretary tracks of skis and there are many tracks from Bill Johnson, Treasurer fewer tracks in the snow from passers-by and even cars, but there are the distinct Linda Bagby creatures. These are my favorite tracks of all. Of Patrick Biafore course many deer travel here, but I have also Rodney Brundage seen squirrel, coyote, fox, rabbit and a plethora Victoria Cather of delicate bird tracks. The natural world of the Vince Collins Hope Covey Garden is very much alive. Leisha Elliott Nancy Elliott This fall Katherine Lewis from WVU set up a Zach Fowler series of mist nets to study and band birds in Jonathan Hall A winter view of the Yagle Garden. Andrea Horton Photo by Bill Mills. the wetlands. Sparrows were her focus. Look Jan Mitchell for her article in this Newsletter. The Garden is Janet Paladino David Samuel used extensively as a classroom for University students. Many kinds of research Jennifer Selin are conducted here; water quality, taxonomy and plant pathology to name a few. Sally Taylor It is always a pleasure to come across these scholars while they are conducting Jack Thompson their research. LIFE DIRECTORS George W. Longenecker Frank Scafella ManyThe response donors commentedto our 2017 onAnnual the good Appeal work was that overwhelming. is happening Over at the $36,000 West Virginia has STAFF Botanicbeen donated, Garden. exceeding The Annual our Appeal $30,000 and goal. membership We deeply donationsappreciate help every fund donation. the Cheryl Carnegie, Administrative Assistant Stacy Clovis-Woofter, Educator Phil Cole, Assistant Site Manager are a testament to the enthusiasm and belief of the community and the state Kay Jones, Volunteer Coordinator forvery this important organization. day to Contributions day operations from of the around Garden. the Thesestate and financial region commitments show that Erin Smaldone, Education Director belief in our mission has grown far beyond Morgantown. MAILING ADDRESS West Virginia Botanic Garden Grant funding from the City of Morgantown and Monongalia County Commission 714 Venture Drive, PMB #121 Morgantown, WV 26508-7306 (304) 322-2093 debris from previous construction. We are thankful to them for their long time support.have allowed us to add additional parking and to clear away the final logs and GARDEN LOCATION 1061 Tyrone Road The New Year brings forth a new slate of educational opportunities, nature and Morgantown, WV 26508 science camps, social opportunities, and newly planted and enhanced gardens. www.wvbg.org Keep your eyes out for a new series of dinners and picnics here at the Garden.

The West Virginia Botanic Garden, Inc. is incorporated in West Virginia as a mature tree peonies will come forth with their remarkably elegant blooms. They tax-exempt, not-for-profit 501(c)(3) canThousands be found of at new the bulbs entrance will plantingsbe blooming. as well We asare the hoping lower that parking recently-gifted lot. organization. Contributions are deductible to the extent allowed by law. West Virginia residents may obtain a summary of the registration Every day is unique at the Garden, be it for the quality and financial documents for the West Virginia Botanic Garden, Inc. from the Secretary of State, State Capitol, Charleston, WV 25305. Registration does warblersof the sunset, stopping the wetland by during filled migration, with water the fromcall of a the not imply endorsement. owlspassing in thestorm, forest the or scent a new of frienddecaying you leaves, may meet a flock while of NEWSLETTER on a hike or run. I encourage you to visit often and Editor: Erin Smaldone experience these earthly pleasures. There is always Copy Editors: Cheryl Carnegie & Dave Smaldone Designer: Lisa Bridges something new to appreciate, good for the body and Contributors: Linda Bagby, Dave Barnett, Victoria soul. Cather, Kay Jones, Katharine Lewis, Bill Mills, Paul Poling, Erin Smaldone, & Jon Weems. Winter beauty along the Reservoir Loop Trail. Photo by Bill Mills. 2 Spring 2018 WishingBill Mills all a healthy and inspired 2018. Executive Director Appreciating George W. Longenecker by Linda Bagby, Board Member

Executive Director, George W. Longenecker. George was the founder and driving force behind On September 23, 2017, the WVBG hosted an appreciation event in honor of long-time the Garden for more than 30 years. Under his leadership, the WVBG was incorporated as a non-profit tax exempt 501 (c)(3) charitablehad organization. previously housedAfter years the Tibbsof searching, Run Reservoir. a location for the Garden was finally identified—the land that

grow the Botanic Garden there and reenergized George W. Longenecker poses with theIn 2000, organization George began needed the to grassroots fund and to effort administer to the plaque naming the Shade Garden in his honor. Photo by Dave Smaldone. it. Since then roads, parking areas, and about

garden areas. All the utilities and infrastructure for future development had to befive brought miles of down trails from have Tyronebeen constructed Road to the to reservoir connect thebasin natural level. andWhen designed this was George and his wife Caryol (2nd & 3rd from left) enjoy a song by Chris Haddox. Also pictured are Linda Bagby, Bill Johnson, Bill Mills, and Jodie accomplished, it enabled the WVBG to construct its first building, a solar-powered Jackson. Photo by Randall Smith. pivotalWelcome role Center, in the which development was completed of the Garden, in 2016. the After WVBG all thesenamed years a garden of dedicated that he designed and created in his honor. He alsoservice, became George a Life Director stepped of down the WVBG as Executive Board Directorof Directors in 2016. and received In recognition a key to of the his City of Morgantown from the Mayor, William Kawecki. Singer/songwriter Chris Haddox performed a song he had composed in George’s honor. A photo memory book was presented that highlighted a small sample of the many experiences that were shared with George over the years. Event guests expressed their gratitude to George and his wife Caryol as everyone enjoyed refreshments and a slideshow in the Welcome Center.

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Photos highlighting the evening. Photos by Victoria Cather and Lisa Bridges. Spring 2018 3 Varieties, Hybrids, Sports, and Cultivars by Jon Weems, Guest Contributor Taxus cultivated plant names. I hope trying to sort nomenclature out for the reader will helpYews me (genus get it straight) provide in my goodown mind.illustrations of the rules for scientific notation of

Taxus baccata, and the hardier Japanese yew, Taxus cuspidata, for centuries. Both binomials show standard Gardenersscientific notation, have grown with forms genus of written the long-lived first and English capitalized, yew, species written second and not capitalized, and both genus and species italicized.

Taxus cuspidata capitata. The third italicized word indicated a variety, a form growing true from seed butA 1960s distinct nursery from wherethe typical I worked form grewof its conicalspecies. plants However, labeled botanists pointed out that the typical form of the species cuspidata was also somewhat conical, so the plant previously known as the variety capitata was demoted to a cultivar, Taxus cuspidata ‘Capitata.’ Cultivars are plant forms that are reproduced by cuttings or other The author with the original Irish yew, vegetative means, generally because they don’t grow true from seed. In scientific Taxus baccata ‘Fastigiata,’ at Florence Court, Northern Ireland. Photo by Donna Weems. capitalized, within single quotation marks. notation, cultivar names are written in non-italicized or roman type, first letter Growers hoping to combine ornamental merit with hardiness have crossed English and Japanese yews and dubbed the results Taxus x media. The roman “x” after the genus name indicates a hybrid of species within that genus. Taxus x media plants grown from seed vary considerably. Growers propagate interesting plants by rooting cuttings. If the resulting plants display desirable traits, growers may append cultivar names. For example, a favorite yew from my nursery days was the Hatfield yew, Taxus x media ‘Hatfieldii,’ a cultivar that arose from a hybrid.

Sometimes a plant produces a branch that looks very different from the rest of the plant, perhaps because of a mutation affecting gene expression. The unusual branch is called a “sport,” and the parent plant is said to have “thrown a sport.” If rooted successfully, sports may result in new cultivars.

bringing us to the original Irish yew, Taxus baccata ‘Fastigiata,’ a cultivar of English yew.My wife ‘Fastigiata’ instigated means a 2017 upright. trip that Farmer got me George thinking Willis about found yew two nomenclature unusual English while

plantyews withlives uprighton. This branching original Irish in 1767. yew, picturedHe kept one behind and megave at the Florence other toCourt, the ownerhas becomeof an Ulster less estate upright called with Florence age and theCourt. effects George’s of thousands plant died of cuttingsin 1865, havingbut the been other taken from it. The other photo shows me admiring a younger Irish yew next to the Florence Court gardener’s cottage.

Yews have lost some favor in American gardens because deer browse their foliage. However, yew species and hybrids have given rise to cultivars that remain superb ornamental plants for sites where deer may be excluded, plants that may give much pleasure even if their nomenclature seems arcane. The author with a fine specimen of Irish yew at Florence Court. This plant showed no signs of having been sheared.Photo by Donna Weems.

4 Spring 2018 Friends of the WVBG and Other Donors We are extremely grateful for all the generous donations that have been made to the West Virginia Botanic Garden in the last year.

Betty R. Fonner Diana Beam FollowingConservator is the list of Friends of the WVBG and other donors from January 1, 2017, through January 15,Judith 2018. Gold Stitzel Annette Tanner Gary Friggens Linda & Joe Bennett Mary Kay Stover Deborah J. Fulton Douglas & Susan Boyer Jack Thompson Benefactor Mannon & Mary Gallegly Dianna Brozich Barbara Walker John & Joyce Allen Gemmen Family Susan & Gary Carpenter Ann & Dick Walters Carolyn Eberly Blaney Shawn Grushecky & Jennifer Bell Nelle Chilton David & Melissa Watkins William Maxwell Davis Linda & Bill Hagerty Keith Woofter & Stacy Clovis-Woofter Carolyn Welcker Ellen E. Hrabovsky Ruth Heavener Emily & Greg Corio Patricia Wells Bill Mills & Tom Gillooly John & Judith Hall Hope & Thomas Covey Charles Werntz & Donna Ford-Werntz Julie Harris Leah & Luke Cyphert Ronald W. Wilson Patron Keith & Anne Hildebrand Sheila Daugherty Loretta Wotring Mike & Linda Bagby Judy & Steve Hoffman Ryan Dearman Alyssa Wright Stan Einzig & Nancy Abrams Andrea & Fred Horton Linda DeCosta David & Denese Yeager Lee & Jeanne Gren Dawn D. Jackson Jill & Harvey Eastman Linda Yoder Joe & Beth Hestick John & Edie Jett Donna & Bill Fitzpatrick Laura Yokochi Jack & Irene Keeley Bill & Emilie Johnson Frank Fitzwater & Nancy Starcher George & Caryol Longenecker Maureen Johnson Barbara Fleischauer & Robert Bastress Individual Carolyn & Dale McVicker Elizabeth Keightley David Fosbroke Jim Anderson Robert & Miriam Miller Royce & Mike Keller Angela Franks Stephen Arnold Maureen Mills Marie Kidd Hadden & Susan Garvin Paul Atkins Nancy Ruhe Leonard Knee & Brenda Gould Jenna Glass Cathy Baker Sarah S. Knox Erika Grant Kay Beamer Sponsor Helen Lang Coleman & Chris Guenther Susan Bell Anonymous Margaret Mary Layne Elizabeth & Steve Guffey Shari Lynn Bennett Nicholas & Maria Borror Joseph & Vicki Lemine Judy A. Guye-Swanson Nancy Bird Rodney & Kathy Brundage Roger & Nancy Lohmann Lynn A. Harper Linda Blake Alison & Patrick Deem Sara & Ian Lunden Linda Huffman & Bob Goodman Joyce Bower Judith Dinsmore Chris Linton & Bob Steele Ann Hutchison Mary Ellen M. Brady Nancy & John Ganz Carol & John Mathews Joyce Ice & Ronald Latimer Mary Butler Shirley Giuliani Britt & Judy McJunkin Gertraud & Caulton Irwin Melissa Clovis Lynn Hammock Amanda & Blake Mertz Laythia Lynn & Don Keener Frank G. Cox Susan & David Hardesty Randy R & Cinda L Miller Karin & Hoppy Kercheval Elizabeth Critch Ansusan & Keith Inskeep Elizabeth Mills Dr. & Mrs. D. Michael Kinney Elaine D’Alessandri Jodie Jackson & Strat Douglas Jan Mitchell & Doug Maatman Sally & Mike Kirkpatrick Andrea Dalton Grethe Myles & Tom Witt Susan Morton Michelle LaVicka Terri Lynn Day Gary Nicholas Carol Moss Priscilla Lawson Jan Derry Jim & Penny Patton Elizabeth H Mullett George Lilley Nicole Edwards Jim & Sheila Rye Phillip & Colleen Murray Bob & Valinda Loy Adrienne Epley Holliday Joe & Judy Smaldone Cindy O’Brien and Larry Harris Gail & Bruce Ludwick Molly Fechter-Leggett Sally & Bob Taylor Robert & Barbara Pifer Mick & Beth Madison Rarymond Fish Phil & Dana Weser Elizabeth Puette Judy Marteney Melanie Fisher Petra Wood Amy & Jason Robbins Beverly Martin & Mike Vernon Pam Ford Bruce & Christine Rothschild Elizabeth McClintock LeJay Graffious Contributor Carol Rotruck Connie McCluskey Mary Gribko Anonymous Susan Sailer & Tom Miles Peggy McDevit Linda Gribko Darrel & Vicki Auch Terry & Kathleen Schnell Alice & Kevin Meehan Barbara Gutman Don & Linda Baer Don Spencer & Carol Hamblen Earl & Cecelia Melby Denise Gwinn Betty M Bailey Helen Sperry Adam Messenger Barbara Gwynne David & Robin Barnett Mr. & Mrs. Wm. Trevor Swan, Jr. Amy Milbrand Joanne Hall Steven & Christie Beattie Richard & Kathryn Swanson Brenda & Ron Moore Paul Henneberger Mary A Biggs Jim & Gale Truman Donald & Mary Morrison Linda Herbst Madonna Bird Alan & Liva Tucker Cheryl & David Ornick Denise Hewitt Clif and Sara Bishop Matt Veith & Anthony Realini Sue Overman & Terry Green Dorothy Hood Susan & Eric Brown Dorothy Vesper Donna Prince Yvonne Howdershelt Linda Carson Nancy & Doyle West Julia Ramberg Mary Ellen Koenn Victoria & Carl Cather Karl & Pam Yagle Mark & Mary Reasor Gwen Kohut Phil & Kellie Cole Clarke & Elaine Ridgway Diana Krinke James Coleman & Elizabeth Swiger Household Janet Robbins Martha Lass Vincent & Margaret Collins Anonymous Shirley F. Rosenbaum Andrew Longenecker Jillian Conrad Robert & Aurie Acciavatti David Samuel Kathryn Madison Susan & Edward Crowell Susan Adams Susan & Don Sauter Doretta Ann Malone Jim & Judy Culberson Helen & Rudy Almasy Judy & Al Schmidt Justine McCoy Charlotte A. & Roger L. Dalton James & Louise Amrine Erin and Shane Sherrell Alan McEwen Deanna DiBartolomeo Calvert Armbrecht Roger Shrout Frances McVay Mimi Dinsmore Hilary & Michael Attfield Erin & Dave Smaldone Ronald Millecchia Shelly R Duncan Charles Aucremanne Larry & Iris Smith Marilyn Morgan Fonda Elliot Kristin Bagby & Jon Fronczak Ellin Smith Holly Moses Nancy & John Elliott Herb Baker Dolores Sobolewski & Ronald Biondi Barbara Myers Tammy & Eric Everly Doug & Melisa Baker Tom & Karen Spencer Carol Nix Martha & Donald Ferguson Mark & Cathy Barger Katherin Sproul Delores Perry David & Kelly Fleming Lori Battelli Maria Stewart Tom Pue (Continued on page 8) Spring 2018 5 West Virginia Botanic Garden Spring 2018 Activities Please pre-register for ALL activities. A link to register is at the end of each activity description on the activities schedule page of the WVBG website, www.wvbg.org.

March 10, 1:00 p.m. Site Inventory and Analysis: Whether you are designing a landscape for a bare lot surrounding your home or redesigning an area because your needs have changed, all plans need to start with a site inventory and analysis. Through this design process, you will determine which features to keep and where change is desirable. With Master Gardener Jan Mitchell, learn how to inventory your yard, determine your needs, and make a base map. Most appropriate for adults. $5 for WVBG members, $15 for non-members.

March 17, 1:00 p.m. Kids’ Container Gardening: Little Sprouts : Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with us by creating a “wee ones” garden for leprechauns, fairies, elves, and the like. After planting we’ll journey to WVBG’s Fairy Garden area, where we’ll gather natural materials for decorating our container gardens and discover if those sneaky forest leprechauns have been up to any tricks! Led by WVBG Educator Stacy Clovis-Woofter, for children ages 3 and older with accompanying adult. $20 for WVBG members, $30 for non-members (price is per project). March 18, 2:00 p.m. Superfoods: How to Choose Them and How to Use Them: March is National Nutrition Month. Join Certified Health Coach MaryAnn Post, as she encourages you to take a holistic approach to your well-being. We will discuss “superfoods”— what they are and how they can help improve your general overall well-being. Several resources will be shared and some of the more common superfoods will be available for tasting. A short walk in the garden is included in this workshop. Most appropriate for adults. $30 for WVBG members, $45 for non- members.

March 24, 7:00 p.m. Woodcock Walk: LeJay Graffious will lead a search for American Woodcocks displaying over the old reservoir from sunset to dusk. Come join us to witness this amazing spectacle! Dress warmly and bring a flashlight. All ages. Free.

March 25, 2:00 p.m. Protecting Pollinators: Local Master Gardener and Master Naturalist Annette Tanner will share information about bees and other local pollinators and discuss factors that are leading to their decline. Why should we care and what can we do to help? Most appropriate for adults. $5 for WVBG members, $15 for non-members.

March 31, 10:00 a.m. Amazing Eggs: How much do you know about birds’ eggs? Some birds lay eggs the size of jellybeans, and some lay eggs the size of softballs. Eggshells can be a variety of colors. This presentation, featuring a live bird of prey from theAvian Conservation Center of Appalachia and a take-home craft, will discuss some of the amazing things about eggs. All ages. $5 for WVBG members, $15 for non-members. April 3, 9:00 a.m.- 12:00 p.m. (Session 1: Grades K-2); 1:00-4:00 p.m. (Session 2: Grades 3-5) Spring STEAM Camp: It’s spring break at the Garden! Join us for hands-on learning and inquiry-based investigations that incorporate science, technology, engineering, art, and math. Campers will build, create, collaborate, solve, and enjoy outdoor exploration at this spectacular time of year. Camps led by WVBG Education Director Erin Smaldone and WVBG Educator Stacy Clovis-Woofter. See WVBG website camp page for more information and to register. $35 for WVBG members, $45 for non-members.

April 6 & May 4, 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Friday Family Walks: Join WVBG Education DirectorErin Smaldone on the first Friday of each month for a short story followed by a walk around the Garden concluding with a simple craft. This easy, casual walk is a great way for children and their caretakers to get outside and enjoy nature and the company of others. The trail will accommodate “off road” strollers. All ages. Free.

April 10, 7:00 p.m. The Layers of a Garden: Arm chair travel with Bill Mills, WVBG Executive Director, to the many gardens he has designed or traveled to. Discussion will focus on the seasonal sequence of these gardens and the many layers of flowers and foliage that make for a rich garden palette. Participants will learn about individual plants and their use in garden design as well as basic garden design concepts. Most appropriate for adults. $20 for WVBG members, $30 for non-members.

April 14, 10:00 a.m. Nature in Spring: Spring is a time of growth and renewal in the natural world. WVBG Education DirectorErin Smaldone will discuss what plants and animals are doing in nature and the Garden during this time of year. The program will include a slide presentation followed by a walk. All ages. $5 for WVBG members, $15 for non-members.

April 14, 1:00 p.m. WVBG Boundary Walk: Master Naturalist Ellen Hrabovsky will lead a hike through WVBG’s Hemlock and Old Growth Deciduous Forests, along our northeastern boundary line and discuss trees, wildflowers, and anything else that sparks interest. The walk will cover approximately 2.4 miles, requires stamina and closed toe shoes. Most appropriate for ages 8 and above. Free.

April 15, 2:00 p.m. Put That Spring Back into Your Step: Come join Certified Health Coach, MaryAnn Post as we talk about developing your own “moving plan”. This interactive workshop discusses the 3 components of fitness to include each week, nutrient rich snacks to sample, a walk in the garden and Q & A with a local personal trainer. Most appropriate for adults. $30 for WVBG members, $45 for non-members.

April 21, 10:00 a.m. Earth Day Walk: On the day before Earth Day, join Executive Director Bill Mills for a hike to some of his favorite places in the Garden. Starting at the Welcome Center, we will be crossing the board walk, and into the Rhododendron and Hemlock forest, ending with the Reservoir Loop. Water flow permitting, we may be crossing Tibbs Run. Walking sticks and appropriate footwear should be considered. All ages. Free.

April 22, 2:00 p.m. Kids’ Container Gardening: Pizza in a Bucket!: Join nature enthusiasts and educators, Bethany and Vada Boback for a “Gardening with Kids” workshop. Join us on Earth Day to learn how to plant, care for, and eat what you grow. Workshop includes a “Make and Take” sustainable growing project. Open to children ages 4-14 with an accompanying adult. $20 for WVBG members, $30 for non-members (price is per project).

April 28 & May 28, 10:00 a.m. Young Birders Walk: It’s never too early to become a birder! This walk will introduce children of all ages and their parents to the wonder and joy of birds and bird watching. Bring binoculars and a bird guide if you have them. This walk is offered in conjunction with the West Virginia Young Birders Club and will be led by Avian Conservation Center of Appalachia’s DirectorKatie Fallon. All ages. Free. (Continued on page 7) 6 Spring 2018 West Virginia Botanic Garden Spring 2018 Activities (Continued from page 6) April 28 1:00 p.m. Useful Soil Science for Busy People: WVU Division of Plant and Soil Sciences Professor Louis McDonald will present an overview of the basic properties and functions of soils focusing on garden plant production. Program will include soil test report interpretation and appropriate amendment strategies. Most appropriate for adults. $5 for WVBG members, $15 for non-members.

April 29, 2:00 p.m. Wetland/Amphibian Walk: West Virginia University Professor Jim Anderson will lead us to and acquaint us with the frogs, toads, and other amphibians found in a variety of wetland habitats. Be prepared to get your shoes muddy. All ages. Free.

May 5, 7:30 a.m. Spring Bird Walk: Join local birder Terry Bronson on an early morning bird walk. We will be birding by eye and ear to search in the bushes and boughs for our feathered friends. Bring binoculars if you have them. All ages. Free.

May 5, 1:00 p.m. Kids’ Container Gardening: Awesome Blossoms for Mom: Join us to decorate a cheerful garden pot filled with spring flowers for Mom, Grandma, Aunt, or a special friend in honor of Mother’s Day. Participants will also learn about West Virginia’s Anna Jarvis, who organized the first Mother’s Day service, and make a heartfelt card to include with their gift. Led by WVBG Educator Stacy Clovis-Woofter, this workshop is most appropriate for children ages 4 and older. $10 for members; $15 for non-members.

May 6, 2:00 p.m. Herbal First Aid Workshop: Please join Jen-Osha Buysse and Hannah Spencer with the non-profit The Mountain Stewardship and Outdoor Leadership (SOL) School for an introductory workshop on medicinal herbs. We will focus on some basic components in our herbal first aid kits, including tinctures, salves, and dried plants. Mountain SOL students will join in teaching the class, sharing stories of using their first aid kits in real life scenarios. We will also review simple herbal preparations to add to your kits. Each participant will bring home supplies for their own herbal first aid kit. A portion of the proceeds from the class will go to support the Mountain SOL School’s scholarship fund, which provides partial to full scholarships for Mountain SOL classes and programs. For more information on The Mountain SOL School, visit mountainsol.org. $20 for WVBG members, $30 for non-members.

May 12, 10:00 a.m. Libraries Rock! Rock Painting for Kids: Be a rock artist! Learn about the new rock-painting trend. Paint rocks to drop in your community, spread inspiration, and see where they turn up! This program is being offered byCheat Lake Public Library in conjunction with the summer reading program. Wear clothes suitable for painting. Open to children ages 6-12 with an accompanying adult. $5/child.

May 12, 1:00 p.m. Terrarium Garden Workshop: What is a terrarium garden, how can you design your own, and what kind of maintenance will it need? Come find out during this hands-on workshop with Master GardenerKelly Barnard. History, types, and maintenance of terrariums will be discussed followed by making your own to take home. Half gallon glass terrarium and all other materials included. Most appropriate for ages 12 and up. $45 for WVBG members, $55 for non-members.

May 19, 10:00 a.m. A Garden Tour with an Eye for Design: Walk the grounds of the Botanic Garden with Executive DirectorBill Mills and look at the many individual garden spaces. There will be a discussion of the plants that have been used in each as well as an evaluation of the concepts of successful garden design. Consider bringing a camera or phone to document thoughts and inspirations. Most appropriate for adults. $20 for WVBG members, $30 for non-members.

May 19, 1:00 p.m. Homemade Salad Dressings: The local farmer’s markets are full of salad greens now and the herbs are making an appearance this week. Come join us in making your own salad dressings to put on those greens. Join Certified Health Coach,MaryAnn Post in taking a holistic approach to your well- being. She will share easy recipes for creating your own dressings as well as reproducing some of the more common ones…without all the preservatives. This hands on workshop includes tastings as well as a short walk in the garden. Most appropriate for adults. $30 for WVBG members, $45 for non-members.

May 20, 2:00 p.m. Planting Containers: Join Executive DirectorBill Mills as he plants the many varied containers of the Welcome Center. Hanging baskets, haymows and pots both large and small will be featured. The basics of container gardening will be emphasized, from plant varieties to soil and fertilizer. Most appropriate for adults. $20 for WVBG members, $30 for non-members.

May 26, 10:00 a.m. Unexpected Invasives: A look at why some plants are invasive, what is the result of their invading, and what can be done. Join George W. Longenecker, Professor Emeritus, Landscape Architecture, WVU for a presentation on the identification and ecology of invasive plants in our region. A short walk will follow. Most appropriate for adults. $5 for WVBG members, $15 for non-members.

May 26, 1:00 p.m. Microscope Exploration: With WVU Core Arboretum Director Zach Fowler, learn about different types of microscopes and explore nature and our surroundings. A stereomicroscope can magnify nearly anything by up to about 40x, and a high power microscope can magnify slide-mounted specimens by up to 1000x. These microscopes allow us to make fascinating discoveries just beyond the limits of our unaided visual resolution. Microscopes will also be connected to a projector so everyone can see images on the big screen. All ages. $5 for WVBG members, $15 for non-members.

May 27, 2:00 p.m. Reconnecting with Nature for Youth and Parents: Amid busy lives we can often lose our connections to nature, yet a mindful walk in the woods can often restore these bonds with nature, and with each other. Join WVBG EducatorStacy Clovis-Woofter, in a walk to focus on the interconnections found in the natural ecosystems of WVBG, with optional discussion points to reaffirm our personal connections as well. This easy to moderate walk is most appropriate for youth ages 6 and up with accompanying parent, grandparent, or guardian. Free.

* All activities take place at the West Virginia Botanic Garden, 1061 Tyrone Rd., Morgantown, WV 26508 unless otherwise noted. * Programs will last 1.5-2 hours unless otherwise noted. * Please refrain from bringing your pet to activities. Thank you. * Please register for all activities online at www.wvbg.org. Spring 2018 7 Friends of the WVBG and Other Donors (Continued from page 5) Lizbeth Pyle Linda Gribko Lorna Waddell & Charles Howard Monongalia County Commission Donald Reinke Shawn Grushecky & Jennifer Bell Janet Walls Stanley Smith Horticultural Trust Sharon Richman Pam Kasey & Evan Hansen Todd & Elizabeth Ware The Chingos Foundation Robert Stephens Jeanie & Ben Hardesty Mr. & Mrs. Alfred Wassynger, Jr. The Oakland Foundation Charles J Stewart Susan Hardesty Jon & Donna Weems Weldon Family Foundation Nancy Stout Linda Herbst Katherine Wellford Women’s Giving Circle Martha Summers Lea and Erik Herron Nancy & Doyle West WV Nursery & Landscape Association Karen Taddie Cheryl Hook Mark Westbrook Therese Vanzo Andrea & Fred Horton Grace Wigal In-Kind Donors Janet Walls Barbara J. Howe Rachel & Todd Wood Central Distributors Patricia L. Wells Ellen E. Hrabovsky Jim & Gail Woolwine Linda Baer Stephen Wetmore Linda Huffman & Bob Goodman Karl & Pam Yagle Biafore Landscape Sally Wilts Kara & Michael Hurst Richard Zimmerman Linda Blake Melody Woods Ann Hutchison Lisa Bridges Cynthia L Woodward Joyce Ice & Ronald Latimer Organizational Donors Susan & David Hardesty Patricia Wright Linda & Art Jacknowitz Amazon Smile Foundation Ellen Hrabovksy Student Jodie Jackson & Strat Douglas Bowles Rice LLP Chris Linton & Bob Steele Lauren Luci Maureen Johnson Bryson Kuba Oil & Gas Land Services Longshadow Courtney Steadman Bill & Emilie Johnson Cheat Lake Animal Hospital Lowe’s Cory Whirtley Jennifer Kelly Cranberry Garden Club Jan Mitchell & Doug Maatman Janet & Emory Kemp Dominion Energy Matching Program Marjories McDiarmid Annual Appeal & Other Marie Kidd Durbannah Garden Club Jo & Cathy Panico Donors Joann King Ed Bucklew Construction Joe Pyle Auctions/Jordan Kiger Anonymous Dr. & Mrs. D. Michael Kinney EQT Foundation Matching Program The Pines Country Club/Russel Reid John Allen Leonard Knee & Brenda Gould Euclid Telecom Susan & Don Sauter Helen & Rudy Almasy J Thomas Lane Forest Ridge Garden Club Aaron Sears Philip Antonucci Helen Lang Girl Scouts of Black Diamond Council, Wal-Mart Stephen & Susan Arnold Otis Laury Inc Don & Linda Baer Priscilla Lawson Green Hills Garden Club Memorial/Honorarium/ Mike & Linda Bagby Joseph & Vicki Lemine Greenbrier District, WVGC Tribute Donors Betty M Bailey Monique Leys & J. Vernon Odom Greer Industries Anonymous Doug & Melisa Baker Barton & Carol Loar Hemlock Hills Garden Club Monongahela Garden Club David & Robin Barnett George & Caryol Longenecker Howard Hanna Mylan, Inc. John & Carol Beall Regina & Ed Lynch KLM Properties, Inc. David & Robin Barnett Diana Beam Peggy McDevit Know Hunting Publications Pat Butner Katherine Becker Callen McJunkin Kroger Community Rewards Dan & Debby Cantis Gwen Bergner Carolyn & Dale McVicker Lincoln Financial Securities Jim & Carolyn Capage Pat Bibbee Bill & Shellie Mechnick Marion County Master Gardeners Glenna Cather Mary A Biggs Adam Messenger Mary Ratrie Wick Family Foundation Howard and Ruth Cohen Carolyn Eberly Blaney Bill Mills & Tom Gillooly MedExpress Urgent Care Jim & Judy Culberson Mary Ellen M. Brady Jan Mitchell & Doug Maatman Modern Homestead Carol Daniels Robert Britt Susan Morton Monongalia County Master Gardeners Barbara Fleischauer & Robert Bastress Kathy & Rodney Brundage Carol Moss Monongalia County Council of Garden Marilyn & Alan Fogel Bill Bryan & Ana Marie Erazo Martha Mullett Clubs William Foster Heather & Iain Campion Barbara Myers Monongahela Master Naturalist Kathleen Gaul Margaret & Tim Carr Charlotte Nath Program Joseph & Catherine Gaul Glenna Cather Gary Nicholas Mountain State Wellness Laura Gregory Victoria & Carl Cather Janet Paladino & Joel Erion Mountaineer Audubon Denise Gwinn Victoria Cather Dan & Nicole Panaccione Mountaineer Line Stripping Kara & Michael Hurst Bob & Charlotte Clonch John & Joyce Pearson Mundy’s John & Edie Jett John & Sandra Clovis Robert & Barbara Pifer MVB Bank, Inc. Dr. & Mrs. D. Michael Kinney Keith Woofter & Stacy Clovis-Woofter Vaikunth, Beena & Arpan Prabhu Old Colony Company of Morgantown Priscilla Kinney Vincent & Margaret Collins Tim Prescott & Linda Wessels Orion Financial, LLC Helen Lang Susan Cook Jeff Priddy ProScape of West Virginia Mary Margaret Lemine Hope & Thomas Covey Ken Randolph Salem Garden Club George & Caryol Longenecker Jim & Judy Culberson Eleanor & John Renton The Service League of Morgantown, Jacqueline Loud Robert & Debra Cyphert Rama & Sherman Riemenschneider Inc. Connie McCluskey Elaine D’Alessandri Beth Robey Shuman, Inc. Maureen Mills Sheila Daugherty Terry Rose Suncrest Garden Club The Estate of Elizabeth Mills Alison & Patrick Deem Nancy Ruhe SW Pennsylvania Woodland Owners Barbara Neal Thomas DeWitt Erin Smaldone Organization Carol Nix Thomas &Sharon Dewitt Larry & Iris Smith Taziki’s Bill & Jennifer Ogden Judith Dinsmore Don Spencer & Carol Hamblen Therapy Services LLC Tim Prescott & Linda Wessels Mimi Dinsmore Kirsten Stephan Valley Hills Garden Club Donald Reinke Mary Ann Dotson Stephanie Stovash West Electric & Machine Co., Inc. Carol Rotruck Nancy & Daniel Driscoll Martha Summers West Virginia Garden Club, Inc. Scott Scarfone Jill & Harvey Eastman Karen Taddie Greg & Allison St. Clair Stan Einzig & Nancy Abrams Annette Tanner Granting Agencies Annette Tanner Nancy & John Elliott Sally & Bob Taylor City of Morgantown Steven Wade Gwen & Sanford Emery Viera Trapp Cheat Lake Rotary Club Harriet Wallach Tammy & Eric Everly Alan & Liva Tucker EQT Foundation Matching Program Kathy Zimmerman Martha & Donald Ferguson Bill & Harriett Van Voorhis Kiwanis Foundation of Morgantown, Richard Zimmerman Harry Grandon Clarke Vandervort WV Inc. Thank you again for your support! We apologize for any errors. Please notify us of any mistakes or omissions. 8 Spring 2018 The Wild, the Innocent, and the West Virginia Botanic Garden by Paul Poling, Guest Contributor In this hectic world one of my favorite places has always been the West Virginia Botanic Garden. For some time I’ve wanted to write a piece and I knew how I wanted the story to end; the amazing part was the reminiscences revived in deciding exactly how I wanted it to begin. Welcome to my memories…

Long ago and far away on the campus of West Virginia University was a collection of small shops and bars somewhat cloistered into an area known to the locals as “Sunnyside”. And in the midst of this college chaos was one special establishment in which I realized the last seasons of my “misspent” youth. If you walked to the near top of Sunnyside’s grade you found a hole in the wall called the Stadium Inn. To some it was known as a rowdy biker bar, to those of the “Jersey” crowd it was a slum, but in actuality it was a tolerable little place with a usually peaceful blend of patrons and on any given night could be found a lower class of hippie that claimed this tavern as their own. On occasion a Harley Davidson could be seen parked inside by the rest room doors but the strange ambiance created by incense, gasoline fumes, and oil stains helped give it the personality we all grew to love.

On rare occasions a local band would play live “sets,” although it was always the same band playing poorly the same “sets”, but it was in this place I learned to embrace a different standard in music as Bruce Springsteen, the Grateful Dead, Little Feat, Van Morrison, the strategically positioned in all four corners. Most nights it really was a rockin little place, yet at times it took on a mood that was mellow and Allman Brothers, Bob Marley, and Traffic were all part of the nightly music fare. The sweet refrains would blast from Cerwin Vega speakers pensive as well.

The Stadium Inn was also the “town hall” in a sense for a group of local “free spirits” that took part time residence there; well at least during normal business hours. Every night of every season they held court and helped to make up the bar’s character just as much as the

Atsmoke, some wet point slippery dur floors, and “out of order” rest rooms. so to speak at the old Tibbs Run reservoir as they made a “statement” by walking away from society. The decommissioned reservoir would ing the summer of 1979, on one of their late night confabs, this group contrived the idea of setting up an “encampment” combination of woods, a fresh water lake, and relative solitude as they “relocated”…well, at least anytime the bar wasn’t open. eventually become the home of the West Virginia Botanic Garden but back then it was a skinny-dipper’s Mecca and offered to the trio a So with as much logistics as bar room stratagem could generate they set off on their adventure with tarps, plywood, various articles of kitchen accoutrements, and any and every other equipment they deemed necessary for their back to nature getaway. It was as if a dysfunctional version of “Survivor” had made its way to West Virginia except with no TV cameras and in casting a “tribe” consisting only

Gary,of misfits. Herb, and long haired Stew were the main residents, although they would occasionally take in a straggler. Gary was an auto mechanic from a State Mental Hospital after maniac depression pushed him into a suicide attempt. And long haired Stew was a disabled veteran who who when he wasn’t on “bivouac” lived in a room above his parent’s garage. Herb was a self-proclaimed “artist” that had been released moved to Morgantown from a small country town in hopes of attending college. Now whether that was truly his master plan wasn’t clear as he never registered for a class and relinquished to spending his days between the Mountainlair plaza, a local plasma donation site, and talks of art, humanity, and the “paths” of a person’s life. any and every party he could find. In considering the whole group, Herb to me was definitely the most interesting as he and I often enjoyed I never spent a night at the “camp” though I did frequent the reservoir on occasional days. The real truth was I didn’t want to know about their cooking, hygiene, or even sleeping conditions. On my days off I would enjoy their company and the solitude of the lake… but nights I opted for the privacy of my own “tribe” and my own “camp” so to speak. I had running water, a hot shower, electricity, and a mattress. Yea, by that point in my life I had become a more “civilized” hippie.

The companionship spent the best part of that summer living in the woods, enjoying nature, and from what I heard amassing a copious amount of garbage. In the end what happened to the “camp” or the garbage I can’t say A view of the Tibbs Run Reservoir A view of the Tibbs Run Reservoir basin basin circa 1977. Photo by Paul Poling. after it was drained circa 1984. The (Continued on page 10) outlet tower still exists on site at the WVBG today. Photo by Paul Poling. Spring 2018 9 The Wild WVBG (Continued from page 9) for sure. I knew it would all come to a conclusion with cold weather, but it was rumored that rain and mud put it to an end long before that happened. Hey, a West Virginia Woodstock it wasn’t...and long haired Stew was sure no Wavy Gravy. and new “hopes” for the future. It was the conclusion of the days of long hair, misplaced anger, and searching for those “harbors” we all As for me, 1979 was the last year of my out and out rebellions. The onset of 1980 would bring the dawning of new directions in my life look for in this world of storms. the same. I still listen to somewhat the same music. I still work in the same profession. I still follow the same religious beliefs that I had I flash forward by some 35 years and surprisingly many things haven’t changed. I dread to say in some ways I still look, dress, and think and spend as much time as I can in the woods. I guess you could say I am an even more “civilized” hippie then I was then. “put on hold” during those “radical” times. I fulfilled my hopes and dreams of having a wife, family, and grandchildren. I still have big dogs And as for t its developers forced the hand of the land owner in having it deemed an “attractive nuisance” and emptied it for the “public good”. I’m he Botanic Gardens...at some point during 1980 the reservoir was drained. The residents of the nearby neighborhood and thinking in truth the “tribes” and their visitors were more a nuisance then the lake itself. Actually I’m glad I was, as we used to say, “out of the scene” by that time and didn’t see it all happen; it would have been all too sad to have witnessed the death of a paradise.

But these days I actually spend as much time at the “reservoir” as I did then. Many evenings, weekend mornings, or an occasional afternoon off are spent wandering its wooded trails and just enjoying the solitude found there. So if the question were to be asked, “Would I rather have it the way it was then, or the way it is now?” I think the fairest answer I could give is, I would rather have it the way it was then, WITH the exception of me the way I am now…a compromise for the best of both worlds. Upon wondering in the woods these days I find real peace where in the past I found only longing. I more fully embrace the wonders of nature where in the past I viewed them vacuum. For once in my life it’s as John Denver once put to pen, “The man and the mountains are brothers again.” So I guess when it from a distant smoke filled haze. In the woods now I find a serenity of spirit, where in the past I found only hollowness and spiritual comes right down to it I don’t know how this should end. My friends, we are all children of our Mother Earth. Enjoy this world and all the beauties she possesses. Do so respectfully, do it with wonder and awe, and do it thanking God for this great gift. And I guess the best advice I can give Winteringis… “Love Your Mother” Bird and Community find a way in your lifeUse to be of happy. West Virginia Wetlands by Katharine Lewis, Graduate Student, West Virginia University Division of Forestry and Natural Resources; Wildlife and Fisheries Resources service administered through the Natural Resources Conservation Service. Most of these restored wetlands are new: the oldest being In West Virginia, there are 24 conservation easement wetlands established through the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program—a established in the early 90’s, the newest in 2011. Because these sites have never been evaluated in terms of their functional ability wintering avian community, as bird species tend to be good indicators of a fully functioning and healthy habitat. as wetland habitat for wildlife, my research project involves conducting bird surveys and mist-netting at these sites to determine the wetlands throughout the state that are managed and available for public use. This will help me to determine if the wetlands restored I am conducting surveys and mist-netting at the WV Botanic Garden to compare the conservation easement wetlands in the state to other through the conservation easement program are functioning as other wetlands in West Virginia in terms of their winter bird habitat.

The Botanic Garden has a diverse wintering community of birds including species such as song sparrows, dark-eyed juncos, eastern bluebirds, Carolina wrens, downy woodpeckers, northern cardinals, golden-crowned kinglets, white-breasted nuthatches, and chickadees. auditory surveys are. In the winter, songbirds are not typically singing or defending territories. Therefore I am also using mist-nets to catch birds and band them as a way to determine how accurate my visual and presence of species at a wetland site. While banding at the Botanic Gardens, I have been able to catch northern they tend to stay low in vegetation and are sometimes difficult to detect. By using mist-nets I can confirm the cardinals.

The data I have collected at the Botanic Garden has allowed me to determine the typical wintering bird habitat associations of some species found in winter wetland habitat. community in wetlands across West Virginia, and has contributed to some preliminary findings about the A song sparrow caught at Pleasant Creek Wildlife 10 Spring 2018 Management Area. Photo by Katharine Lewis. Join the Friends of the West Virginia Botanic Garden Today!

Name______Preferred Telephone #______Address______City______State______Zip______Email______(Provide email to receive WVBG updates, including link to online newsletter.) Check here if you prefer to receive newsletter by postal mail. WVBG may publish my name. Yes No Contact me about gift memberships. I am including an additional tax-deductible contribution of $______My company has a matching gift program, and I have enclosed the form/information.

Please make checks payable to West Virginia Botanic Garden, Inc. and return form with payment to: WVBG, 714 Venture Dr., PMB #121, Morgantown, WV 26508. Thank you! WVBG Members Receive Discounts at Businesses Members of the Friends of the West Virginia Botanic Garden at the Contributor level or above can receive discounts by showing their membership card at the businesses listed below. A link to discount amounts and any restrictions that apply can be found on the WVBG website membership page. Benson’s Lawn Systems Inc. Highland Landscaping, LLC Perennial Favorites, LLC Sunshine Farm and Gardens Morgantown, WV Buckhannon, WV Huntington, WV Renick, WV

Caldwell Lanscape Design, LLC Mary’s Greenhouse-Terra Flora Landscaping Rich Farms Nursery Flowerscape Masontown, WV Elkins, WV Smithfield, PA Charleston, WV

Greenleaf Landscapes Inc. Modern Homestead at Tathams Marietta, OH Reedsville, WV Year-round Learning and Fun for Children at the WVBG by Erin Smaldone, Education Director Children love spending time outside in nature. The open spaces, endless plant and animal life to take in and explore, and constant sensory input is hard to beat. At the WVBG, there are many opportunities for children to engage their sense of wonder in the natural world. Summer Nature Camp is one of the best ways. We offer a variety of camps

online at www.wvbg.org. Another great way for children to learn and explore at the Garden is through a for children ages four to fourteen. This spring we are also offering half-day camps on April 3. Please register

school field trip. Ask your child’s teacher to contact me to set one up! We also offer a number of weekend Kindergarten students on a programs geared toward families as well as the Family Walks held on the first Friday of each month. Check field trip at the WVBG. our online activities schedule (and page 6 of this newsletter) for seasonal offerings and to register. If you Photo by Erin Smaldone. have questions, you may contact me at [email protected] or 304-322-2093. Spring 2018 11 Non-profit org. US Postage paid Morgantown, WV Permit #108 714 Venture Drive, PMB #121 Morgantown, WV 26508-7306

Volunteers Are at the Heart of Our Garden by Kay Jones, Volunteer Coordinator

Volunteers are always needed and appreciated at the Garden. During 2017, many volunteers gave time and energy helping the Garden grow with approximately 3,500 hours of service. If you like digging in the dirt, there are opportunities to maintain the trails and do heavier labor. If you enjoy planting, weeding, watering, and mulching, join the garden maintenance crew. Weekends are the busiest times at the Garden when many guests venture out for nature walks. Garden Greeters or Hosts greet, meet, inform, and orient guests in the Garden on weekends and some holidays. If you enjoy meeting new people and andwould more. like Ifto you welcome are interested them to thein volunteering 85 acres of woods, to assist trails, with and special gardens events, at WVBG,please letthis us might know. be Garden the volunteer Representatives role for you. areMany often scheduled needed events to assist take with place scheduled at WVBG educational requiring volunteerspresentations. to plan, These organize, volunteers advertise, welcome set-up, participants, take down, manage clean-up, registration, share information about the Garden, introduce presenters and assist as needed. If you are interested in volunteering, please complete the online application at wvbg.org or contact Kay Jones, Volunteer Coordinator at [email protected] with questions. WVBG Featured in History Publications Goldenseal, the state’s magazine of traditional life, included Barb Howe’s story on reservoir caretaker Ralph Lemley. We were also featured in “Crossroads: Exploring the Vibrant Connections between People and Place,” by TheBob FallBeatty 2017 in hisissue edited of An American Association for State and Local History Guide to Making Public History

(Rowman & 12Littlefield, Spring 2017). 2018