MARCH - APRIL - MAY - SPRING 2017

Dear Arboretum & Garden volunteers, With Clem Hamilton, Holden Forests and Garden’s president and CEO, leaving the organization at the end of February to return to his academic and research roots, the Board of Directors needed to find someone to ensure a steady hand at the helm as they search for new leadership. Luckily, an old “family friend” of the

Arboretum - Paul Abbey, Chairman of the Holden Forests and Gardens Board of Directors - was available and willing to lead the organization through this period of transition. Paul’s involvement with the organization dates back 40 years, when he first met his wife, Connie. An invitation to a party to celebrate Connie’s birthday at the Norweb home on Kirtland-Chardon Road was the start of a life-long romance. At the party, he was also introduced to the Holden Arboretum, by two key players in Holden’s history – Connie’s father, R. Henry Norweb Jr., who served as the Arboretum’s first executive director, and

her grandmother, Emery Mae Holden Norweb. In 2007, Paul joined the Holden Board of Directors, serving on the board’s Advancement, and Finance and Investment committees. Picking up the gavel as chairman of the board in 2012, he played a lead role in negotiating the integration of the Arboretum and Cleveland Botanical Garden in 2014. The founding partner of Fairport Asset Management, a Cleveland-based comprehensive wealth management company, he retired as the company’s chairman in 2016.

The board has started a national search for a new president and CEO, looking for leadership that will build on the progress made over the past decade and guide the organization for the future. In the meantime, Paul looks forward to continuing his working relationship with the staff and volunteers at the Arboretum and Botanical Garden. Please feel free to introduce yourself if you see him at either campus. Like the new shoots coming up around us, Spring is the opportunity for all of us to grow through new experiences.

If you are curious to try something, now is the time. Many training programs and new positions are featured in the Opportunities section of this newsletter. Finally, welcome back to everyone who was away for the colder months. We hope you had a restful winter, but are eager to get busy and have plenty of fun this season. Happy Spring!

Robin M. Ott, MPA, CVA

Manager, Volunteer Services Holden Forests & Gardens

NEWS & UPDATES

Staff Updates

Fond farewell to…

Clem Hamilton (President and CEO, Arboretum and Bo-

tanical Garden) who finished his nine year tenure with us at the end of February. Clem is seeking to return to his roots with a position in research and/or academia.

Ryan Macklin (Research, Botanical Garden). Ryan worked

with residents and colleagues in Gary, Cleveland and Buf-falo on the Vacant to Vibrant project.

Welcome…

Rachel Leonard (Education, Arboretum and Botanical

Garden) who will oversee public programs at both

campuses. Rachel returns to her native Northeast Ohio from a position at the Carnegie Science Museum in Pittsburgh.

Tom Gordon (Facilities, Botanical Garden)

Sarah Oligny (Guest Services, Arboretum)

Holden Forests & Gardens Unified Membership Rollout Holden Forests & Gardens now offers one unified membership program. This new offering replaces the separate site-based

programs where members at one campus got some reciprocal benefits at the other. This membership rollout is exciting, as it is a key example of our organizations’ integration under the Holden Forests & Gardens brand. Members have access to two organizations, and our membership remains a significant value for the benefits received. It also further harmonizes the membership offerings on both of our campuses. Levels and benefits information is available now at holdenfg.org/membership. Current Arboretum or Botanical Garden members will be offered a chance to “lock-in” their current membership rate when they renew

their membership for an additional year. They will receive a mailing with more information when their existing membership is due for renewal or may call 216.707.2804 at any time for details. Information is also available at the Arboretum’s Corning Visitor Center, or the Botanical Garden Guest Services and Ticketing Desk.

National Volunteer Week is April 23-29, 2017 Once again, we will be providing the opportunity for free or discounted admission to a number of local institutions during

National Volunteer Week to our on-going volunteers, thanks to our affiliation with the Forum for Volunteer Administrators (fvaohio.org). Keep an eye out on your inbox or mailbox for this opportunity and other treats throughout the month of April, as we celebrate National Volunteer Month!

LEAF PRESS

2017 Green Corps CSA Call for Shares The Green Corps program is now accepting new members for its 2017 Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) season, running June 15 – Oct. 26. Like past seasons, we will offer weekly shares of over 100 varieties of produce, berries and herbs grown throughout the season

at our five urban learning farms. Shares are picked up weekly at the Botanical Garden. A full-term 20 week half share (1-2 people) is $300; members can also choose one of two 10 week terms ($150 each) or a larger, full share for twice the cost. The CSA will be primarily run by our high school youth and each week will feature a “Student Farmer Spotlight” that will allow you to meet our youth farmers and learn more about our program. All proceeds help to support Green Corps. Space is limited. If you would like more information or are interested in signing up, please contact Kelly Barrett at kbarrett@cbgarden.org or 216.707.2832.

OPPORTUNITIES

Unless noted otherwise, sign up on VicNet (for trainings and date-specific opportunities) or contact the volunteer office at rott@holdenarb.org or 440.602.8003

(Arboretum) or shartley@cbgarden.org or 216.707.2822 (Botanical Garden) to sign-up by phone/email, or to inquire about other positions.

Lantern Court Private Events Assistants @Arboretum, Lantern Court

Training for New Volunteers: Saturday, March 4, 9:30-11am When private events and weddings are held at Lantern Court, volunteers lend a hand to staff, answer guest questions and keep an eye on the estate. Events are mostly evening and weekends. New and returning volun-teers interested are invited to attend this meeting to re-view the house history, highlights, volunteer policies and plans for the 2017 season. Lantern Court is located at 9203 Kirtland-Chardon Road in Kirtland.

Canopy Walk & Emergent Tower Interpreters @Arboretum Training and Kickoff Potluck: Saturday, March 4, 9am-1pm Learn how to interact with guests on the Murch Canopy

Walk and Kalberer Tower, providing information and guest assistance. Interpreters meet new people, while enjoying a volunteer position that will take you to new heights! Shifts begin May 1 and are Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday, 11am-1pm and 1-3pm; Tuesdays and Saturdays, 9-11am, 11am-1pm, 1-3pm and 3-5pm. Volunteers must be able to walk out to structures (1/2 mile) and enjoy working outside and interacting with people. Bring a dish to share for potluck lunch.

Tree Tale Tellers @Area Libraries

Training: Thursday, March 9, 10-11:30am @Arboretum Tree Tale Tellers learn to lead short 30-min tree-themed story time programs, scheduled at area libraries in Lake, Geauga and Cuyahoga counties from late March through April in honor of Arbor Day. Tellers must love working with young children, be flexible, have a sense of humor and ability to pick up and drop off materials and travel to/from story time locations and the Arboretum. Programs are scheduled mostly weekdays, but there are

some evening and weekend dates available

Big Spring @Garden

Big Spring Volunteer Orientation: Saturday, March 11, 10am-Noon

Show runs March 18 through April 23 During Big Spring, the Botanical Garden is transformed into a fantastical world where brightly colored flowers tower above you and the ladybugs are larger than life. Adults and teen volunteers will discover their inner child while helping our youngest guests learn and enjoy the wonders of springtime. Help with hands-on activities in the Garden of Fun or share bug trivia while leading mealworm races. Day-time, weekend and evening opportunities available, includ-ing during spring breaks. Student volunteers (14+) are

welcome!

School Guide Program @Arboretum and Garden

New Guide Trainings: Tuesday, March 14, 9am-1pm @Garden Wednesday, April 5, 9am-3pm @Arboretum Help inspire the next generation of nature-lovers! Learn to teach students about nature with a fun hands-on curriculum. New volunteers will learn program through classroom training and shadowing of staff/veteran volunteers. Weekday availability and fingerprinting and background check required; most volunteers assist with one or two classes a week/bi-weekly at the location of their choice. Trainings are site specific and volunteers may train for one or both campuses.

Big Spring Dawn Water Patrol @Garden

Early morning shifts daily, March 18 through April 23 Botanical Garden horticulture staff seeks assistance with watering plants indoors throughout the Big Spring show. Mobility and ability to carry and use small portable water

tank required. Volunteers will work between 7am-10am before the Botanical Garden opens. If interested, contact the volunteer office at 440.602.8003 or rott@holdenarb.org with availability.

Family Volunteer Day: Easter Egg Stuffing

@Garden Saturday, March 25, 1-4pm Families with children Pre-K and up, teens and other help-ful bunnies are invited to help stuff thousands of plastic eggs with treats in preparation for Egg Hunt on April 15. Young children should be able to follow simple directions and stay on task; families may stay for as long as desired. Parent or guardian supervision required for volunteers un-der age 14. Sign up on VicNet under “Family Volunteer” or contact the volunteer office at 440.602.8003 or rott@holdenarb.org.

School Guides

Botanical Garden Store Retail Assistant

@Garden Do you enjoy interacting with people, shopping and staying busy? The Garden Store at Cleveland Botanical Garden is seeking dynamic, outgoing volunteers to assist customers, help ring up and package sales and keep the store looking great. This position is active and requires the ability to stand for up to two hours. Most volunteers are scheduled for a weekly 3-4 hour shift; help especially needed Wednesday evenings in the summer and weekends. Be a part of a fun and friendly team of fellow shopaholics in a beautiful environment.

Membership Services Assistant @Arboretum Training: Saturday, April 8, 9-11am Shifts: Saturday and Sundays, May 1 through Oct. 31 9:30am-1pm or 1-4:30pm each day Love to help and talk to people? Volunteers are needed to

answer questions and help process new members on Weekends in the Corning Visitor Center at the Arboretum. Volunteers will be trained to answer basic questions about both organizations, take memberships and engage the pub-lic. Fingerprinting and background check required.

Egg Hunt @Garden

Saturday, April 15, 8:30am-1:30pm Help families celebrate this annual tradition with crafts, games, face painting and hunting for eggs in the Hershey Children’s Garden. Volunteers should be comfortable working with crowds and young children. Students (age 14+) welcome!

Tree Stewards and Arbor Care Volunteer

Program @Arboretum and Off-site

Tree Steward Training Locations and Dates:

Slavic Village - Part 1-4 - April 19, 20 and 22

Glenville - Part 1 and 2 - April 24 and 25 Cudell - Part 1 and 2 - May 10 and 11 Holden has partnered with Western Reserve Land Conservancy to provide Sherwick Tree Steward Trainings where citizens learn how to plant, care for and maintain trees. Training residents and volunteers from throughout Northeast Ohio to maintain existing and newly planted trees is critical to the success of the Cleveland Tree Plan and our collective reforestation work. Those new to the program should start with a Part 1 class and work their way through

the 4-part consecutive series at any location. After basic training, join the Holden Arbor Care program; a team of community forestry volunteers to help on local projects - plantings, inventories and other advocacy and care work. For more information, contact community forester Chad Clink at cclink@holdenarb.org or 440.602.3829.

Botanical Garden Outdoor Tour Guide @Garden

Four-part Training Series: Saturdays, April 22, June 3,

Aug. 19 and Oct. 7, 9am-noon each day Do you have an enthusiasm for nature and gardens that you'd like to share? Do you enjoy talking to people? Are you looking to connect with others and to take part in a fun and exciting learning opportunity? If so, then join the Botanical Garden tour guide team. Our training program will teach you everything you need to know to lead introductory grounds tours to visitors and private groups. Come grow with us! Prospective guides should plan to attend, or arrange to make-up, all four sessions. Sign-up on VicNet or contact Rachel Leonard, Public Programs Manager, for more information at

rleonard@cbgarden.org or 216.707.2845.

VIP Highlights Tram & Walking Tour Guide

Program @Arboretum

Five-part (101 + four of choice) Training Series: New Guides 101 - Saturday, April 22, 10am-3pm

Wildflower & Rhododendron Gardens - May 5, 3:30-8pm

Display & Butterfly Garden - May 25, 3:30-8pm

Family Engagement - June 10, 11am-1pm

Grounds Updates & Projects - June 24, 11am-1pm

Tree Collections - Aug. 26, 10am-noon

Fall Color & Native Trees - Sept. 23, 11am-1pm

Looking to learn more about nature and love to talk to people? VIP (Volunteer Interpretive Person) Guides are trained volunteers who lead the Holden Highlights tram and walking tours. These introductory tours are offered Tuesdays through Sundays for visitors and private groups. Now is the time to join us! New guides get started with an introduction to guiding in April and attend a minimum of four other sessions through the season. Returning guides are also welcome to sign up and attend any of these as continuing education. Sign-up on VicNet or contact Eva Rodriguez for more information at

erodrguez@holdenarb.org or 440.946.4400,x209.

Arbor Day Craft Station @Arboretum

Saturday and Sunday, April 29 and 30 8:45am-11:30am, 11:30am-2pm, 2-5pm each day Holden is moving its usual Arbor Day weekend family activities (tree climbing, timber show, tree professional advice etc.) to a new August event. For those that come out the last weekend in April, we will be having an indoor craft station for families to make a simple craft project to recognize the holiday. Students (age 14+) welcome!

Highlights Tour Guides

Egg Hunt

Habitat Hut Open Hut Guide @Arboretum

Training: Saturday, April 29, 10am-noon Shifts: May 6 through Oct. 31, Tuesdays, Saturdays and Sundays, 9:30am-1pm or 12:30-4pm each day The new Habitat Hut, located in the Holden Wildflower

Garden, is set among four habitats – prairie, stream, bog and woods. Inside the hut are activities to introduce families to the habitats and why we should care for them. During our busiest days of the week, volunteers are needed to introduce families to the space, facilitate provided hands-on activities, answer guest questions and assist in maintaining Habitat Hut and Buckeye Bud’s Adventure Woods areas. Position requires ability to walk up to half-mile without assistance and sit/stand to interact with young children as needed. Teen summer volunteers (16+) welcome!

Plant Sale @Arboretum

Friday, May 19, 11:30am-2:30pm or 2:30-6:30pm Saturday and Sunday, May 20 and 21

9:30am-1pm or 1-4:30pm each day Assist vendors/staff, park cars, bring plants from vendors to holding tent, sell raffle tickets, drive golf carts for plant valet and more. Complimentary snacks/refreshments provide. Plus, you'll have time to do some shopping! Groups (5-15 people) needed to help with parking and plant pick-up. Students (14+) welcome!

Visitor Center Reception Volunteer @Arboretum On-going, Weekday and Saturday morning and

afternoon shifts available We are looking for a few new friendly faces to assist with answering phones at the Corning Visitor Center. Volunteers may assist with directing calls, registering guests for

classes and events, and answering questions. Join our team and spend time with fun and like-minded people, stay active and learn new skills! Volunteers must have excellent customer service and communication skills, be a quick learner and experience working with office or retail technology—including computers, a multi-line phone and/or a cash register/POS system. On-the-job training provided for this indoor position. Shifts set by volunteer and staff supervisor. Frequency of shifts may be weekly or bi-weekly with some flexibility. Background check is required.

JOIN US:

Lunch & Learn: Botanical Books - The Eleanor Squire Library, 1916-2017 @Garden Thursday, March 23, 11:30am-1pm Come and learn a little history and check out the roots of the Botanical Garden with librarian Gary Esmonde. Sign-up on VicNet under “Volunteer Continuing

Education” or contact the volunteer office at rott@holdenarb.org or 440.602.8003.

Lunch & Learn: Learning from the Lab @Arboretum Tuesday, May 9, 11:30am-1pm

Come and hear an update from Arboretum research staff on current projects and findings. Sign-up on VicNet under “Volunteer Continuing Education” or contact the volunteer office at rott@holdenarb.org or

440.602.8003.

Summer Celebration Potluck @Garden Thursday, June 15, 4:30-6:30pm Bring a dish to share; dinner will be served at 5:30pm, come early to walk around the grounds and enjoy the sights and smells of early summer. Don’t forget to RSVP; parking in Botanical Garden Garage will be provided only to those pre-registered. RSVP to Sarah

at 216.707.2822 or shartley@cbgarden.org.

Lunch & Learn: Butterfly Garden Tour & Pollinator Tips @Arboretum Wednesday, July 12, 11:30am-1pm Get ready to join us for a tour of the Holden Butterfly Garden in summer splendor with horticulturist Lori

Gogolin, with tips on how to attract lots of flying friends to your own garden. Sign-up on VicNet under “Volunteer Continuing Education” or contact the volunteer office at rott@holdenarb.org or 440.602.8003.

ORIENTATION INFO & REMINDER

Volunteers who have not yet completed general orientation—including Glow or Big Spring volunteers who want to sign-up for other opportunities—are required to do a two-part program. The first part includes watching a 1-hr online orientation video. Part two is attending an in-person Group Session and Tour. The online orientation should be done before starting and is given to volunteers during a placement meeting, or can be found on the VicNet home

tab. (If you have limited computer access, you may come and watch on-site.) Volunteers may attend a Group Session at either campus and begin volunteering after they have completed Online Orientation as long as they are signed up for an upcoming Group Session date.

Upcoming Group Session & Tour Dates: Wednesday, March 22, 9:30am-11:30am @Garden Wednesday, April 19, 9am-Noon @Arboretum Saturday, April 29, 10am-Noon @Garden Tuesday, May 16, 5:30-8:15pm @Arboretum Wednesday, May 24, 10am-Noon @Garden

Sign-up on VicNet, or through the volunteer office at

rott@holdenarb.org or 440.602.8003 (Arboretum) or shartley@cbgarden.org 216.707.2822 (Botanical Garden).

Open Huts at the

Habitat Hut