From lichens and heathers to bluebirds and forestry, a horde of horticultural and environmental topics will be the focus of a series of five lectures this spring and summer at Lasdon Park, Arboretum and Veterans Memorial in Somers.
The series kicks off on Tuesday, April 3, from 10 a.m. to noon, with “The World of Lichens and Moss.” Westchester County Parks curator Taro Ietaka will present the little-known world of small but colorful lichens, which actually comprise algae and fungus, and mosses, which are actually plants. He’ll discuss their evolution and biology and talk about how birds and other wildlife make use of them, as well as how they can be used to create color and interest in gardening. Afterward, he’ll lead a hike through the arboretum to identify specimens.
Fee for the lecture is $20, $15 for members of the Friends of Lasdon Park and Arboretum. A special discount rate is offered for the entire series of $80, $60 for Friends of Lasdon. Call for information about continuing education credits. The fee includes refreshments and hand-outs. Pre-registration is required for the program at (914) 864-7268.
The series continues on April 24 with “The Future Forest: Trees for a Changing Climate;” May 7 with “Bluebirds at Lasdon Park and Arboretum;” June 5 with “Agro-Forestry;” and concludes on July 24 with “Heaths and Heathers.”
Lasdon is located on Route 35 in Somers. For information, go to westchestergov.com/parks.
Lasdon Park is the horticultural hub of Westchester County. The Colonial Revival-style pavilion main house provides offices for groups such as the Ninth District Federated Garden Clubs and the Westchester Tree Protective Association, and is home to the Lasdon Horticultural Library. The house also consists of meeting rooms for horticultural workshops and botanical art classes, a gallery for art exhibits and serves as the headquarters for the Friends of Lasdon Park and Arboretum volunteer organization. The pool house has been converted into the Gift Shop, an information center and plant shop that offers plants and gardening-related items for sale, and is staffed by members of the Friends of Lasdon.