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leaves A PUBLICATION OF the holden arboretum Winter Winter 2012-13 2012-13 Winter 2012-13 1 leaves from the president Nothing makes me happier than hearing one of our volunteers or stakeholders proudly extolling Holden’s conspicuous progress towards improving our gardens, visitor and education facilities and natural areas. As you will read in the pages of Leaves, 2013 will represent something of a culmination of over four years of planning, fundraising and laying the foundation for the arboretum taking the next step in fulfilling our vision’s promise. Many of you have played, and will continue to play, important roles in helping set our direction, offering your feedback at various stages in our planning and execution, and contributing your time and, yes, generous philanthropy that make Holden’s evolution truly a team effort. Winter 2012-13 Cait Anastis, Editor [email protected] Jackie Klisuric, Graphic Design administration Clement W. Hamilton President and CEO Jim Ansberry Director of Finance David Burke Research Department Chairman Roger Gettig Director of Horticulture and Conservation Brian Parsons Director of Planning and Special Projects Stephen H. Sedam Senior Director of Development Paul C. Spector Director of Education and Public Programs Nancy Spelman Director of Human Resources and Safety board of directors Paul R. Abbey, Chairman Jonathan E. Dick, Vice Chairman Robert R. Galloway, Vice Chairman Sarah L. Gries, Vice Chairman Joseph J. Mahovlic, Vice Chairman C. W. Eliot Paine, Vice Chairman Stephen J. Knerly, Secretary Jackie klisuric contents features departments Peaceful Solace 8 4Finding at Meditation Point Bird Bio 9 6 Renovations Research News Volunteers 18 and Highlights 10 Shorts 19 Holden Appoints 11Adjunct Researchers Plant Profile Carya ovata (shagbark hickory) Gift creates new destination on Woodland Trail Revamping Existing Spaces Holden Volunteers Celebrate It has been said that it takes a long time to become an “overnight sensation,” and we’re living proof, as we take an already outstanding arboretum to the next level. Thank you for your roles in making our progress possible. I hope you enjoy the results. Clement W. Hamilton, PhD President and CEO directors emeriti Constance Norweb Abbey Ralph W. Abelt Miriam N. Gale Jeanette Grasselli Brown Henry R. Hatch T. Dixon Long Henry L. Meyer III William J. O’Neill Jr. John Sherwin Jr. Penelope Theis Alton W. Whitehouse Rhododendron Exploration Garden Anne M. Clapp Mary Groves Alison C. Jones Thomas W. Seabright Volume 11, Number 1 ©The Holden Arboretum Volunteering Leads to a Lasting Relationship with Holden Brian parsons 12 Plant This, Not That 14 Staff News European Privet Leaves (ISSN 0518-2662) is a class and events magazine published quarterly by The Holden Arboretum for $10 per year for members (included in membership fee) and $50 per year for nonmembers Periodicals postage paid at Mentor, Ohio Postmaster: Please send address changes to Leaves: The Holden Arboretum, 9500 Sperry Road, Kirtland, Ohio 44094-5172 Winter 2012-13 Leaves Ellen W. Jones Nordell Robin Schachat K.K. Sullivan Timothy L. Swanson Michael T. Victor Ann T. Whitney Improvements to gardens at Lantern Court, in our main display area, in the Arlene and Arthur S. Holden Jr. Butterfly Garden, in the Myrtle S. Holden Wildflower Garden, in the Helen S. Layer Rhododendron Garden and throughout Holden’s natural areas are no less significant, and are thanks to the energy and initiative of all our Horticulture and Conservation staff, who always are thinking how to make their already excellent gardens and forests more attractive, engaging and sustainable. honorary directors White-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis) a Bright Year 2 Barbara Brown Christopher A. Cullis Peter S. Hellman Arlene M. Holden Michael C. Marino Cynthia A. Moore-Hardy The centerpiece of our New Leaf master plan for the core area is, of course, the Rhododendron Exploration Garden, whose progress during 2012 I hope you have enjoyed as you’ve walked along the Corning Lake dam. Watch for its grand opening this coming May, along with that of the Tree Allée, our 500-foot promenade leading to the rhododendron garden’s entrance. Don’t neglect our Warren Corning Library, whose recent renovation makes it more attractive, enticing and functional, including “unburying” our special collections display windows that feature rotating exhibits of our special books and artworks. To the west we have our new Meditation Point, along the Woodland Trail, and expanded Buckeye Bud’s Adventure Woods, which engaged kids and families very well this past summer. And to the east, schoolchildren are benefiting from our having transformed the former sugarbush main building into classroom space tucked into the woods. Finally, thank your lucky stars we chose to redo our irrigation water source in 2011, just in time for the miserably dry summer we just endured; the past years’ orange plants and signs, discolored by precipitated iron from Corning Lake’s water, are now just a bad memory. On the Cover: Early morning in Bicknell Field. jackie klisuric 3 Tucked away in the woods, just off the Woodland Trail, is a place to stop and think. There, surrounded by towering trees and gently waving ferns, it is possible to sit and relax and be alone with your thoughts. unfinished business and create a memorial for the friend and colleague who had played a major role in his life. “As this New Leaf project came into being, it seemed a way to honor Bob with a place of natural beauty,” he said. Meditation Point, which was created in the fall, was designed to be a place of peace and solitude, a place for quiet reflection. The project, which was created by a team of Holden staff members and outside craftsmen, was the vision of donors Carol and Mike Sherwin who were seeking to pay tribute to their dear friend Bob Bergman, the former director of the Cleveland Museum of Art who passed away in 1999. From its location above Pierson Creek, the stream below is audible. When the trees are in full foliage they create a quiet cocoon for visitors, and when the branches are bare the spot has an expansive view. When Mike Sherwin served as the art museum board’s president from 1992-97, he hired Bergman. “It was the best thing I ever did or will do for Cleveland,” he said. “Bob and I had one of those special friendships that was wonderful at the time and is sacred to me still.” The Sherwins had been interested in doing something to honor Bergman and a peaceful place of natural beauty seemed appropriate. Holden is well known to Mike Sherwin who worked on the maintenance crew for the summer in 1957 and 1958. Perhaps as a result, he has been a regular visitor to Holden with his family over the years. He and Carol have been members of Holden’s Magnolia Society for more than 25 years. by Cait Anastis, editor Eliot Paine, Holden board vice chairman, first approached him to talk about a possible gift for Holden’s New Leaf campaign, which is providing funding for a number of new gardens and other projects. As a long time Holden member, Sherwin proposed a project of his own – a contemplative spot where one could sit and gather one’s thoughts. When asked by Clem Hamilton, Holden’s president and CEO, to describe the space in words, he said “Think about a space where you could come and find some solitude if you had recently been told that you or someone you loved was diagnosed with cancer.” While Holden’s gardens are designed to attract many visitors, Mike Sherwin felt there had to be a spot in its 3,600 acres that could be carved out where people could enjoy nature away from others. “One of the things I really thought [Holden] needed was a place that was a little secluded where someone could be alone with their thoughts,” he said. There were several spots at Holden that seemed to fit that description. 4 That site was deemed far enough off the beaten track to be secluded, but close enough for visitors to find and walk to easily, within 15 minutes of the Warren H. Corning Visitor Center. Jackie Klisuric After plans for the project were drawn up, Mike Sherwin realized that he had the opportunity to take care of some Hamilton asked his wife, garden designer Karen Krager, to do the rock design for the project, drawing on her experience with native and rock gardens. She selected stones from the property that had been unearthed during a number of different construction projects at Holden and worked with members of the facilities staff to put them in place at Meditation Point. “The challenge was to array geologically interesting rocks to contribute to the site’s naturally contemplative quality – a quiet carpet of mosses, gray-green among the wine-red roots of the hemlocks – and to provide context for the woodland plantings,” Krager said. Original plans called for a gravel path leading to a seating area off the Woodland Trail, but a closer look at the site led to the decision to install a boardwalk rather than just a gravel path leading to Meditation Point from the trail. “We decided the boardwalk would be a gentler and more sustainable solution,” Hamilton said. “The elevated boardwalk minimizes the impact of the project on existing tree roots and on surface water flow.” Dave McCaskey, who constructed the boardwalk and bench, added his own touch to the project, Hamilton said. “We gave him the most general direction so he wasn’t just an executor, he provided his creative contribution,” he said. The boardwalk leads down to a small deck with a curved bench. A second platform allows visitors to step close to the ravine to view the valley below. The final phase of the project is to add new plants to the area. Horticulturists Ann Rzepka and Dawn Gerlica will be adding new hemlocks, Christmas fern, foam flowers, intermediate ferns and partridge berry plants to the site in the spring, all plants normally found along the Woodland Trail. “There is also a native honeysuckle that is already on the site that we will be leaving there,” Gettig said. “We didn’t want to make it look like a garden; we are just enhancing what is already there. We’re just adding a few plants for screening and esthetics.” Marking the entrance to Meditation Point is a plaque honoring Bergman that is inscribed with the words “Never let your memories be greater than your dreams.” It is a philosophy that both Bergman and Sherwin applied to their work and lives. “Bob and I tried very hard to live by the notion that you don’t let a good idea get in the way of a better idea,” Sherwin said. “I think our dreams should be bigger, grander than our memories. You can’t rest on your laurels; he didn’t and I’d like to think I don’t either.” Winter 2012-13 Leaves “Brian [Parsons], Roger [Gettig] and I came up with five possibilities and Mike selected the site off the Woodland Trail, north of the Molly Offutt Boardwalk,” Hamilton said. A plan was drawn up to create a space that was almost Zen-like; not exactly a Japanese garden, but something that shared those same qualities. The view from there is spectacular; without the leaves you see all the way to the other side of the valley,” Sherwin said. 5 Growing Students in Science Classroom jackie klisuric Out of sight of most of Holden’s visitors, the building at the Working Woods was also undergoing a transformation. The building once used for maple syrup production demonstrations and related exhibits has been converted into classroom space. Renovations at the Corning Library, former Sugarbush buildings The first group to make use of the new classroom space were fourth and fifth grade students taking part in Holden’s Growing Students in Science program. The classrooms will also be used for adult programming, especially programs focused on aspects of woodland property management. by Cait Anastis, editor The site of the Working Woods has not been used as a site for maple syrup production since 2006. The new classrooms are just the first step in the evolution of the former sugarbush into the Working Woods, which will someday help demonstrate how smaller wooded properties can be utilized by their owners. brian parsons It has been a year of change and growth for The Holden Arboretum, with construction of the new Rhododendron Exploration Garden taking place over the summer and new features being added to existing gardens to enhance the visitor experience. 6 The 30 acre site will be used for a variety of demonstration plots allowing landowners to see the proper techniques for accomplishing those goals. “I’m excited about it,” Spector said. “I think it has a lot of potential and really strategic programming opportunities as well as strong visitor opportunities. I think it’s unique. I’m not aware of anything designed with that concept in mind.” “Before when you looked in you saw the stacks, you didn’t see Sue,” he said. “I hope they will feel more inclined to engage with her.” Swisher said that she hopes the library will be more inviting to the casual visitor while they are at Holden, that it will be a space that they want to come into and a place that they will find what they need. Work on the Warren H. Corning Library was completed in September, updating the 32-year-old facility. Shelves were reconfigured, new carpet and furnishings were added and “I want it to be one of the favorite places when people visit a new librarian’s desk was constructed to help make the here,” Swisher said, “that they will stop in to see what new library more inviting to guests. The library now has a more books are here, to sit and read or to just enjoy the view.” well-defined children’s area for planned story times or The Corning Library houses Holden’s collection of more impromptu visits from families. Comfortable chairs with a than 7,000 titles focused gardening, and teacher view of“Nature the Arlene and Arthur Holden Jr. Butterfly gives toS.every time andGarden season some beauties of itsonown; andparent from resources, native plants and landscaping. While this is a encourage guests to settle in with a good book. Wi-fi access morning to night, as from the cradle to therenovation, grave, ititreflects is buttheaoriginal succession of changes in the library has also been improved, making it a good design of the library, sowork gentle that we can scarcely mark their progress.” place to with aand laptopeasy or an iPad. Spector said, which also had a more open floor plan. Over the years, as the collection grew, new shelving was added “It’s a much more pleasant place to come into and browse and the space became more congested. Weeding the or sit and read,” said Dickens Paul Spector, director of Education and – Charles collection to remove outdated books as well as volumes that Public Programs. “I think for someone who wants to come did not fit in with Holden’s focus areas allowed the space to in and work – whether it’s a staff member or a visitor – it’s much more inviting.” be opened up once again. Former Sugarhouse building brian parsons Winter 2012-13 Leaves However, not all the changes taking place in 2012 were based in the gardens. Two major changes were taking place indoors – the first giving Holden’s library a fresh new look and the second adding new classroom space at the former Warren H. Bicknell Sugarbush, which is being transformed into Holden’s Working Woods. Part of the project was to move the librarian’s workspace, which had been tucked away in an alcove of the library, out into the main room. The change will make librarian Sue Swisher more visible to guests in the Corning lobby and hopefully encourage them to visit the library, Spector said. The majority of forest land in Ohio is owned by people in parcels of 10 acres or less, Spector said, yet there is nowhere people can go to see what it would look like to manage a woodland for wildlife or increase the diversity of trees, grow woodland crops such as mushrooms or add walking trails to the landscape. 7 Carya ovata (shagbark hickory) by Ethan Johnson, plant records curator White-breasted Nuthatch Carya ovata, a ruggedly handsome tree, is native to eastern North America from Iowa to Quebec, south to Texas and Georgia. Disjunct populations occur in the mountains of northeastern Mexico. It is the larval food for luna moth, walnut sphinx and also the royal walnut moth whose larval stage is called hickory horned devil. The hickory horned devil starts out by camouflaging itself as a bird dropping before trying to intimidate would-be predators. Surprisingly, the walnut sphinx caterpillar can “whistle” at potential attackers to put them off. (Sitta carolinensis) by Rebecca Thompson, Growing Students in Science program coordinator White-breasted nuthatches are common feeder birds found year round in mature woods and woodland edges throughout Ohio. They prefer deciduous tree communities with maples (Acer), hickories (Carya), basswoods (Tilia) and oaks (Quercus). They also can inhabit open deciduous or mixed hardwood forest in parks, yards and cemeteries. Hickories are in the walnut family (Juglandaceae). The name Carya comes from Greek mythology, and is the name of a maiden who the God Dionysius turned into a walnut tree once he could no longer have his way with her. Hickory is derived from the Powhatan (Virginia Algonquian) language. White-breasted nuthatches get their name from their behavior of lodging seeds or nuts in tree crevices then hatching or hammering it out later when they are hungry. They hide their cache temporarily with small pieces of bark, lichen, moss or snow until they are ready to consume. White-breasted nuthatches are one of a few species of birds that can creep up, down and side to side or head first on a tree trunk to forage and store food. They mainly eat spiders and insects, including woodboring beetle larvae, adult beetles, tree hoppers, scales, ants, fly larvae, caterpillars, stinkbugs, and click beetles. In winter, whitebreasted nuthatches tend to forage in flocks with chickadees and titmice consuming more seeds and nuts, including acorns, hawthorn and sunflower seeds. At birdfeeders they eat sunflower seeds, peanuts, suet and peanut butter. Shagbark hickory was a quintessential tree of the early American frontier. Andrew Jackson, the seventh president of the United States, was given the name “old hickory” by the men under his command in recognition of his toughness. Jackson planted a grove of shagbark hickories at the Hermitage, his Tennessee home. Sadly, the original trees were destroyed by a tornado in 1998. There are a number of shagbark hickories at The Holden Arboretum. Many shagbarks were preserved during construction of the Helen S. Layer Rhododendron Garden including several in Heath Vale, near Oak Pond and Sturm Bog. There is a distinctive 95’ tall double-trunked specimen at Lantern Court in the wood line north of the house. Closer to the Corning Visitor Center, in the Arthur S. Holden Sr. Hedge Collection, is a fine young Carya ovata ‘Holden’. This grafted tree, planted in 1984 now measures about 43 feet tall and 30 feet wide. Shagbark hickories typically begin bearing nuts at 40 years of age when grown from seed and have heavy crops at intervals of 1-3 years. Carya ovata ‘Holden’ was selected from a large old tree with weeping branches in Hudson, Ohio (1966, named in 1970) by Holden’s landscape architect William A. Strong. The bark does not develop a shaggy texture until the trunk gets about 9 or 10 inches in diameter at breast height (DBH), which can take 25 years or more. One old specimen with very shaggy bark at Holden’s Strong Acres (named after William A. Strong) measures 76’ x 50’ with a DBH of 30 inches. This bark provides roosting sites for the Indiana bat, an endangered species, and little brown bat. plant facts Light Full sun Soil type Moist, acid to neutral Mature size 70’-90’ or more by about 2/3’s as wide Leaves Best location 8 USDA Zones 4b-8b Source Through a landscaper or by mail order Carya ovata ‘Holden’ continued on page 17 White-breasted nuthatches are monogamous throughout the year. In spring they build their nests in natural tree cavities or abandoned woodpecker holes, and often reuse their nest holes in subsequent years. Sometimes they enlarge the cavity but rarely excavate them entirely on their own. Despite their association with deciduous woods, they can nest in both coniferous and deciduous trees depending on the availability of cavities. Once a nest site is determined, female whitebreasted nuthatches line their nest cavities with fur, bark and lumps of dirt. After which females construct a cupped nest of grass, shredded bark, feathers and other soft material. White-breasted nuthatches have a single brood during the breeding season. Females incubate five to eight white eggs with reddish brown spots for 12 to 14 days. Males feed their mates during the incubation period. Both parents feed the young. Young leave the nest in 14 to 16 days. Both parent birds feed the fledglings for up to two more weeks after they leave the nest. White-breasted nuthatch populations are widespread and stable. Their numbers have slightly increased in the northeast due to forest regrowth and the availability of bird feeders. Dead or decaying trees are essential for whitebreasted nuthatch and other cavity nesting species survival. Removal of logs and decaying trees can reduce the nesting opportunities for this and many other species. bird facts Description Males and females: blue gray back, white face and under parts. Black or gray hood like cap and neck; chestnut color on the lower belly and under the tail. Size 5.5-6 inches Wingspan: 11 inches Range Permanent resident from Canada south to Mexico; almost all United States except Great Plains. Voice Males late winter and spring low-pitched wha-wha-wha. Year round, both sexes loud, nasal yank repeated a few times in a row. Best location to view at Holden Buckeye Bud’s Adventure Woods, Woodland Trail, Old Valley Trail, Helen S. Layer Rhododendron Garden, Bole Woods. Winter 2012-13 Grafts from mature shagbarks bear heavy crops of nuts as soon as the tree is large enough to support them. Judging by the abundant nut production of its offspring, the weeping habit of the Holden hickory was the result of heavy annual or nearly annual crops weighing down its branches. At Holden, cultivars of shagbark hickory have been successfully grafted upon pecan (Carya illinoinensis) and shellbark hickory (C. laciniosa) rootstocks in addition to being grafted upon seedlings of their own species. Shagbark hickory has also hybridized naturally with the aforementioned species and also with bitternut hickory (C. cordiformis), while a cross with mockernut hickory (C. tomentosa) has been documented in cultivation. photos mike dougherty 9 volunteering Holden Volunteers Celebrate a Bright Year by Robin Ott, volunteer coordinator 2012 Volunteer of the Year Nancy Pae On Saturday, Sept. 15, more than 330 volunteers, staff and their guests attended the annual Volunteer Recognition Program and Clambake Dinner. This year’s theme – Volunteers Brighten Our Days! – celebrated the dynamic energy and vibrant personalities of the 593 individuals who shared their time and talent in support of Holden’s mission this past year. Before dinner attendees enjoyed a humorous and colorful presentation by staff recognizing the year’s volunteer efforts. The 2011 Volunteer of the Year Pat Biliter ended the program with the presentation of the Watering Can, Lantern and this year’s Volunteer of the Year awards. Christopher Blackwood Andrea Case Watering Can Award recipients, like watering cans, add a personal touch and bring life to the areas in which they volunteer. The 2012 Watering Can Awards were presented to VIP guide Steve Levitan, development volunteer office assistant Louise Toutant and Holden Wildflower Garden volunteer gardener Ardeth Gunton. Lantern Award recipients are volunteers whose work lights the path so that others can achieve more, and whose outlook lights up guests and staffs’ days. The 2012 Lantern Awards were presented to school guide and volunteer photographer Judith Majher, Holden Butterfly Garden volunteer gardeners Marci and Alan Cragg, and education and special events support volunteers Jeff and Pat Keith. Finally, it was time to announce this year’s Volunteer of the Year. This award recognizes an individual who goes above and beyond to contribute a needed service and devote a significant amount of time to Holden. This year’s recipient, Nancy Pae, contributed over 400 hours of service in 2012. Over the past year, she held the title of school guide, bird feeder, Tree Tale Teller, special event volunteer, Green Team member and more. As chair of the silent auction at Music in the Garden at Woodland Twilight, Pae’s direction and inventive thinking helped to make this year’s benefit one of the most financially successful ever at Holden. She saw the potential in every meeting she had and came up with many creative new auction items and theme driven packages. And, most importantly, she made it fun for everyone who attended with the Wine and Dine mystery pull where guests could pay $50 for the chance to pick a wine and gift certificate package valued between $40 and $100. In his nomination for the award Steve Sedam, senior director of development, shared what makes Pae so special, “Nancy is an amazing volunteer because she not only gives so much of her time but she gives of herself, and while doing so is friendly, enthusiastic, and has boundless energy!” Sharon Graper, manager of academic services, agreed, “Nancy is always up for a challenge. She is not scared of big kids or of little continued on page 19 Jean Burns Michael Benard Holden Appoints Adjunct Researchers by Cait Anastis, editor A new adjunct research program at The Holden Arboretum is allowing scientists from area universities to utilize the arboretum’s collections and resources as they explore plant genetics, natural selection, invasive species ecology and how plants respond to changes in their environment. Faculty from two area universities are now involved in the program, and Clem Hamilton, president and CEO of The Holden Arboretum, said that he expects the number of Holden adjunct scientists to expand and include individual researchers from other institutions in the private and public sectors. “Recognizing scientists from other organizations – such as universities, government agencies, and the green industry – as Holden adjunct scientists reflects how Holden’s research community extends well beyond the scientists we directly employ,” Hamilton said. “Holden’s adjunct scientists collaborate with our researchers and make good use of our resources, including our natural areas and plant collections, thereby multiplying Holden’s impact in improving the knowledge that is fundamental to best practice in horticulture and forest management. Recognizing outside researchers as adjunct scientists also communicates to their home institutions how much we value our collaboration.” Leaves Faculty members granted adjunct scientist status from Kent State University’s Department of Biological Sciences include Associate Professor Andrea Case, PhD; Assistant Professor Patrick Lorch, PhD; and Associate Professor Christopher Blackwood, PhD. 2012 Volunteer Award Recipients photos by Ferole parmelee and jackie klisuric Case, whose research expertise is in plant evolutionary ecology and ecological genetics, is currently working on projects that involve understanding why so few plant species exist as separate sexes (males and females), since most plants are hermaphrodites. She studies both ecological and genetic factors that may favor one particular sex over another within species. She has a particular interest in the function and evolution of flowers. Lorch, an insect behavioral ecologist, studies how natural selection and sexual selection interact. He said that these two forms of selection are interesting to him because they can both act differently on the two sexes. His current research interests include understanding how these two forms of selection shape population and species differences in body shape, movement and mating behavior in several species of katydids (Orthoptera, Tettigoniidae). Lorch is also working with Holden’s volunteer and education coordinators to improve how science is conveyed to the public and how data is gathered by volunteers on the Holden property. Blackwood studies two groups of organisms that forests can’t function without – trees and microorganisms, such as bacteria and fungi. “Although we normally think of conditions such as temperature or soil nutrients as what determines whether a species is found in a particular area, these conditions are actually only loose constraints,” he said. “Much of my research looks at why the distributions of species and communities are more predictable in some places compared to others. Specific continued on page 17 Winter 2012-13 10 Patrick Lorch 11 plant this not that by Luke Williamson, education intern Thousands of plants have been introduced to the United States from other parts of the world. Some have come here accidentally in seed stock, while others were brought here intentionally for horticultural use. A small number of these introduced plants have gotten a little too comfortable in their new environment. Because they have no native predators and produce a lot of fruit and seed that are efficiently dispersed, they are invading natural areas. The aggressiveness of these invasive plants affects natural areas and wildlife by decreasing biodiversity, competing with native and rare plants and eliminating wildlife habitat and food sources. Plant This, Not That features a list of native alternatives to a commonly used landscape plant that has become invasive. The alternatives were chosen because their characteristics – form, flowers, fruit or fall color – are similar to that of the invasive and fulfill the same landscaping need. On a broader scale, native plants help create a healthier ecosystem, attract a greater diversity of wildlife and may minimize the need for fertilizers and pesticides. The Native Alternatives Aronia arbutifolia (Red chokeberry) Red chokeberry, hardy to Zone 4, does better planted in informal hedgerows than in highlymanicured formal hedges, which is a good thing as less pruning allows this fetching shrub to show off its namesake red berries. Growing to a maximum height of 10 feet and a width of six feet, chokeberry is as attractive to wildlife as it is to the human eye. The small, white flowers bloom in mid-spring, attracting bees and butterflies, while the bright green leaves begin to unfurl. Red, glossy fruits develop by late summer and are quite astringent, even for birds. The berries become more palatable for the birds after a few frosts, meaning that the plant holds onto its berries throughout the fall and into the winter, long after its leaves have changed to a brilliant crimson and fallen. As mentioned, red chokeberries do well as mass plantings and hedgerows, but also look great planted amongst larger trees with contrasting features, such as evergreens. Chokeberries thrive in full sun or partial shade with acidic soils. They can tolerate wet or dry soils, but dislike highly alkaline soils. Cutting back old shoots on established plants and allowing root suckers to grow encourages regeneration and allows the plants to really fill in. Pruning should be done in late winter to achieve the desired shape. The cultivar ‘Brilliantissma’ is recommended for its more compact form and larger, glossier fruits. ‘Brilliantisma’ grows to a height of 6-8 feet and a spread of 3-5 feet. The Invasive Ligustrum vulgare (European Privet) In the horticultural realm, privets are grown almost exclusively as hedges. When pruned, these fast-growing shrubs from the Olive family remain dense and bushy. Their small, ovate leaves conceal the effects of the pruning and fill in gaps. Root suckers often form and help to further fill out the hedge. Due to these habits, privets seem almost pre-destined to become “the world’s most perfect hedge plant,” aside from one major flaw: they are invasive in eastern and midwestern North America. Their shiny, blue-black berries are dispersed by birds and other animals, allowing the shrub to invade new areas. Privet is not picky about were it grows, tolerating a variety of light and soil conditions. In Ohio, you can see privet invading old fields, bottomland forests, roadsides, and even closed canopy forests. Once established, privets form dense, thickets that shade out smaller, native plants. Their leaves, which unfurl earlier than the leaves of native plants, are poisonous to wildlife, which protects the plant from herbivores giving it a competitive advantage over native plants. A young chokebeery shrub. Regular pruning will give the shrub a dense, compact form. Jackie Klisuric Cornus racemosa (Gray dogwood) Formal privet hedges along Etchingham Park Road in London. Martin Addison, geograph.org.uk 12 While stunning flowering dogwood and red-stemmed red osier dogwood often steal the show throughout the year, there is a quiet beauty to gray dogwood that is not to be overlooked. Hardy to Zone 3, this 10-15 foot tall shrub bears attractive, oval-shaped leaves and forms domed clusters of small, white flowers. Flowers give way to pearly white berries perched atop bright red stalks, creating a striking contrast especially against the backdrop of green leaves, which change to a deep red – almost burgundy – in the fall. Gray dogwood does well on its own or planted in groups as in a hedge. Plant it in average to rich soils, in full sun or partial shade. Once established, gray dogwood is one of the most adaptable plants around, handling a wide range of moisture regimes, from droughts to intermittent sogginess. Gray dogwood also tends to send up suckers and easily regenerates after old clumps have been cut. ‘Huron’ gray dogwood, a Lake County Nursery introduction, is a recommended cultivar for its dense, compact round form, which works great as a small hedge. ‘Huron’ can grow to a height of 6-8 feet with a 6-8 foot spread. Check out Holden’s horticultural bulletin on hedge pruning online at http://www.holdenarb.org/resources/horticulture-bulletins.asp. ‘Huron’ gray dogwood has a compact, globe-shaped form. Lake County Nursery Winter 2012-13 Leaves The red panicles remain on the bush long after the white berries and foliage have gone fotopedia.com European privet bush in flower. Leslie Mehrhoff, University of Connecticut Red chokeberry flowers Wikimedia Commons 13 staff news Holden Creates Education and Public Programs Department Paul Spector has been named director of the newly formed Education and Public Programs department, which brings together Holden’s education, guest services and communications teams from what had been two separate departments – Education and Information Services, and Guest Relations and Communications. The merging of the two departments will enable Holden to continue to improve the ways Holden engages its many audiences, said Clem Hamilton, president and CEO. It also provides the newly formed department with veteran leadership. Spector first joined the Holden staff in 1977. “We are fortunate to have a leader of Paul Spector’s caliber to take the helm,” Hamilton said. “Paul combines over thirty years’ knowledge of Holden and its stakeholders with a track record of initiating and leading the execution of many projects whose recent examples include renovating the Warren Corning Library, repurposing the sugarbush into classroom space for school programs, expanding the scope and mission relevance of our adult education programs, hosting the Vanishing Acts exhibit, and expanding Buckeye Bud’s Adventure Woods for kids and families. His expanded team already is hitting the ground running.” The newly created department will include the customer relations staff at the Corning Visitor Center, which includes the special events, private events and front desk staff; Holden’s education staff, which focuses on programming for both school children and the general public; and the communications staff, which produces both printed and electronic publications. David Desimone has resigned as director of guest relations and communications after nine outstanding years, prompting the reorganization. “It is sad to see Dave stepping down as director of guest relations and communications, having led and initiated so many fine achievements and improvements in the past nine years, and I am grateful he is staying with us for at least a while to lead our public relations and marketing preparation for our big 2013 garden openings,” Hamilton said. “Whenever we think of trains, gnomes, and Holden’s ever improving visitor facilities, media presence, and services for Holden’s guests – both in-person and online – we have Dave to thank. I especially appreciate his effectiveness as a spokesperson for Holden.” Spector joined the staff of The Holden Arboretum in 1977 as an environmental educator, becoming director of education in 1978. A graduate of Cornell University, he earned his bachelor’s degree in environmental conservation. Desimone joined the Holden staff in 2003 after serving as director of visitor services at the Cleveland Botanical Garden and director of guest services at Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens in Akron. New Chair of the Research Department David Burke, PhD, has been promoted to chairman of Holden’s research department. The move marks a shift to a more academic model of leadership for the department, said Clement Hamilton, president and CEO, in making the announcement. “With David’s outstanding research, work on behalf of Holden as a whole, and valuable pre-Holden career experience, he surely will make a positive difference in the efficient and timely management of our research program,” Hamilton said. Burke joined the staff of The Holden Arboretum in 2006 as a rhizosphere biologist and in conjunction with Holden scientist Kurt Smemo, earned a National Science Foundation grant to study the role soil organisms play in acquiring limiting nutrients from the soil for forest trees. Holden is partnering with Jared DeForest, an assistant professor in Environmental and Plant biology Department at Ohio University on the study. Three Holden Employees Promoted Kristie Hawley was named manager of guest relations, taking over the day to day operations of the Warren H. Corning Visitor Center. Hawley joined the Holden staff in 2006 as assistant manager of guest relations. She also oversaw the transition of the Holden Museum Store into the Treehouse Gift Shop, which has met sales goals under her leadership. She also manages Holden’s popular holiday sale Gifts from the Heart of Nature, working with regional artists to offer unique items inspired by the beauty of nature. Julie Dougherty was promoted to the position of assistant manager of guest relations. In addition to working with Hawley to oversee the smooth operation of the Corning Visitor Center, she will serve as Holden’s liaison with the Geauga Humane Society’s popular Woofstock event, held at Holden each September. She also leads the Hiking Holden Habitats: Me and My Dog, and Potluck with Your Pooch hikes. Her new role will also include coordinating exhibits at the Corning Visitor Center. Dougherty joined the guest relations staff as guest relations specialist. Prior to her work at Holden she served as an elementary school teacher for 12 years and a principal for 10 years. She started as a seasonal working in May 2007 before serving a two-year internship with Holden’s Education Department, starting in October of that year. In 2009, “Kristie has demonstrated an ability to not only manage the day to day activities of the front desk as well as the staff, but she has continually run the Treehouse store as a revenue generating resource for The Holden Arboretum,” said Paul Spector, director of education and public programs. Prior to joining the Holden staff she was in retail management for both the Gap, Inc. and American Eagle Outfitters. She lives in Concord Township with her husband and three children. “In addition to her customer relations experience, Julie brings strong leadership skills from her past experience as a school principal,” said Paul Spector, director of education and public programs. “Her two years as an intern with Holden’s education department make her a valuable resource for guests with questions about the grounds, plants and wildlife. She helps enhance the visitor experience each day.” In addition to her work at Holden, she is president of the board of the Blackbrook Audubon Society. She enjoys gardening, hiking and reading books, as well as spending time with her dog, Tucker and cat, Dakota. New Leadership for Holden’s Development Team 14 Sedam joined the staff in February 2010 as director of leadership giving, focusing on securing philanthropic support for Holden’s programs, facilities and long-term financial vitality. “Over the past year, Steve has focused his fundraising leadership primarily on our New Leaf campaign, and our gratifying success reflects his dedication and creativity,” said Clem Hamilton, president and CEO. “Holden benefits considerably from having a chief fundraiser with such a deep level of knowledge of our subject matter, which makes him a particularly effective advocate for us. Steve led the team that put on this summer’s annual Woodland Twilight benefit, which achieved unprecedented financial success.” Prior to joining the Holden staff, he held leadership positions at the Cleveland Institute of Music. Ohio Environmental Council, the National Audubon Society and the Cuyahoga Valley National Park Association. Tony Piotrowski has been named a full-time member of The Holden Arboretum Police Department. In addition to normal law enforcement duties and safety and security concerns, Piotrowski also works with Holden’s conservation department to manage deer on the 3,600 acre property. He first joined the Holden department as a part-time officer in 2007 and has also served as a member of the Cleveland Heights Police Department for four years. He was the logical choice to fill the full-time position in the Holden Police Department, said Chief David Frank, citing his work with the deer management program as well as his experience, training and work with other area police agencies. “He’s always willing to kick in and help, always willing to take on a new project,” Frank said. Piotrowski earned his bachelor’s degree in criminal justice at Baldwin Wallace College and also studied business administration at Cleveland State University. He is a resident of Thompson Township in Geauga County. Winter 2012-13 Leaves Stephen Sedam was named senior director of development. In his new role, he oversees Holden’s development team and fundraising efforts. 15 staff news Four new employees join the staff in 2012 Marianna Dostal joined the staff as Holden’s database coordinator with the Development Department, managing the database of Holden’s members and donors. She comes to Holden with many years of experience working with donor databases of other non-profits in the area and most recently served as an examiner with the Office of the Cuyahoga County Treasurer where she handled the EasyPay escrow program. Pattie Glavac joined the Holden staff in June as the new private events facilities coordinator. In her new role, she will be overseeing weddings, corporate events and private parties at both the Corning Visitor Center and Lantern Court. In addition she will be marketing The Holden Arboretum as a premier destination venue in Lake County. Although a new member of the Holden staff, Glavac will be a familiar face to members who have attended events in the past. She started volunteering at Holden in 2003 and was named Holden’s Volunteer of the Year in 2008 for her 175 hours of service as well as the infectious enthusiasm she brought to the tasks she was assigned. Brian Schoch joined staff as a part-time member of The Holden Arboretum Police Department where he will be helping to ensure the safety and security of Holden’s guests. He is also commissioned as a police officer for the Cleveland Metropolitan Housing Authority. Schoch has been practicing karate for 22 years, is a fourthdegree blackbelt in Kenpo and teaches martial arts to adults and children. A resident of Berea, he enjoys spending time with his 13-year-old daughter and 18-year-old stepson. Jing Wang, Holden’s new research specialist, assists Steve Krebs, director of the David G. Leach Research Station in handson maintenance and evaluation of Rhododendron breeding populations and display gardens during the growing season – April thought November – at Holden’s 30-acre satellite site in Madison, Ohio. During the winter months, she works at Holden’s Horticultural Science Center in Kirtland. Her responsibilities include plant and garden maintenance, data collection and A graduate of Cleveland State University, she earned her master’s in public administration. When she is not at Holden, she enjoys knitting, spinning and gardening. She lives in Lakewood with her husband Jesse. She said she thinks Holden is the most beautiful place anyone can work at in Northeast Ohio, something she points out to her friends by sending them photos. She graduated from Kent State University with a BBA at the age of 30 as a single mother. She resides in Kirtland Hills with her husband Bill and her dog Dakota who they adopted from a school for the blind. She enjoys reading, meeting new friends and traveling to beach destinations. Leaves Two assistant professors of biology at Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) – Jean Burns, PhD; and Michael Benard, PhD – also have been appointed adjunct scientists at Holden. At CWRU, Burns primarily studies how phylogenetic history, dispersal ecology, and population demography interact to influence species distributions and community assembly. “Biological invasions occur when species spread rapidly outside of their native range. Our work seeks to understand what makes some introduced species invasive, when other introduced species fail to invade,” she said. “In addition, biological invasions can be used as a model system to understand community assembly. Understanding the mechanisms influencing community Benard investigates how species respond to changing environments, combining laboratory and field studies with ecological modeling to predict how environmental change is expected to influence extinction risk. The research in his lab focuses on wood frogs and ambystomatid salamanders. “These amphibians have complex life cycles, in which they spend several months as larvae in ephemeral wetlands, and then metamorphose into terrestrial adults that inhabit forests. Thus, these amphibians are vulnerable to disturbances to both the aquatic and terrestrial components of their life cycles,” he said. As part of his research on these problems, Benard has sampled wetlands throughout Northeast Ohio, including wetlands at The Holden Arboretum. These surveys allow Benard to test for environmental factors that may cause amphibian declines and ultimately develop general techniques that can be applied to conservation plans for a wide range of animal and plant species. Carya ovata (cont. from page 8) In early to mid May, the buds burst and the unfolding new leaves combined with the expanding inner bud scales are quite striking. During the growing season, the leaves are often inhabited by gall-forming insects and by summer the foliage has lots of character. In October the leaves turn a warm yellowish-brown. There is a red hickory (Carya ovalis) in the Nut Tree Collection that has displayed golden yellow fall color. However, I have never witnessed the “bright yellow” fall foliage, which has rarely been seen, yet is sometimes reported in the literature for shagbark hickory. The inconspicuous wind-pollinated flowers are greenishyellow, with catkins releasing their pollen in late May. These trees have both the male and female flowers on the same tree, but are generally self-infertile, requiring others for cross-pollination and production of nuts. analysis in the field, greenhouse and laboratory, extensive record-keeping, and database management of plant collections and populations. One closely related species that is similar in appearance is Carya laciniosa, shellbark hickory, which has compound leaves usually composed of seven to nine leaflets compared to the five leaflets commonly found on Carya ovata, shagbark hickory. Shagbark hickory is an upland species that is relatively uncommon in our woods. Shellbark hickory typically inhabits flood plains, but is not present in Holden’s natural areas although it is present in our region, most notably the Grand River terraces of Ashtabula County. Although new to her current position, Wang’s connection to Holden dates back to 1997 when she served a one-year internship with the Horticulture Department, focusing on learning to use the plant record-keeping programs BG-Base and BG-Map. A native of China, she attended Beijing Agricultural University, now China Agricultural University, earning her bachelor’s degree in agriculture in 1990 and her master’s in agriculture in 1993. She now lives in Willoughby with her husband Ethan and son. The arrangement she created for the magazine included Solidago juncea (early goldenrod), Solidago flexicaulis (zigzag goldenrod), Lobelia cardinalis (cardinal flower), Liquidambar styraciflua (sweetgum) leaves, Onoclea sensiblilis (sensitive fern), Chasmanthium latifolium (northern sea oats), Aster patens (late purple aster), Gentiana clausa (bottle gentian) and Rudbeckia hirta (black-eyed Susans). assembly is of increasing importance, as factors such as global climate change, biological invasions, and species range shifts threaten to alter species assemblages.” Shagbark hickory nuts are edible but hard to crack and are sometimes wormy. Never the less, they are jealously guarded by Holden’s squirrels. When I was admiring the nuts on the shagbark in the hedge garden a chipmunk glared at me as if to say “these are mine, move along, Bub”. Don’t take any chances under a shagbark where a squirrel is harvesting nuts as some of them may be accidentally dropped in your direction. Volunteer Ron Kish informs me that the green or soaked husks of the nuts are just as useful as the wood is for imparting flavor to barbecued meats by adding them to your charcoal. Shagbark hickory develops a tap root. At Holden, when the Nut Tree Collection was being planted in Baldwin Acres, mortality of balled and burlapped specimens was high. Currently, containers specially designed to air prune the tap root are employed by nurseries with much better results. Landscape use of shagbark hickory is restricted to large properties, well away from structures, seating areas, sidewalks and driveways. This marvelous tree has high wildlife value and an abundance of character. Winter 2012-13 16 examples include projects examining microbial and tree diversity near ecosystem edges, how tree roots respond to soil and aboveground tree adaptations, and the groups of fungi on decomposing leaves.” This is important, Blackwood said, both so that we can predict how species respond to a changing world, and because different species do not affect the ecosystem the same way. He said he enjoys the outdoors and meeting people from surrounding communities who stop in to escape from their everyday problems and relax at Holden. Holden Horticulturist Featured in Early American Life magazine The work of Holden horticulturist Ann Rzepka Budziak was featured in the October issue of Early American Life. Budziak created a bouquet of native flowers, seed-heads and foliage to illustrate the types of arrangements that might have decorated homes in 17th century New England. Holden Appoints Adjunct Researchers (cont. from page 11) 17 Research News and Highlights Highlights Flood-Proof Rhododendrons During the 2011 growing season at the David G. Leach Research Station, a field trial containing 24 rhododendron cultivars, species, and experimental hybrids was repeatedly flooded to test for resistance to Phytophthora root rot under stress conditions. The original intent was to control flooding by pumping water into the site. However, Mother Nature took over the treatment plan that season and deposited a record amount of rainfall, making it an extreme water stress test. By the end of the season many test plants had died or were severely diseased, which is not surprising given the fact that most rhododendrons are susceptible to root rot caused by the soil fungus Phytophthora cinnamomi and that wet conditions increase disease pressure from the pathogen. Notably, however, a group of genetically related plants survived the flooding trial with only mild damage to their root systems. Rhododendron hyperythrum, a resistant species from Taiwan, was the most resistant plant under flooding conditions, and eight first generation (F1) hybrids derived from R. hyperythrum also performed well. In contrast, a group of ‘benchmark’ cultivars known to be resistant under non-flooding conditions, but lacking R. hyperythrum in their genetic backgrounds, exhibited extensive root rot damage or mortality after repeat flooding. Abiotic stresses such as extremes of temperature and moisture are known to weaken plant defense systems and ‘predispose’ them to diseases caused by microbial pathogens. From the results of the flooding trial we hypothesize that R. hyperythrum is less predisposed to root rot than other resistant genotypes with different genetic backgrounds (the benchmarks). While the basis for this difference in stress response is not currently known, it appears to be genetically conferred, heritable in the F1 generation, and represents a valuable trait for root rot resistance breeding. The R. hyperythrumbased rhododendrons that are being developed at the Leach Station may tolerate ‘wet feet’, a common and fatal condition that promotes disease in poorly drained soils. Even so, the Leach Research Station staff would still recommend against planting them next to the downspout, unless you like challenges. These findings were presented by Steve Krebs at the Second International Society for Horticultural Science (ISHS) Symposium on Woody Ornamentals of the Temperate Zone in Ghent, Belgium, in July 2012. A subsequent article has accepted for publication in Acta Horticulturae, a journal published by ISHS: “Resistance to Phytophthora root rot varies among rhododendrons subjected to repeat flooding in the field.” News Holden Scientists Attend International Meetings in October Holden scientists David Burke, Charlotte Hewins, Sarah Kyker and Kurt Smemo attended the Fourth International EcoSummit in Columbus Ohio, Oct. 1-5, where they presented the first two years of results from their long-term research plots examining the effects of soil acidity on forest health. The EcoSummit meeting brought together ecologists from around the world and delegates from 75 countries to discuss practices for restoring our planet’s ecosystem and achieving sustainability world-wide. Later in the month, Kyker gave a presentation at the Soil Science Society of America meeting in Cincinnati, Ohio, which was held Oct. 21-24, 2012. The presentation, which included Burke, Hewins and Smemo as co-authors, summarized data on how mycorrhizal fungi help maple trees overcome phosphorus limitation in Holden’s natural areas. Holden Volunteers Celebrate a Bright Year (cont. from page 10) kids. She is always looking for ways to improve something and deliver it to the best of her ability. She is resourceful and has a great sense of humor.” Peg Weir, special events manager, also noted this resourcefulness in Pae’s engagement of her parents and fellow volunteers Carol and Roger Pae in her efforts, two individuals who themselves have supported Holden for many years. Surprised by the accolades, Pae was uncharacteristically speechless as she accepted the award. Volunteer Coordinator Robin Ott closed the program with an expression of gratitude to Holden’s volunteers on behalf of its board, staff, members and guests, “Thank you for all that you’ve done to brighten our lives. Without your help, Holden would surely not be nearly as colorful.” shorts 16th Annual Members Photo Exhibit Holden Hosts Doctoral Candidate, Post-Doctoral Researcher 18 Her dissertation research investigates cutaneous immunological defenses of amphibians including symbiotic microbial communities and anti-microbial peptides (AMPS) secreted from amphibian skin. She is interested in the heritability of pathogen resistance and how anthropogenic changes in the environment may affect these defenses as well as the trait expression. Her studies look at the effects of urbanization and larval habitat acidification on chytrid resistant AMP production in northern cricket frogs and bullfrogs. As a founding board member of Las Gralarias Foundation (LGF), Krynak aims to use her research to aid in the protection of cloud forest amphibians of the Ecuadorian Andes. Also joining the team at Holden’s Horticulture Science Center is Sheryl Petersen, who was most recently a visiting instructor in the Department of Biology at Wooster College where she taught courses in ecology, conservation biology, and restoration ecology. She received a B.A. from Hiram College, master’s degree in biology from CWRU and her doctorate in biology from CWRU. Her research focuses on the role disturbance (e.g., fire, herbivory, and wind-throw) plays in shaping plant communities. She is particularly interested in how human alterations of disturbance regime characteristics (such as intensity, seasonal timing, frequency, and extent) affect plant community dynamics and how understanding these effects can help provide a scientific basis for restoration. Prior to pursuing ecology, she held a position as a research assistant in pathology with a focus on pediatric infectious diseases. She has been published in journals such as Ecoscience, Forest Ecology and Management, The Journal of Immunology, The Journal of the Torrey Botanical Society and Vaccine. She is a member of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, Ecological Society of America, Natural Areas Association, and Ohio Biological Survey, Inc. Sheryl Petersen Holden’s post-doctoral research associate, Sheryl Petersen, attended the Fourth Annual Argonne Soil Metagenomics Meeting at the Argonne National Laboratory in Chicago, Ill., which was held Oct. 3-5, 2012. At this meeting, Petersen attended several workshops where she learned about the recent advances in next generation sequencing and how the current technology can be applied to data sets that were previously collected from forest soils here at Holden, as well as from other forested areas in Ohio. People’s Choice President’s Choice President’s Choice People’s Choice Junior - Caitlin Slusarski Junior - Caitlin Slusarski Adult - Bruce Orr Adult - Steve Levitan Winter 2012-13 Leaves A new doctoral candidate and a post-doctoral researcher are now working with the staff of Holden’s Research Department. Katherine Krynak is a doctoral candidate at Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) working with Mike Benard, PhD, CWRU assistant professor of biology; and David Burke, Katherine Krynak PhD, chairman of Holden’s Research Department. Her research investigates the cutaneous immunological defenses of amphibians against the newly emergent disease including the fungal pathogen, Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis. Also known as amphibian chytrid, this pathogen is responsible for many amphibian extinctions across the globe. After personally witnessing the extinction of the Panamanian Golden Frog, Atelopus zeteki, in the wild due to this widely introduced pathogen, her goal is to determine if amphibians can be selectively bred in captivity for resistance. 19 periodicals ® postage paid Mentor, Ohio 9500 Sperry Road Kirtland, Ohio 44094 440.946.4400 holdenarb.org printed on recycled paper with eco-friendly inks Please notify Holden of change of address. printed on recycled paper with Malus ‘Silver Moon’ (Silver Moon Crabapple) in the Conifer Collection Jackie klisuric