Arbor News
May Arboretum
Society
A Bi-Monthly Newsletter
In this issue…
Gingerbread Festival
– page 3
Botanical Bytes –
page 4
2016 Annual Meeting
– page 5
Match Challenge –
page 7
30 Years in the
Making – page 8
30th Anniversary –
page 10
People, Places,
Events – page 11
November - December 2016
President’s
Message:
Lynn Ann Short
I was remarking at our annual meeting a few weeks
ago, that it seemed hard to believe a whole year had
gone by. It seemed like just yesterday that we were planning the events for
2016 and the various ways we were going to celebrate three decades of the
Society’s history and philanthropy.
If you’ve been able to attend or volunteer at any one of our workshops or
events this year, you have to agree each was a success. From our seed ball
workshop in the spring to our first annual Earth Day celebration, to our
annual plant sale in June to Lavender Day and our Artown event in July, to
Party in the Garden and our latest succulent wreath workshop and
everything in between, we have enjoyed welcoming members and visitors to
the arboretum and celebrating our history.
Partnerships have also been an important part of this special year. Not only
did we strengthen our relationship with many community organizations and
local businesses over the past year, like the Lahontan Audubon Society, the
Nevada Native Plant Society, and Artown; but we also built new
relationships with the Nevada Society of Children’s Book Writers and
Illustrators, the Kimmie Candy Company and numerous local artists – each
working with us to promote and support the – Continued on the next page -
President’s Message
Continued from previous page
importance of the arboretum in Northern Nevada.
I was never so humbled as to be able to share our 30th
Anniversary celebration and luncheon in early October with so
many members, past Society presidents and leadership – past
and present of the arboretum. It was a lovely day to be in the
gardens, hearing about the history of the Society and planting a
Scarlett Oak (Ed Kleiner’s favorite!), that we’ll be able to watch
grow, like a loved child, over the next several decades.
At our luncheon, we were able to announce our $5 Million
Match Challenge to assure the sustainability of the arboretum
and gardens for generations to come. Because of the generosity
of an anonymous “friend” to the society and the arboretum, we
have the opportunity to grow our endowment fund by $10
million. What a wonderful way to start our 31st year!
Past President, Marilynn Clarke, with
Even with the successful events of the last year, I have to say that I
Bill Carlos, planting Scarlett Oak
am most grateful for the support of you, our members. At each
board meeting we remark on the generosity of time, talent and
treasure that you give. Each member should have received our note of appreciation during the
Thanksgiving holiday and a gift of seeds to sow for the future.
It was during the week of Thanksgiving that we launched our 2016 Year-End-Campaign. This year’s
donations will support the $5 Million Match Challenge for the endowment fund and our goal to raise
$30,000 by January 31st. This can only be done with many large, small and planned-giving gifts and we
need your help. Where else in Reno can you get a 100% return on your investment? Even the smallest
donations are doubled and each one gets us closer to our end goal of $10 million.
On behalf of the Society’s Board of Directors, I want to again thank you for your commitment and wish
each of you a Happy Holidays and Healthy New Year!
Membership to the May Arboretum Society is a Gift for All Seasons
Giving a membership to the May Arboretum Society is the perfect gift for gardeners and plant lovers and
anyone interested in nature and green spaces.
Purchasing a gift membership is easy…
1. Go online – www.MayArboretumSociety.org/become-a-member
2. Choose the level of membership and when completing the online application choose “gift
membership.”
3. Let us know if you would like the membership sent to you or directly to the recipient with a
personalized message from you.
Gift memberships start at $20 and will arrive with a personalized photo card of the arboretum.
2
3
Botanical Bytes
by Bill Carlos, MS
Horticulturist
It’s always a glorious time of year at the Arboretum when the deciduous trees and plants begin showing
their fall color and I hope each one of you were able to enjoy the color this year. Visitors often asked me,
“Why do the leaves change in fall and how does it happen?” Many people think it’s due to cold
temperatures, while others are not sure how it happens. Scientists have worked to understand the changes
and we have enough information now to explain the basics to help everyone enjoy the trees’ dynamic last
farewell to the fall season.
There are four factors that influence the color change: photosynthesis, leaf color-leaf pigments, day
length, and weather. First, the timing of the color and the leaves falling are regulated by the increase in
nighttime hours or shorter day length.
During spring and summer the leaves are filled with green chlorophyll, which serves as nature's food
factories. Here’s how it works… plants adsorb water from the soil through hair-like roots (absorbing
roots). The leaves then absorb carbon dioxide gas from the air through their leaves. What happens next in
the chlorophyll process is the miracle of “photosynthesis,” which means putting together with light. Plant
leaves, in the presence of sunlight, convert water and
carbon dioxide into oxygen and glucose. Oxygen is a
gas in the air that we breathe, and it’s essential for most
living things - without it we would not exist. Glucose is
a kind of sugar used as food and it serves as the building
blocks for growing stems, roots, bark, leaves, flowers,
and fruits. In essence, trees spend all spring and summer
growing and preparing for autumn. When summer ends
and autumn comes, it sends a signal to the tree to
prepare for winter. The lack of sunlight informs the tree
to slow down photosynthesis and growth, and to begin
producing corky tissue at the base of the stem of the leaf
called the leaf petiole. The corky cells begin restricting
the flow of water, trapping sugars and wastes in the
leaves over time, and eventually the leaves turn color.
As the bright green chlorophyll fades away, we begin to
Continued on page 6 -
“Red Sunset” Maple in
Dixie’s Plaza Garden
4
2016 Annual Meeting –
An Opportunity to Look Back, While Looking Forward
On Tuesday, November 15th, the May Arboretum Society (MAS) members elected three new members to serve
on the board of directors, each for a one-year term. The 2017 elected board of directors members are Lynn Ann
Short, President; Paula Jones Vice President; Rod Dimmitt, Treasurer; Linda Conaboy, Secretary; Susan
Campau, Susan Mullen and Lenita Powers, Directors. Appointed to the board were Valerie Ellis, Membership
Chair; and Bill Carlos, Endowment Fund Committee Chair.
Lynn Short opened the meeting with a review of some of MAS’ accomplishments in 2016. These included
presenting at several times at the Washoe County Parks Commission meetings and the annual May Foundation
meeting, expanding community partnerships, increasing membership benefits, and increased attendance and
revenue at events.
The membership update included recognizing the change in the dues structure from an annual renewal to a
rolling membership and noting an increase in memberships of 15% from the same time the previous year.
Members in attendance were also reminded of the discounts they receive from area garden centers and nurseries
and were encouraged to shop these local businesses during the holidays.
The Treasurer’s Report included information on the organization’s annual budget and revenue and noted an
increase in profit across the board from all events and programming during 2016. It was also announced that
the Society had contributed more than $21,000 to the arboretum during the calendar year.
President Lynn Short recognized outgoing board members Sharada Maligireddy and Diana Davis, for their
service to the Society.
Guest speakers included Edgar Kleiner, founder and former director, and Bill Carlos, director and
horticulturalist, of the arboretum. Dr. Kleiner shared interesting facts about the arboretum through a question
and answer format, while Bill Carlos provided an update on the perimeter fencing, the greenhouse and other
projects. The meeting ended with President Short reminding the membership that everyone’s support would be
needed – sending letters and making phone calls, during the upcoming Washoe County budget and that more
information would be shared in the coming months.
See photos from November 15th Meet and Greet and Annual Meeting on page 14.
MEET OUR NEW BOARD MEMBERS
Susan Campau is a former secretary on the board and has been actively involved in the
Society for the past few years and actively involved with membership over the past few
months. Many members also know Susan through her volunteering in the gardens.
Susan Mullen is also a volunteer in the gardens. For almost three decades she worked for the
Reno Gazette-Journal, mostly as a features writer covering arts and culture, as well as some
home and garden news.
Lenita Powers spent 43 years in journalism, working at the Reno Gazette-Journal as a
reporter, columnist and assistant city editor. She also worked as a reporter for Advertising
Age and USA TODAY. A native of Reno and Sparks, Lenita also is a volunteer in the gardens.
5
Botanical Bytes
Continued from page
see the colors of fall – the yellows, reds, purples and oranges appear, called flavonoids or pigments.
These are important colors for the flower and fruit. Small amounts of these pigments have been in the
leaves all summer long; we just can't see them because the green chlorophyll found in the leaves masks
them. The pigments include: carotenoids, anthotcyanins and xanthophylls.
•
Carotenoids produce yellow, orange, and brown colors in leaves as well as in corn, carrots,
daffodils, buttercups, bananas, and other fruits and flowers. They also contribute to
photosynthesis by transferring some of the light energy they absorb to chlorophyll, which then use
this energy to drive photosynthesis. Second, they are used to protect plants when they are overexposed to sunlight.
•
Anthocyanins are responsible for the red and purple colors found in leaves, and are also seen in
other parts of the plants, like their fruits, e.g. cranberries, red apples, concord grapes, blueberries,
cherries, strawberries, and plums. Research also suggests anthocyanins may protect the leaves
from insects or animal attacks because they are attracted to the green colored leaves.
• Xanthophyll produce yellow and brown colors of oxygenated carotenoid pigment found in ash,
willow, and cottonwoods as well as in other vegetables and fruits. These are classified as
accessory pigments, which absorb the wavelength that chlorophyll cannot adsorb. They also (like
carotenoids) serve as protection to excessive amounts of sunlight to prevent further damage in the
plant.
The timing of the color change varies by
year, but in the arboretum we can always
species to show their color first. Virginia
cypress are the first to signal that fall is on
after that, the maples begin to display their
sunburst locust, birch, the willows, and the
others follow. Our collection of red oaks,
long after other species have shed their
differences in timing among the species
genetically inherited. Also, if you have
length of time, you may have noticed that
colors seemed brighter and more
years past. This could be due to the
extended warm autumn we experienced.
- Continued on the next page -
species and year-tocount on a few
creeper and bald
the way. Shortly
red color, then ash,
cottonwoods and
exhibit their color
leaves. The
seem to be
lived here for any
this year, the fall
spectacular than in
temperature and the
Kindred Ash & Red Twig Dogwood
Dixie’s Plaza Garden
6
Botanical Bytes
Continued from previous page
We’ve had years where temperatures plummeted earlier in the season and the hard frost killed the leaves,
leaving green frozen “flags” hanging on the trees before they had a chance to turn. However, this year we
were the recipients of wonderful fall weather, with successive warm sunny days and cool crisp nights, and
no freezing temperatures - the perfect recipe for a spectacular display of color like we experienced.
During those days copious amounts of sugars were produced in the leaf and the cool nights and the gradual
closing of the veins and petioles prevented the sugars from moving out, spurring the production of the
brilliant pigments. Because carotenoids are always present in leaves, the yellow and gold colors remain
fairly consistent from year to year. A factor that effects the duration of fall is our gusty “Zephyr” winds. I
have witnessed seasons where fall leaves are at their peak, only to have gusts of winds blow them off. The
amount of moisture in the soil also affects the autumn colors, just like the seasonal temperatures. The
countless combinations of these two variables assure that no two autumns can be exactly alike. A late
spring or a severe summer drought can delay the onset of fall color by a few weeks. Even a warm period,
like we experienced in 2015, will lower the intensity of the autumn colors. A warm wet spring, favorable
summer weather, and warm sunny fall days with cool nights should produce the most brilliant autumn
colors.
At the arboretum it was one of those ideal autumns that produced a parade of brilliant color and I hope that
you were able to enjoy it, too.
$5 Million Match Challenge Launched
During the Society’s 30th Anniversary celebration luncheon, Treasurer, Rod Dimmitt, announced a generous
donation to the Society’s May Arboretum Endowment Fund up to $5 million. The anonymous donor requested that
the board of directors institute a match challenge, doubling any and all donations made to the endowment fund. Rod
explained, “Small or large, each donation to the endowment fund will be matched, getting us to our end goal so
much quicker.”
The May Arboretum Society established the endowment fund in 2013 with an initial donation of $14,000. By the
beginning of 2016, over $55,000 had been raised. The long-term goal is to build a $20 million endowment to
generate annual interest of $1 million to ensure the sustainability of the arboretum. The endowment fund is restricted
for the exclusive use of the arboretum. Only the annual
interest can be spent. The principal anchors the endowment
and ensures that the arboretum will have a steady stream of
interest income to support maintenance, operation and
expansion.
With the match challenge, $5 will become $10, $25 will
become $50, $100 will become $200, and $500 will become
$1,000. The donor is also allowing planned-giving gifts such
as bequeaths to be included in the match challenge.
A May Arboretum Endowment Fund prospectus is available
and provides detailed information to prospective donors. To have one mailed to you, please contact us at
[email protected]
Donations may be made by check or credit card through our website at www.MayArboretumSociety.org
7
Thirty Years in the Making
A look back at the
May Arboretum and Botanical Garden
By Edgar Kleiner, PhD
This is the fifth in a series of six articles written by
Dr. Kleiner that will span the history of the arboretum
in celebration of our 30th Anniversary.
At the close of the last issue we had observed the Wolff Memorial. Just across the path from
this feature is a very large Austrian pine, Pinus nigra. The species is a naturalized ornamental
that is planted widely across the United States. It is a hearty introduction, growing to 100 feet,
with an attractive, pyramidal crown.
Next we pass through the gateway into the Songbird Garden. The purpose of this garden is to
provide an attractive setting to birds - a moist, shady and cool safe haven for food & nesting
sites. An explanatory signboard at the garden’s entrance tells the story particularly for children.
Education of young people about the importance of birds in our world is of great importance.
The pathway now leads back onto the main walk. At the intersection is a tree worth mentioning
- the larch is a noticeably leaning, needle-leaved tree off the northeast corner. The larch genus
is one of the very few cone-bearing deciduous trees of the world. Its needles turn brown in the
fall and disappear during the first winter storm. In the spring, they appear as very light yellow
new needles, turning green in the late spring.
On the other side of the main walk is a large area designed to provide a demonstration of
variable irrigation regimes – heavy amount, moderate and little. With considerable public
interest in drought tolerance, visitors are invited to learn what plants might thrive in home
gardens under variable moisture conditions. On each sign is a partial list of plants that are
appropriate for that particular irrigation volume and schedule.
Proceeding east down the slope, the visitor passes under a catalpa tree with many large white
clumps of flowers in June and July. The tree displays a profusion of very long fruit capsules
after flowering.
As you continue downhill around the corner, a note of historical significance is in order. The
bottom of the slope marks the east boundary of the original Arboretum. A barbwire fence
encircled the hill at this level, to supposedly restrain cattle outside the garden. Although
generally effective, cattle do not always respect such restraints – Continued on the next page 8
Thirty Years in the Making
Continued from previous page
and on more than one occasion the staff would be shepherding cattle out of the garden early in
the morning. Repairs to irrigation lines and risers would follow.
Public response to the opening of the Arboretum had been very positive and requests from
residents and community groups to be included in some way were noticeably increasing. It
became apparent after only a year or so that an expansion of the garden would be necessary.
We then cast our eyes toward the large area of meadow to the east of the ranch house. A
design shortly appeared for the main circular pathway with an associated plan for what turned
into what is
known today as
Honey’s
Garden. So in
the late 1980’s,
construction of
the second
phase of the
arboretum
began. First, this
necessitated
moving the
cattle fence
downhill along
the northeast
side of Evans
Creek, to
secure the area.
An asphalt
pathway up the
slope to the
south was laid to
provide access
from the Sierra
Street parking
area.
To my
knowledge,
there were no white
oaks, Quercus
Entrance to Honey’s Garden
alba, in Reno, at
that time. This
species is the iconic oak of the Midwest and Eastern United States forests, which was familiar to
me from childhood. We were able to obtain several saplings, and today they are large, mature
oaks just inside the gate at the south entrance, behind the large Kleiner Oak Grove sign.
The beautiful bridge and waterfall feature, named Honey’s Garden was also under construction.
This site was transformed from a large clay and weed hillside into large boulders, plantings and
2-pronged rivulets flowing into the pool below and recirculated back to the top of the hill. This
transformation was provided through the generosity of the May Foundation and is now a
beautiful, shady and cool popular setting for many public gatherings and events hosted by the
May Arboretum Society.
9
Society Marks 30th Anniversary
Kleiner’s Grove was the setting of the Society’s 30th Anniversary celebration held on
October 4, 2016. Guest speakers included Tom Stille, one of the society’s founders, Dr.
Edgar Kleiner, Founder and former Director of the arboretum, Lynda Nelson, former
Horticulturist, and Bill Carlos, Director and Horticulturist. Special guests included past
presidents of the Society and Washoe County Parks Commissioners Nate Daniels and Al
Sheakley. After a tree planting ceremony, more than 75 members and guests enjoyed
lunch catered by Crème Cafe.
Visit our website and view
videos of the
th
30 Anniversary celebration.
www.MayArboretumSociety.org/
mas-members
10
people, places and events:
Party in the Garden
11
people, places and events:
Party in the Garden
12
people, places and events:
Party in the Garden
13
people, places and events:
2016 Meet & Greet and Annual Meeting
14
people, places and events:
Succulent Wreath Workshop
15
There is no time more fitting
to say Thank You
and to wish you a
Happy Holiday Season
and a New Year of health,
happiness, and prosperity.
Contact the May Arboretum Society at [email protected]
Visit our website – www.mayarboretumsociety.org
2016 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Lynn Ann Short, President
Rod Dimmitt, Treasurer
Linda Conaboy, Secretary
Paula Jones, Director
Sharada Maligireddy, Director
Diana Davis, Director
Susan Campau, Director
Valerie Ellis, Membership Chair
Bill Carlos, Endowment Fund Chair