September 2011

CROSBY ARBORETUM VOLUNTEER MEETINGS    
Saturday, Sept. 3, Oct. 8, & Nov. 12
At 9:00 a.m.    
Regular volunteer meetings will resume on September 3. All are invited to attend.  Learn about the many volunteer opportunities and activities you will enjoy here at the Crosby Arboretum.  For more information, call Robin Veerkamp at (601) 799-2311, Ext. 104.

FIELD TRIP: HUMMINGBIRD MIGRATION!
Saturday, September 10   (Family)
8:30 to 11:00 a.m.
Join us for a trip to the legendary property of Dot Burge, a long-time friend of the Arboretum, in a field walk led by the Arboretum’s own Terry Johnson. Dot is an avid hummingbird feeder, and her yard is a magnet for the migrating birds. Meet in the Visitor Parking Area to carpool. We will leave at 8:30 a.m. Prepare for a moderate walk of about a mile, with potential areas of underbrush. Bring snacks, refreshments, and dress comfortably. Members free, non-members $5. Register by September 9.
 
PLEIN AIR PAINTING DEMONSTRATION
Saturday, September 10  (Adults)
10:00 to 11:00 a.m.
Celebrate the International Plein Air Painters Worldwide Paint Out event!  Artist April Holifield of April’s Art Studio will demonstrate“plein air painting”, or painting outdoors. Those who would like to try their hand at painting “en plein air” may purchase a watercolors or oils materials packet for $35 with all you will need to get started. Bring your lunch and stay the day! Join others who will be enjoying this all day venue painting the Arboretum's woodland, savanna, and aquatic scenes.  Dress comfortably. Members free, non-members $5. Please register by September 3 so that materials packets may be assembled.

FALL FIELD WALK: NATIVE PLANTS FOR THE HOME LANDSCAPE     
Saturday, Sept. 10   (Family)          
1:00 to 2:00 p.m.
Join Director Pat Drackett for a field walk through the Aquatic, Woodland, and Savanna Exhibits to discuss plants growing in these habitats and how you can use them in your home landscape. Learn how to select plant material based on your property’s site conditions. Free to Arboretum members; $5 for non-members. Please register by September 9.

BIRD PROGRAM: RAPTORS!    (Family)
Saturday, September 17
10:00 to 11:00 a.m.
Raptors, such as eagles, hawks, owls, osprey, vultures, falcons, swallowtail kites & more, have been unfairly persecuted for years. These fascinating predators are not the pests that many people think they are. Avid bird guide and writer Susan Epps will dispel the myths and talk about raptors’ many benefits to mankind. Members free, non-members $5. Please register by September 16.

BUGFEST   (Family Event!)                                   
       Friday, Sept. 23, 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.    
       Saturday, Sept. 24, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Bring the family for a two-day extravaganza of buggy events!  Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. is open to insect collecting by school groups (groups over 20 persons must call to pre-register for an arrival time). Student admission, $2; no charge for teachers or chaperons. Collecting on your own continues from 2 to 6 p.m.  An insect I.D. and mounting station will be open continually on Pinecote Pavilion.  At 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, children will enjoy crafts and games at the Buggy Midway!  At dusk, night collecting activities begin, using lighted sheets to draw insects. Bring a flashlight or headlamp! On Saturday morning, the Midway is open 10:00 a.m. to noon. All day Saturday, enjoy on-going live insect demonstrations, collections, pet bugs and exhibits. Download the insect collecting manual on the Arboretum's program calendar page, www.crosbyarboretum.msstate.edu.  Adults $5, children $2.