2011 Annual Report ~1~ What’s Inside Vision Message 3 We will create a unique horticultural and environmental destination that reconnects Destination 4 individuals with nature and provides knowledge and inspiration to help them Preservation 9 reduce their environmental impact. Education 11 ~ Mission Volunteers 13 The mission of Tyler Arboretum is to preserve, develop and share our diverse Gifts & Grants 14 horticultural, historic and natural site resources in order to stimulate stewardship Financials 16 and understanding of our living world. Staff & Board 18 ~2~ Message A letter from Tyler Arboretum Board of Trustees President and Executive Director Dear Friends, Despite the continuing slow economic recovery, 2011 was a year of growth and discovery for the Arboretum. Tyler was honored to be chosen as the mid-Atlantic featured garden for National Public Gardens Day, a celebration of gardens and the valuable contributions they make to their communities. A beautiful spring day provided the perfect opportunity for new visitors to discover all that we have to offer via tours, learning stations and fun-filled kids’ activities. Quickly following in June was the Annual Conference of the American Public Gardens Association in Philadelphia. Nearly 700 professionals from public gardens and businesses across the country gathered to learn, share and discover the amazing horticultural heritage of the Delaware Valley. Tyler was honored to play a major supporting role as Rick Colbert served as one of three conference co-leaders to provide leadership and coordination for the local planning committee. This extremely successful event ran for an unprecedented five days, generated record attendance, and enabled our colleagues from across the nation to visit to the numerous outstanding institutions that make our area such a horticultural treasure. On the home front, Tyler’s ever popular Totally Terrific Treehouses, coupled with the seasonal exhibits Magical Habitats and the Butterfly House, continued to draw old and new friends resulting in a satisfying increase in annual attendance. Additionally, enhanced programming coupled with special promotion and marketing efforts drove membership numbers up 39% over the previous year. Classes and workshops for lifelong learners as well as youth programming for school students, kids and families, summer camps, scouts and eco-birthdays continues to grow; fulfilling our mission and strengthening connections between children and nature. On behalf of the Board of Trustees and members of Tyler’s staff, we would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to all of you who support the Arboretum. Your commitment provides the foundation that enables us to create meaningful connections between people and nature and to continue to preserve and steward Tyler’s historic legacy and critical natural resources. We look forward to your next visit. Jeffry Cadorette Richard Colbert Board President Executive Director ~3~ Destination Tyler continues progress toward establishing the Arboretum as a premier regional attraction. EXHIBITIONS Totally Terrific Treehouses and Magical Habitats world of magical creatures tucked within the natural trails of the Arboretum. Wonderful, one-of-a-kind villages Continuing the popularity of the 2010 exhibition Nature’s complete with fairy houses, gnome homes and wizards’ Enchantment, visitors again engaged with the Arboretum’s castles emerged from the forest floor giving visitors a peek magical world to celebrate the domain of fairies, gnomes and into a secret magical world. Sharing outdoor time together, their enchanted friends while understanding the cultural and children and their grown-ups created custom homes for ecological importance of nature and trees. favorite magical friends at the Fairy House Building Area and Tyler’s Gnome Depot. From May 28 through October, 32,242 visitors from across the mid-Atlantic region came to explore the Arboretum’s special realm of make-believe, finding habitats both natural and magical. Together the Magical Path and the Fairy House Building Area allowed visitors to imagine a M The Fairy House Building Area created an interactive project space where lasting memories of friends, family and fun were forged. M Filled with wondrous fairy homes and wizard’s castles, the Magical Path wove through the Native Woodland Walk. ~4~ Butterfly House Open seasonally for July and August, the Butterfly House is home to dozens of native butterflies including monarchs, skippers, fritillaries and swallowtails. The exhibit is a rich educational resource showcasing the butterfly life cycle and promoting plant species that provide food for both caterpillars and adult butterflies. Dedicated volunteers played a significant role in supporting the exhibit’s operations and environmental educational offerings. Seventy-seven volunteer netters and greeters contributed a total of 853 hours to the Butterfly House. Tyler’s seasonal Butterfly House, home to many native butterflies, provides an essential educational component of the Arboretum’s summer offerings. FUNDRAISING AND FRIEND-RAISING In 2011, programs both old and new increased value for visitors and enhanced revenue opportunities for the Arboretum. Special events helped expand awareness of Tyler Arboretum among regionally broader audiences, attracting new visitors and members. Pancake Breakfast & Maple Sugaring Celebration At the Pancake Breakfast & Maple Sugaring Celebration on February 5th, 572 visitors experienced one of nature’s sweetest treats. Tours and demonstrations of the maple sugaring process were followed by a delicious breakfast of pancakes and sausage. Winter’s Sweet Treat; savoring the taste of maple syrup at the Pancake Breakfast Arbor Day Plant Sale April 29 and 30 marked the dates of one of Tyler’s most anticipated spring events, the 2011 Arbor Day Plant Sale. A total of 764 eager visitors shopped a large selection of plants that supported birds, butterflies and other wildlife. Proceeds netted $28,267 providing significant support for the Arboretum’s horticultural collections. Supporting Tyler’s horticultural collections, the Plant Sale reminds gardeners of all ages and interests that spring planting season has begun. ~5~ Twilight at Tyler Guests enjoy an evening of camaraderie, fine food and spectacular items upon which More than 275 to bid. guests put their bids in at the 9th Annual Tyler at Twilight Auction, held on June 16. Guests sampled from the Restaurant Showcase and competed for auction items under the guidance of Master of Ceremonies Sue Serio (Fox29 News) and Auctioneer Tore Fiore (Brandywine Conference and Visitors Bureau’s Executive Director). The Arboretum fundraiser netted $78,856 to help support Tyler’s mission. Pumpkin Days Members-Only Events The community came together to celebrate the harvest Members-Only Events offered special programs for the season and enjoy the autumnal beauty at Tyler’s Pumpkin Arboretum’s loyal supporters. Attendance doubled from 2010 Days. The long-standing fall festival welcomed 4,046 guests with over 200 guests attending the 3rd annual Ice Cream from throughout the region. Autumn-themed activities, live Social on July 13. Families enjoyed Bassett’s Ice Cream, music and entertainers provided plenty of family fun. $30,000 coloring activities and a kids ice cream eating contest. in net income was raised as a result of this annual event. Over 4,000 visitors celebrated Pumpkin Days, a 2-day family At this favorite Member’s Only event, children dig into the Ice festival filled with hayrides, harvest activities, games, food and fun. Cream Eating Contest with gusto. No hands allowed! ~6~ Additional Exceptional Events Showcasing Tyler’s distinctive exhibits and features while building community connections, the Arboretum hosted memorable experiences for all ages. These day-long festivals created a sense of natural wonder while also educating in a fun and friendly atmosphere. Butterflies & Buggy Buddies Event engaged visitors in monarch butterfly tagging, taught how to build a butterfly garden and grew awareness of insect life cycles. (9/4 N 788 visitors) M Photo by S. Tresize S. by Photo M The Festival of Fairies enchanted visitors with imaginative stories, games and play themed around magical fairy creatures. (6/12 N 667 visitors) The Tree House M Festival not only celebrated Tyler’s trees but also challenged kids to try climbing with supervised rope and harness. M (8/6 N 1,014 The Scarecrow Festival invited families to experience autumn in the visitors) Arboretum with the most traditional of fall folk – the scarecrows. (9/17 N 508 visitors) Adult visitors found ample opportunities to relax, mingle Aimed at fun, M and enjoy the Arboretum’s offerings through several friends and family, wine and beer tasting events. Wine and Chocolate Halloween in the Garden scared up (7/29/11 N 65 attendees), Barefoot Wines and Bubbly not too spooky activities for our (9/8/11 N 32 attendees) and an evening of Regional Beer young visitors Tasting (10/7/11 N 46 attendees) all attracted both members to celebrate the season. and non-members to the Arboretum for after-hours enjoyment. (10/30 N 375 visitors) ~7~ COMMUNITY RESOURCE Delco Road Runners Jeffrey A. Miller Catering With continuing Jeffrey A. Miller Catering (JAM) signed a 2nd five year development in contract as Tyler’s exclusive caterer making planning a the region, the wedding, anniversary or other special gathering effortless. Arboretum’s natural Weddings at Tyler provide important income and introduce and historic assets new guests to the