Every leaf speaks bliss to me, fluttering from the autumn tree. — Emily Brontë
Photo credit: Green House Photography
Dear Friends of the Arboretum,
With a few weeks left of autumn, we rejoice in the complex yet seemingly simple changes that occur all around us. Though the changes were gradual, it almost appears as though it all happened over night. Landscapes that were once flush with greenery, now bursting with vibrant hues of red, orange, yellow, and purple. A sight unlike any other with the power to make one stop in their tracks in awe.
Each season promises something unique that sets it apart from the rest, but there are commonalities that keep them linked. The idea of making way for something new or more promising is one. The incomparable magic of fall encourages reflection and gratitude for the life that surrounds us. Fall has the power to remind us to enjoy the fleeting moments of life and to take pause to embrace them.
Perhaps your interpretation of fall is different, either way, we invite you to reflect on what this season means for you. While life doesn't seem to be slowing down much, we hope that you take a moment with yourself to embrace this season before winter takes hold. Stop by for a stroll through the Arboretum to enjoy the vibrant hues that the season has to offer.
— Arboretum Staff
Support Your Local Woodland Sanctuary!
As we march towards the end of 2024 and our 35th year, we can't help but to reflect on the incredible work done to usher in a future defined by Restoration, Resilience, and Reciprocity.
We'd love to thank our legion of volunteers and our small (yet mighty) staff that work tirelessly to make the Arboretum a special place for our visitors.
We appreciate our donors!
We invite you to join the community of Friends of the Arboretum. Thank you very much to all those who contributed to supporting our mission at any amount in the last year.
Leave The Leaves!
With each crunch on every fallen leaf, its no doubt that autumn is in full swing here in Harrisonburg. But don't reach for your lawnmower just yet - conservation experts are encouraging communities to "leave the leaves" this fall and allow vulnerable invertebrates to make those leaves their shelter for the winter. The dead wood, hollow stems, and fallen leaves that we might consider waste actually serve a greater purpose for our ecosystem.
What may simply seem like debris to us is a vibrant world to the many caterpillars, bees, and other invertebrates who take shelter in the winter. Red-banded hairstreak butterflies lay their eggs in leaf piles, which in turn become newborn caterpillars' first feasts. Solitary bees squeeze into the tunnels found in hollow stems and dead wood. Luna moth caterpillars spin cocoons that blend into the dead leaves that you may be shredding.
So what can you do to help these little critters?
- Tidy, Don't Trash: Instead of shredding your leaves, consider raking or blowing them. Collecting leaves into neat piles around areas such as garden beds and tree bases can enrich the soil, and even subdue weed growth.
- Wait for Spring: Hold back from removing your leaf piles until spring is well underway, to ensure that the wildlife you've protected has enough time to evacuate their winter shelter.
- Pass it On: Sustaining the ecosystem is not a one-man job. From lawn signs to social media posts, encourage your community to support their ecosystem and skip the seasonal chore this year.
For more information on the Leave the Leaves campaign, please visit https://beecityusa.org/leave-the-leaves-promo-kit-for-affiliates/.
November & December Art Exhibition
Edith J. Carrier Arboretum Presents
Laura Thompson
Laura Thompson is an American mixed media and collage artist based in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. Her contemporary and surrealist work combines meticulously cut imagery from vintage magazines with abstract and representational painting to create dream-like and amusing compositions.
Originally from Rochester, NY, she attended James Madison University in 1998, earning her BFA in Graphic Design and MA in Art Education. After years of working with graphite, watercolor, and oil painting, a pandemic-induced painting hiatus led to the discovery of her signature mixed media collage style, which debuted in January 2021. Since living in Virginia, Laura has participated in more than 20 exhibitions statewide and has won several awards for her “Little Worlds” series. In addition, the Arts Council of the Valley awarded her the 2023 Public Art Forward Grant to complete a 1000 sq ft mural in downtown Harrisonburg, Virginia.
Laura's art exhibit can be found in the Frances Plecker Education Center until December 13th.
Open Monday through Friday from 8 am - 4pm
Thank you to JMU alums, Hannah & Anthony Green of Green House Photography, for sharing these beautiful images they took of the Arboretum last month!
Photo credit: Green House Photography
MWEE Returns!
Last month, 580 fourth-graders from Harrisonburg City Public Schools had the opportunity to visit the Arboretum for a day, attending activities that explained issues like stormwater runoff, erosion, and pollution sources that impact watersheds.
MWEE is a multi-day, investigative project that engages students in thinking critically about watersheds. Before and after their visit to the Arboretum, students explore watershed concepts in class to help solidify their understanding of the importance of watersheds and their impact on the ecosystem.
This month, the Arboretum will host a pilot watershed day for Harrisonburg City seventh-graders! We hope this pilot can serve as a launching pad for a future MWEE for seventh-graders.
Left Image: JMU Stormwater Coordinator, Ali Sloop, guided students on a walk to look for sources of pollution in our watershed.
Two student volunteers and future teachers, Ashton and Addison, lead a demonstration on the effects of pollution on aquatic life.
"Autumn…the year's last, loveliest smile" — William Cullen
Photo credit: Green House Photography
Education Highlight
16th Annual Harvest Festival
Thank you to everyone who visited the Arboretum to enjoy Harvest Fest as well as a HUGE thank you to all who volunteered their time to make Harvest Fest successful!
Left Image: Keala Timko, of the Central Shenandoah Valley Master Gardeners, explains the role that leaf litter and other plant debris plays during the fall and winter season.
Our Harvest Fest Partners
- Bat Conservation and Rescue of Virginia
- Campus Cookies
- Central Shenandoah Valley Virginia Master Gardeners
- Explore More Discovery Museum
- JMU Mycology Club
- JMU Geology Club
- JMU Environmental Management Club
- JMU Health & Human Services Gus Bus Program
- JMU Bee Campus & Tree Campus
- JMU Geography Club
- Laura Zimmermann of Mushroom Rain
- Shenandoah Soil & Water Conservation District
GENERAL EVENTS
Select Tuesdays & Thursdays, Nov 7th - Dec 19th | 5:30-7pm | $15 per session
Meet at the Frances Plecker Education Center
Baguazhang is an 18th century Chinese martial art inspired by a form of Taoist meditative circle walking. This form of internal martial arts is characterized by constant circular movements and change, and the ability to fight while being on the move. A relative of Taijiquan (Tai chi) and Xingyiquan, Baguazhang is considered the most circular and spiraling system of Chinese martial arts (kungfu).
Tai Chi on the Terrace
Select Saturdays, Nov 9th - Dec 14th | 8-9 am | $15 per session
Meet on the Ernst Tree Terrace. In case of rain, meet at the Pavilion.
Tai chi, or Taijiquan, is an ancient Chinese martial art originally created for combat and self-defense. Tai chi has since evolved into a gentle, low-impact form of exercise that can improve muscle strength, flexibility, and balance. Join Grayson Pritchard of Blue Heron Healing Arts as he guides you through the flowing motions and breath work of tai chi.
Grayson Pritchard, a certified instructor of Taijiquan, Baguazhang, Xingyiquan, and Qigong, is the owner of Blue Heron Healing Arts— a school of martial arts for children and adults, and energetic arts for health and healing. Visit his website at www.blueheronha.com.
Seasons of a Wild Life by Annette Naber | Book Reading
Tuesday, November 12 | 12-1:30 pm | FREE
Meet at the Frances Plecker Education Center
Join author Annette Naber, Ph. D. of Emerald Mountain Sanctuary, for a reading of her new book, Seasons of a Wild Life. Available on Amazon now!
Originally from Germany, Annette has lived in the US for over 40 years and has traveled extensively. After retiring from a career as a clinical psychologist in the Washington DC area, she now offers life coaching, workshops, and retreats. Tending to organic gardens on her farm she continues to study traditional ways of growing and preparing foods, using natural materials in creating products and living spaces that are both beautiful and functional, using plants for cosmetic, medicinal, and culinary purposes, and applying permaculture principles to create a more sustainable way of life.
Sound Bathing
Tuesday, November 12th & Tuesday, December 17th | 5:30-6:45pm | $25 per person
Meet at the Frances Plecker Education Center
Using gongs, crystal and Tibetan bowls, voice, drums, shakers, and chimes, Connie Magee will take you on a sound journey that will relax and de-stress you and bring your whole being back into a state of harmony on all levels; physical, mental, emotional and spiritual. Connie Magee is a multi-modality massage therapist, medicine woman, Yoga Instructor, and meditation teacher.
Fall Tree Walk
Friday, November 15th | 12:00-12:45 pm | FREE
Meet at the Frances Plecker Education Center
Join Keala Timko, of the Central Shenandoah Valley Master Gardeners, for a brief yet informative stroll through the Arboretum grounds. Learn fascinating facts about the natural world, all while familiarizing yourself with tree characteristics.
Songtuary
Saturday, November 16 | 2:00-3:30 pm | FREE
Meet at the Pavilion
"The voice is the muscle of the soul."
We harmonize contemplation and play, giving voice to easily learned songs and chants. No prior experience needed.
Multi-Option Terrarium Workshop
Sunday, November 17th | 1-2pm | $30/adult & $10/kid
Meet at the Frances Plecker Education Center
Perfect for plant enthusiasts and budding novices, this workshop combines hands-on crafting with a deep dive into the captivating world of houseplants. You’ll be able to craft a terrarium from your choice of succulents, foliage, ferns, moss, and carnivorous plants. Ideal for plant lovers, gardening enthusiasts, and anyone interested in learning more about houseplants. No prior experience is necessary.
Discover Bats!
Monday, November 18th | 6-7pm | FREE
Meet at the Frances Plecker Education Center
Join Leslie Sturges from the Bat Conservancy & Rescue of Virginia for a lively presentation all about bats! Learn about VA bats, their habits, and the conservation efforts made to protect these precious creatures.
Plant Ethics with Dr. Brelje
Tuesday, November 19 | 1 - 2:30 pm | FREE
Meet on the Frances Plecker Education Center
Bring a lunch and join Dr. Katherine Brelje in a philosophical discussion about our relationship with plants, the natural world, and how we value them.
Dr. Brelje is a new adjunct instructor in JMU’s Department of Philosophy and Religion. In her doctoral program, Dr. Brelje specialized in care ethics as applied to plants. Additionally, she is the show runner for the podcast Networking with Plants in the Anthropocene, which regularly interviews practitioners, researchers, artists, and others working with plants.
Christmas Kokedama Workshop
Sunday, December 8th | 1-2PM | $35 per person
Meet at the Frances Plecker Education Center
Learn the art of creating unique and festive Japanese moss ball planters while surrounded by the serene beauty of the Arboretum. This in-person event is perfect for plant lovers of all skill levels! All materials will be provided. Don't miss this opportunity to get creative and make your own stunning kokedama to take home in time for the holidays!
Mark your calendars!
19th Annual Litten Lecture
Tuesday, February 18, 2025 |7:00-8:30 PM
Festival Conference Center Ballroom
We are excited to have Lauren Taylor, Executive Director of Blue Ridge PRISM, as our speaker for the 19th Annual Frances Litten Botanical Lecture! This lecture will be proceeded by a reception from 6:00-6:45 p.m. for guests to chat with Lauren and one another before the talk.
Founded in 2014, Blue Ridge PRISM (Partnership for Regional Invasive Species Management) is a non-profit organization that works to reduce the impact of invasive plants in Virginia's northern Blue Ridge Mountains. Now in their 10th year, Blue Ridge PRISM is regarded as the leading experts for invasive species education and management in Virginia.
Members! Please keep an eye out for an email next year with an early access link to registration for the reception. Soon thereafter registration will be open to the public.
More information to come in 2025!
Until next time...
Thank you for supporting your local woodland sanctuary!
Photo credit: Green House Photography