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Winter2014-15

LEAVESA PUBLICATION OF THE HOLDEN ARBORETUM

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Leaves (ISSN 0518-2662) is a class and events magazine published quarterly by The Holden Arboretum for $10 per year for members (included in membership fee) and $55 per year for nonmembers

Periodicals postage paid at Mentor, Ohio

Postmaster: Please send address changes to Leaves: The Holden Arboretum, 9500 Sperry Road, Kirtland, Ohio 44094-5172

Volume 13, Number 1©The Holden Arboretum

Cait Anastis, editor editor@holdenarb.org

Jackie Klisuric, art director

administrationClement W. Hamilton President and CEO

Jim Ansberry Director of Finance

David Burke Research Department Chairman

Roger Gettig Director of Horticulture and Conservation

Brian Parsons Director of Planning and Special Projects

James F. Pelowski Interim Director of Development

Paul C. SpectorDirector of Education and Public Programs

Nancy Spelman Director of Human Resources and Safety

board of directorsPaul R. Abbey, ChairmanJonathan E. Dick, Vice ChairmanSarah L. Gries, Vice ChairmanPeter S. Hellman, Vice ChairmanStephen J. Knerly, Vice Chairman Joseph J. Mahovlic, Vice ChairmanC. W. Eliot Paine, Vice ChairmanRobert R. Galloway, Secretary

Thomas D. AndersonBarbara BrownChristopher A. Cullis Paul E. DiCorleto, PhDMichael C. MarinoCynthia A. Moore-Hardy

Ellen W. Jones Nordell Robin SchachatLynn C. ShiverickK.K. SullivanTimothy L. SwansonMichael T. Victor

directors emeritiConstance Norweb Abbey Ralph W. AbeltJeanette Grasselli BrownMiriam N. GaleHenry R. HatchArlene M. Holden-Loftin

T. Dixon LongHenry L. Meyer IIIWilliam J. O’Neill Jr.John Sherwin Jr.Penelope Theis

honorary directorsMary Groves Alison C. Jones

Thomas W. Seabright Helen Whitehouse

leaves

departments

contents

featuresJACKIE KLISURIC

Winter 2014-15

On the Cover: Cedar Waxwing onMalus ‘Spring Song’ near the entry gatehouse.

JACKIE KLISURIC

4 Growing Together The Holden Arboretum and

the Cleveland Botanical Garden

10 Holden Volunteers Something to Sprout About!

11 Holden Research Partnerships Creating Success in Plant

Research and Education

16 Partnership Results in Stream Restoration

18 Exploring a Winter Wonderland

8 Plant Profile Fothergilla

9 Bird Bio Barred Owl

12 Plant This, Not That Aegopodium podagraria

(bishop’s goutweed)

14 Staff News

19 Shorts

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from the presidentThe big news around Holden is, of course, our combining forces with the Cleveland Botanical Garden, resulting in the 13th largest public garden in the United States and, more importantly, becoming a more impactful and essential actor in revitalizing Greater Cleveland and Northeast Ohio. “The deal” became official on Sept. 8, but we had been in “due diligence” and

negotiation mode for so many months that it wasn’t until two days later that I awoke to the realization that we truly had done it, that we had launched a brave and exciting new future for our two institutions. The most immediately gratifying moment was assembling both staffs, in their entirety, and seeing them begin – or in most cases continue – getting acquainted and finding common ground in their expertise and dedication to improving the world through plants.

You will read more in this issue, in Cait’s interview with Natalie Ronayne and me, but here I wish to emphasize how impressed, and even a bit surprised, we were to realize how our two organizations have grown toward each other over the past several years. We are confident that both gardens’ members – between which there has been remarkably little overlap – will find much to enjoy at the “other” garden. Opportunities for learning and transformation abound, for both adults and schoolchildren, through attending learning programs, special events and exhibits, and appreciating the diverse gardens and natural areas. But enough of my words: the proof will be your enjoying visiting the Botanical Garden!

Speaking of historically significant moments, we cannot let 2014 end without applauding the 50th anniversary of the Wilderness Act. The act originally protected 9.1 million acres of federal lands, which number has grown to more than 109 million acres, managed by four federal agencies. The act defined wilderness as “an area where the earth and its community of life are untrammeled by man.” Since then we have seen the advent of more indirect human “trammeling,” such as climate change and biological invasion, which leads to the question, “How should we manage wilderness?” In 1964, the answer was, leave it alone to its “natural” processes. But now we know that many deleterious changes happen by themselves unless action is taken, so how actively should we protect our wildlands to counteract or control invasion, or

Clement W. Hamilton, PhDPresident and CEO

JOIN PHOTOGRAPHER LORI DIEMER FOR OUR FIRESIDE LECTURES SERIES

TALK ABOUT HER PHOTO SHOOT AT YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK.

even to assist the necessary migration of plant species ranges as climate changes? These are questions of science, management, and even ethics, without unambiguous or noncontroversial answers.

Still, the Wilderness Act provides the framework for protecting crucial wildlands, and an ideal toward which we strive. I hope you join me in gratitude for the act, and in reflecting how we can best foster its spirit and living legacy.

LORI DIEMER

Wilderness Act50

The Holden Arboretum and the Cleveland Botanical GardenGrowing Together

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by Cait Anastis, editor

HOLDEN’S HISTORY BEGINS WITH ALBERT FAIRCHILD

HOLDEN (1866 -1913), A MINING ENGINEER WHO DIED IN

1913 AND ESTABLISHED THE HOLDEN TRUST.

THE HOLDEN FAMILY CONTINUES TO PLAY AN ACTIVE

ROLE WITH THE ARBORETUM.

On Sept. 9, the documents uniting The Holden Arboretum and the Cleveland Botanical Garden were signed, pairing the urban botanic garden with the exurban arboretum to create the 13th largest public garden in the country.

It was a move Clem Hamilton, president and CEO, described as both revolutionary and evolutionary, bringing together two organizations both dedicated to improving the world through plants, to form a single institution with a greater ability to effectively serve its members, visitors and the larger community.

Both the Botanical Garden and the Arboretum are Northeast Ohio landmarks with deep roots in the community, which have grown out of a long-standing tradition of philanthropy and innovation, said Paul Abbey, chairman of the Arboretum’s Board of Directors. “The history of Cleveland, of the Forest City, encompasses great stories of enterprising men and woman who made long lasting forays into building a city full of arts and culture, educational opportunities and industrial and service companies, which are part of the fabric of Northeast Ohio. The combination of the Arboretum and the Botanical Garden is in many ways a natural extension of this development.”

The Botanical Garden was formed in 1930 as the Cleveland Garden Center, becoming the Garden Center of Greater Cleveland in 1933; the Arboretum was created in 1931 with a bequest from Albert Fairchild Holden. “Connecting the Arboretum with the Botanical Garden at University Circle

represents a return to its roots for Holden, which was conceived at the Holden family estate in Bratenahl and nurtured through its early development by the Cleveland Museum of Natural History, also a Wade Oval landmark,” Abbey said.

The idea that the integration represents a return to the common ground that both organizations came from was also shared by Victoria Broer, chairperson of the Botanical Garden’s Board of Directors.

It’s almost coming full circle,” Broer said, “so I guess I would want Holden members to understand how deeply we appreciate the connections we see between the two organizations.”

While serious plans to integrate the two institutions have been in the works for less than a year, the integration can be viewed as the next phase in the evolution of both organizations, which have been moving on increasingly parallel paths for a number of years. The possibility of integration had even been discussed before over the past 10 years, but neither organization was ready for such a move until recently.

Before plans to integrate were announced, the leadership of both institutions spent 10 months examining the idea to ensure that the joining of the Arboretum and the Botanical Garden would create a strong, sustainable organization that could grow and thrive in the future, Hamilton said. Issues investigated included financial sustainability, organizational culture, compatibility of programs, and shared mission and purpose. The conclusion was that the

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ON JAN. 24, 1930, SIX MEMBERS OF THE GARDEN CLUB

DECIDED CONCEIVED A PLAN TO TRANSFORM AN EMPTY,

BRICK BOATHOUSE ALONG WADE LAGOON INTO A

GARDEN CENTER THAT WOULD HOUSE A COLLECTION

OF HORTICULTURAL BOOKS AND SERVE AS A PLACE FOR

PEOPLE TO LEARN ABOUT PLANTS AND GARDENING.

IN DOING SO, THOSE MEMBERS — MRS. THOMAS P.

HOWELL, MRS. WILLIAM G. MATHER, MRS. WALTER C.

WHITE, MRS. CHARLES A. OTIS, MRS. JOHN SHERWIN AND

MRS. WINDSOR T. WHITE — ESSENTIALLY PLANTED THE

SEEDS FOR WHAT WOULD BECOME TODAY’S CLEVELAND

BOTANICAL GARDEN.

CLEVELAND BOTANICAL GARDEN ARCHIVES

Arboretum’s and the Botanical Garden’s strengths support and complement each other’s; and that the combined organization will have a solid scientific foundation and will attract and engage large, diverse audiences – the hallmarks of a world-class public garden.

Someone taking a superficial look at the two organizations might view the Arboretum as more devoted to the scientific aspects of the horticultural and ecological worlds and the Botanical Garden as focused on more visitor-driven programming, Hamilton said. However, a closer inspection shows that the Botanical Garden’s science programs have grown greatly over the past decade, while the Arboretum has become much more open and engaging to the general public.

“We’re more similar than anyone realized at the outset,” he said. “When we asked ourselves what of the garden’s programs would fit within Holden’s three strategic themes – conserving native forests, trees and communities, and engaging children with plants – the answer was all of them. That was a revelation to me that we were strategically already so very, very closely aligned.”

The integration would not have been possible without significant backing from the community. In addition to the funds that the Arboretum is committing to the effort, the integration has received the support of a number of foundations and individual donors.

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“This was a call that was made in fairly short order; people had about two months to consider large gifts, and I think what this says is we are doing something important,” said Natalie Ronayne, the new organization’s executive vice president and the former president of the Botanical Garden.

“What we want to do together is important.”

Working together, the Botanical Garden and the Arboretum garnered support totaling $5.6 million, said Marie Monago, vice president of advancement. Gifts from four local foundations, led by $1 million from the George Gund Foundation, totaled $2.5 million. In addition, the integration efforts are being funded with eight gifts from family foundations totaling $1.1 million; and 30 pledges from individuals totaling $1.4 million. Combined with other gifts and in-kind donations, the funds contributed will ensure the successful integration of the two organizations. The integration efforts have also received nearly unanimous support from both organization’s boards of directors.

“This is truly an outpouring of support demonstrating the impact the Cleveland Botanical Garden and The Holden Arboretum have had, not only in Cleveland, but in all of Northeast Ohio,” said James Pelowski, the Arboretum’s interim director of development.

The support for the integration follows closely behind successful campaigns at both the Arboretum and the Botanical Garden. The Holden Arboretum recently completed its New Leaf capital campaign, raising $9 million to fund new gardens and infrastructure improvements. The projects supported by that campaign include the new Eliot and Linda Paine Rhododendron Discovery Garden, the R. Henry Norweb Jr. Tree Allée, the restoration of Corning Lake, the Judith and Maynard H. Murch IV Tree Canopy Walk, the Walter and Jean Kalberer Emergent Tower and other infrastructure improvements.

During three months in 2011 and early 2012 the Botanical Garden raised more than $2.5 million to kick off its Vision for Our Vibrant Future.  That campaign paid for the improvements of the 1966 wing, relocating and improving the library, and renovating what is now called Woodland Hall; institutional re-branding, including a new website; and production of two seasonal celebrations – Glow and Big Spring, Monago said.  

“Shortly thereafter generous donors gave us additional funds for planning for select outdoor spaces and the Indoor Children’s Garden,” she said. “Whenever we have a program or project that speaks to our donors we are successful in raising funds.”

The integration will create an institution with greater opportunities than before. Both institutions are of equal size when it comes to operations, and both need to attract resources to achieve the organizational mission. The combined organization will have a greater capacity for gathering those resources.

“We will be able to do so much more and contribute more on a regional and national level because our resources are being put together,” Ronayne

said. “We keep coming back to the idea that we both improve the world through plants. We just have a wonderful opportunity to bring two sets of assets, locations and talents to further that vision faster than we could ever do on our own individually.”

A New Leaf

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Broer also emphasized how uniting the two organizations would help in creating a greener Northeast Ohio, with a population well versed in the benefits nature offers.

“You have two very like-minded organizations with similar missions that can bring even more energy and resources to what we are interested in doing,” Broer said. “When looking at the issues facing both institutions, ranging from enhancing the green infrastructure of communities to combating nature deficit disorder, we have many more resources and many more minds thinking about the solution.”

One key group that will reap the benefits of a stronger organization are the children of Northeast Ohio, Abbey said. Both institutions have programs aimed at increasing the understanding and connection that area students have with the natural world. At the Arboretum, Growing Students in Science brings students in the second through fifth grades to the Arboretum for hands-on lessons that are paired with classroom visits from Holden instructors. At the Botanical Garden, the Green Corps program was designed to build life, work and leadership skills by employing and educating high school youth through the practice of sustainable agriculture, place-based learning and community engagement.

“Both institutions have education at their core, from the beautiful Hershey Children’s Garden to the soon-to-be-built Tree Canopy Walk and Emergent Tower,” Abbey said. “Education is a top priority, with studies showing that engaging children early, as well as their parents, creates long-term stewards of nature, and that is a good thing.”

The leadership hopes that both Arboretum and Botanical Garden members will embrace the new organization. One of the things Ronayne hopes is that members will share their thoughts with the staff in the coming months.

“Talk to us,” she said. “Over time we want to become one family, one regional asset with worldwide impact, but we still want it to be very personal for our members. We want there to be consistency, we don’t want to confuse our most loyal people who have chosen to have a relationship with us. So I would encourage them to make suggestions.”

Hamilton also encourages the Arboretum members to drive to University Circle and enjoy the plant displays, landscapes and educational programs at the Botanical Garden.

“Holden members have heard me say that Holden is an attractive place fulfilling an inspiring purpose,” he said.

“You will discover the same at the Botanical Garden.”

Vision for Our Vibrant Future

Fothergilla is a charming shrub native to the southeastern United States. The name of the genus, which has also become the common name, honors John Fothergill (1712-1780), a Quaker physician from Essex who introduced and promoted plants native to the United States in England. It has a relic common name of witch-alder and is a member of the witch-hazel family. There are two species, Fothergilla gardenii and Fothergilla major. Fothergilla gardenii is native to moist open pine woods, sphagnum swamps and bogs along the coastal plain from North Carolina to Alabama. Fothergilla major is native to riverbanks, dry slopes and ridge tops of the upper piedmont and in the southern Appalachians from North Carolina and Tennessee to Alabama with an outlying population in Arkansas.

Fothergilla has sweetly fragrant flowers that start blooming in late April or early May. For about three weeks the distinctive creamy-white whorls of stamens are showy. Bees and wasps serve as pollinators. The fall foliage is outstanding, starting as early as September, with yellow, orange and red hues in October and even early November. Plants given sun for a half day or more at the Arboretum exhibit orange and red foliage, while those in mostly shaded locations have excellent yellow fall foliage. Fruiting capsules ripen in September, popping open and expelling their shiny brown seeds about the same distance that you can shoot a watermelon seed by pinching it.

The leaf blades of Fothergilla major are typically 3’- 3 ½” long with as many as six to seven pairs of leaf veins, while those of F. gardenii are typically 2 – 2 ½” long with four to five pairs of leaf veins. Fothergilla major tends to grow significantly taller than F. gardenii. Hybrids between the two species are more difficult to distinguish especially if they are of the F2 generation. Usually F x intermedia have leaf blades that are 2 ½ to 3” long with five to six pairs of leaf veins.

Garden origin hybrids of the two species, named Fothergilla x intermedia, are common in the nursery trade with clonal selections ‘Mount Airy’, ‘Blue Shadow’, ‘Beaver Creek’ and ‘Red Licorice’ having been grown at the Arboretum.

There are Fothergilla x intermedia planted in a mass on the southeast corner of Kirtland-Chardon and Sperry Roads obtained from Warner Nurseries of Willoughby Hills, Ohio in 1972 that now measure 6’-7.5’ tall, with those enjoying a bit more shade being in excellent condition. Other notable plantings of this hybrid can be found west and southeast of Blueberry Pond, and plantings in the Helen S. Layer Rhododendron Garden grew to 10’ tall before being renewal pruned – cut to the base in winter – to make them shorter.

Fothergilla x intermedia ‘Blue Shadow’ has blue-green foliage and may be seen north of Sherwin Pond in the Layer Rhododendron Garden near a sweetbay magnolia (Magnolia virginiana ‘Moonglow’). Fothergilla x intermedia ‘Mt. Airy’ is a selection made by Professor Michael Dirr from Mt. Airy Arboretum in Cincinnati, Ohio. It readily roots from cuttings and has excellent flowers and fall foliage with a slightly more diminutive stature of 5-6’. This is the cultivar I planted in my home landscape and after 10 years ‘Mt. Airy’ has not exceeded 3’.

Fothergilla can spread by stolons (root sprouts) and slowly form a patch. In the landscape, they can be used as specimens, in a border or for naturalizing. The Arboretum’s plants have at times been subject to deer browse but they are not one of their favorite foods. Although Fothergilla is not the easiest plant to cultivate in our gardens, it is certainly worth the effort.

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Fothergillaby Ethan Johnson, plant records curator

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KIE KLISURIC

FOTHERGILLA MAJOR FLOWERHEADS IN SPRING.

DISPLAYIJNG VIBRANT FALL COLOR NORTH OF BLUEBERRY POND.

plant factsLightFull sun to part shade

SourceLocal garden centers

Soil typeMoist, well-drained, acidic

Mature size5-10’

Best locationUSDA Zones 5b-9a

FOTHERGILLA MAJOR

FALL COLOR

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Traditionally known as the swamp owl, the barred owl is an inhabitant of unbroken old-growth wet forests. Barred owls don’t migrate or move from their old forest growth habitat, where the dominant trees include hemlock (Tsuga), maple (Acer), oak (Quercus), hickory (Carya), sycamore (Platanus) and beech (Fagus), which provide plenty of cavities to live in near swamps, streams and lakes.

Barred owls are primarily nocturnal. Their flying wing beats are slow with occasional glides. Their soft feathers and serrated edge outer wing feathers enable them to minimize noise, surprising their prey. Prey includes small animals, such as birds, amphibians, reptiles, squirrels, chipmunks, mice, voles, rabbits and invertebrates. Barred owls even wade in shallow water in pursuit of crayfish or fish. They swallow small prey whole and eat large prey by tearing it into pieces, eating the head first and then the body.

Breeding season begins in late December in the south to mid-March in the north. However, barred owls may scout a nest site as much as a year before using it. They usually nest in a natural cavity 20 to 40 feet high in a tree. On occasion they will use the abandoned nests of squirrels and large birds such as hawks or crows. Cavity nests are unlined and measure 10-13 inches wide and 14-21 inches deep. Non-cavity nests may be flattened and lined with lichen and fresh conifer shoots.

Female barred owls incubate two to three smooth white eggs for 22 to 33 days. Young hatchlings have no sight until the seventh day. Young leave the nest at four to five weeks. Until the sixth week when the young are able to fly, they climb trees by grasping on to the bark with their bill and talons, flap their wings and walk their way up trunks. Both parents tend to the nestlings and continue to care for their young for more than four months.

bird factsDescriptionA stocky, large, dark-eyed owl. White all over with gray-brown vertical bars on neck and breast and streaks on belly; no ear tufts

Size17-24 inches; Wingspan: 3.5-4 feet

RangeYear-round resident of British Columbia, Alberta, Quebec and Nova Scotia south to northern California and throughout the eastern United States to Texas and Florida

VoiceEight to nine notes, described as “Who cooks for you? Who cooks for you-all?” 

Best location to view at HoldenWoodland Trail, Pierson’s Creek Trail and Old Valley Trail

Barred Owl (Strix varia) by Rebecca Thompson, Growing Students in Science program coordinator

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Holden’s Annual Volunteer Recognition Program and Clambake Dinner celebrated the fact that “Holden Volunteers are Something to Sprout About!” The annual event was attended by 400 volunteers, guests and staff during which “Sprout Outs” and thanks were given to acknowledge all the hard work this past year. All volunteers who contributed 25 or more hours of service between Aug. 1, 2013 and July 31, 2014 received an invite for two to this year’s event.

The program began with Clem Hamilton, Holden’s president and CEO, and Paul Abbey, chairman of the Arboretum’s Board of Directors, recapping the highlights of the past year and sharing all the exciting things to come, such as the Corning Lake restoration, the canopy walk and emergent tower, and the integration with the Cleveland Botanical Garden. Staff from the Botanical Garden assisted with the event.

Holden staff put together a video of “Sprout Outs” in which they shared their thanks for all that the volunteers have done, along with some amazing statistics. Did you know that in 2014 there were 10 special events that attracted more than 18,000 visitors? That’s enough to fill the Lake County Captains stadium more than three times! We would not have been able to do that without the help of volunteers.

Three volunteers who reached the milestone of more than 1,000 hours – Don Allen, Carol Pae and Tom Springer – received special recognition. Following this, the 2013 volunteer of the year, Richard Beck, presented Holden’s volunteer awards of Watering Can, Lantern and Volunteer of the Year.

The Watering Can awards are for those volunteers that aren’t always the public face of the Arboretum, but we couldn’t be who we are without them. Watering cans lend a personal feel to the art of watering the garden. Like watering cans, these volunteers add a personal touch and bring life to the areas in which they volunteer. The 2014 Watering Can Award recipients were Fred Orenics, special events volunteer; Sandy Cobb, volunteer office and research volunteer; and Jack Blackwell, horticulture and development volunteer.

For volunteers that are more visible to our guests and members, the Lantern Awards were given to three individuals. A lantern is defined as a portable lighting device used to illuminate broad areas. These volunteers light our path so that we can achieve more, and they simply light up our day. The 2014 recipients of the Lantern Awards were Dick Douglas, VIP guide; Tom Yates, Lantern Court gardener; and Leslie Baeuerlen, Corning Visitor Center and administrative building receptionist, and Green Team member.

The evening’s final presentation was the R. Henry Norweb Jr. Volunteer of the Year Award, recognizing an individual who goes above and beyond to contribute a needed service and devotes a significant amount of time to the Arboretum. The Volunteer of the Year makes an impact producing positive changes and connecting people with nature! The recipient of the 2014 Volunteer of the Year award was Hap Howle.

volunteeringHolden Volunteers areSomething to Sprout About!By Sarah Hartley, acting volunteer coordinator

PHOTOS BY DAVE BROWN

ABOVE: LANTERN AWARD

WINNERS DICK DOUGLAS,

LESLIE BAEUERLEN AND

TOM YATES.

RIGHT: WATERING CAN AWARD

WINNER FRED ORENICS.

VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR, HAP HOWLE.

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Many visitors may appreciate the peaceful serenity and natural beauty found on the trails that wind through the gardens and forests at The Holden Arboretum. But just off the trail that winds through Bole Woods, Holden’s research staff are studying those same forests in order to gain a better understanding of their growth, and the important functions plants provide in our daily lives. Human alteration of the environment can threaten forests and the services they provide society and impact their ability to serve as a refuge for important animal and insect populations. Climate change, acid rain and landscape fragmentation can alter the growth and survival of many forest plant species, and a greater understanding of these threats and how forest plants respond is needed to properly manage these important natural resources. In addition, many of our street trees and landscape plants are threatened by invasive pests and diseases, such as emerald ash borer and beech bark disease, which impact the use of these plants in home landscapes and communities. Researchers at Holden are working on understanding how these problems affect our plants and forests, but they are not alone in their work. A series of partnerships has linked the Arboretum to universities and agencies across the state, expanding the scope of the work being conducted and opening its natural areas to outside researchers.

Currently, Holden’s research department has strong working relationships with several Ohio universities, including Case Western Reserve University, Kent State University and Ohio State University, and Holden researchers hold academic faculty appointments at these institutions. A memorandum of understanding with Kent State University was signed two years ago to formalize the long-standing relationship between the institutions and to enhance educational and research partnerships between Holden and the university. In addition, faculty from both Case Western Reserve University and Kent State University hold appointments as adjunct scientists at Holden, which grants greater use of Holden laboratories and natural areas for our university research partners. Holden’s research scientists also maintain relationships with their peers at a number of different universities across the country focused on specific projects.

Holden’s research collaborations are not limited to academic institutions however. Arboretum scientists are also collaborating with organizations including the Cleveland Metro Parks and the USDA Forest Service. A decade-long collaborative study conducted at the Arboretum by the USDA Forest Service examined trees for resistance to beech bark disease. After studying and challenging 400 beech trees, USDA scientists have identified 80 that are resistant to the disease, which will be maintained at the Arboretum as a seed plantation for beech trees. The Arboretum and the Forest Service are now embarking on a new collaborative project that will examine the resistance of some ash trees to emerald ash borer. The goal is to find ash individuals that may be resistant to this invasive pest.

These partnerships, whether with institutions of higher education; local, regional or national agencies; or with businesses such as Davey Tree or Bartlett Tree, also play a significant role when it comes to seeking outside funding for Holden’s research and programs, explained Jim Pelowski, the Arboretum’s interim director of development.

“In approaching any sort of funding organization, significant partnerships are always looked at with favor,” he said. Research partnerships Holden has forged with other institutions demonstrates Holden’s commitment to finding solutions to problems affecting conservation and the sustainability of our natural resources.

While many of these partnerships have been created in the past 10 years, they fulfill the vision of some of the Arboretum’s early leadership. In a 1981 interview, Emery May (Holden) Norweb, daughter of the Arboretum’s founder, Arthur Fairchild Holden, talked to an interviewer about how she envisioned Holden.

“I have always thought of the arboretum, never in terms of the public, but in terms of a school, attached probably to Case Western Reserve, and having a horticulture laboratory where they did their botany work and attached to it a group of diseased plants that they would work on and find out what it was, the disease, and if there was a cure for it.”

While her son, R. Henry Norweb Jr., focused on public programing at the Arboretum, which brought visitors to the grounds, he was also supportive of research that was “not

‘ivory tower,’ but rather accountable to having a practical impact on the health and diversity of trees and forests.”

The connections Holden is forging are also helping to build a foundation for future research, as the Arboretum’s staff plays an active role in the education of the next generation of scientists, serving as a National Science Foundation Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) site and providing training for undergraduate students working toward degrees in the sciences. Holden scientists also work with post-doctoral researchers, as well as graduate and undergraduate students.These kinds of collaborations are an important part of science in general, said David Burke, chairman of the research department, bringing together people with different perspectives, which can bring new insight to problems.

“Different perspectives can lead to innovations,” he said. “The problems we are dealing with are complex and require different perspectives from different disciplines to come up with solutions. I think the partnerships are important for us as well. It really creates synergy – it allows us to do more than we can on our own.

“You need collaborators, you need partners,” he said. “It allows you to create a legacy that is more than the sum of its parts.”

partnershipsHolden research partnerships:Creating Success in Plant Research and Education

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Thousands of plants have been introduced to the United States from other parts of the world. Some have come here accidentally in seed stock, while others were brought here intentionally for horticultural use. A small number of these introduced plants have gotten a little too comfortable in their new environment. Because they have no native predators and produce a lot of fruit and seed that are efficiently dispersed, they are invading natural areas. The aggressiveness of these invasive plants affects natural areas and wildlife by decreasing biodiversity, competing with native and rare plants and eliminating wildlife habitat and food sources.

Plant This, Not That features native alternatives to a commonly used landscape plant that has become invasive. The alternatives were chosen because their characteristics – form, flowers, fruit or fall color – are similar to that of the invasive and fulfill the same landscaping need. Plants that are native to Ohio are recommended when possible as native species are generally well-adapted to local climates and provide additional resources for wildlife. However, there are many non-native plants on the market that are also non-invasive and possess great ornamental value.

The InvasiveAegopodium podagraria (bishop’s goutweed)

not thatplant this

Aegopodium podagraria is an herbaceous perennial that has made itself comfortable in the Midwest and Northeast regions of the country since the mid 1800s. Native to Eurasia, it is an important member of European plant communities, most commonly growing in deciduous woodlands, grasslands and riparian zones, according to the U.S. Forest Service. Historically it was used medicinally to treat gout and arthritis. In North America, A. podagraria has proven to be adaptable to a wide range of soils. Possibly brought to this continent by immigrants because of its role as a medicinal plant, this persistent ornamental ground cover quickly took off across the landscape.

A. podagraria’s dainty white flowers are in small clusters atop small flower stalks that spread from a common point on the main stem, resembling its close relative, Daucus carota (Queen Anne’s lace), which is a common sight along roadsides and fields. Its main stem is hollow and its leaves come in groups of three leaflets. According to the U.S. Forest Service, this plant has an extensive root system that includes rhizomes – underground runners – which allows the plant to spread. A. podagraria is clonal, and will grow in clusters to form thick carpets, restricting light and resources available to native plants.

The variegated version of A. podagraria is easy to propagate, which makes it an attention getter for nurseries, but doesn’t outweigh its negative factors, said Charles Tubesing, The Holden Arboretum’s plant records curator.

“It’s aggressive and persistent, and there are plenty of good alternatives we can recommend that won’t get out of hand,” Tubesing said. You plant to fill a garden bed, but it’s not going to stop at the edge of that garden bed, so that means you have make an effort to keep it in bounds.”

by Eva Rodriguez, education intern

Goutweed variegated foliage Leslie J. Mehrnoff, University of Connecticut, bugwood.org

Goutweed inflorescence. Leslie J. Mehrhoff, University of Connecticut, Bugwood.org

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Zizia aurea (golden Alexander)

Anemone canadensis (Canada anemone)

Like Aegopodium podagraria, Zizia aurea is a member of the carrot family. A perennial that can grow up to two feet tall, Z. aurea has radiant yellow flowers that look similar in structure to A. podagraria and bloom in May and throughout June. As temperatures rise in the summer and early fall, Z. aurea’s foliage and seed pods turn slightly purple to create a dynamic garden scene. Its native range extends from eastern Canada down to the southern United States. Despite its extensive range, Z. aurea requires moist soil and full sun, according to the Missouri Botanical Garden, and it is recommended for planting in rain gardens or along stream banks.

Z. aurea greatly benefits to local wildlife. The shallow, miniature flowers are the perfect pollen baskets for insect pollinators with short mouthparts such as bees and small butterflies. According to the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, Z. aurea is also a larval host for the striking black swallowtail butterfly, which eats its foliage as a caterpillar and enjoys the pollen and nectar as an adult. Plant Z. aurea in your yard and prepared to be visually inspired.

If you’re looking for a native ground cover species that is also great to look at, Anemone canadensis is a herbaceous perennial that makes a perfect ground cover. A. canadensis has deeply furrowed foliage that is uniquely shaped with individual white flowers that bloom from April through June, according to the Missouri Botanical Garden. At The Holden Arboretum, you will find examples of it in the Helen S. Layer Rhododendron Garden.

Not only does A. canadensis reproduce through seed production, but it also reproduces utilizing underground rhizomes. This plant’s quick rhizome activity is what makes this plant a fabulous choice for ground cover, but, this can also be a drawback. Due to A. canadensis’ adaptable behavior, in favorable soil conditions – moist soil and partial sun – it can grow aggressively, becoming crowded, which limits the number of flowers on the plant. Because of this, when planting A. canadensis, space the plants about 12 inches apart. Even though A. canadensis can run a bit wild, it is a native plant that supports our wildlife, quickly regenerates after copious amounts of damage from browsing deer and provides nectar to bees and beetles.

The Alternatives

Black swallowtail caterpillars on golden Alexander. Ansel Oommen, Bugwood.org

Golden Alexander Zizia aurea. David Cappaert, Michigan state University, Bugwood.org

Canada anemone as groundcover. Rob Routledge, Sault College, bugwood.org

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What do you do at Holden?I am the horticulturist of the Helen S. Layer Rhododendron Garden.

What do you like about your job?I love working outdoors with a wide variety of woody plants.

Do you have a favorite spot on the grounds? So far my favorite spot in the grounds is the area in the Layer Garden where the stump carving is located. I love the little open pocket amongst a large, mature tree canopy.

What did you do before working here? Before working here I worked for a short time with a tree care company in Boise, Idaho, and prior to that I worked as the horticulture curator and forester for Spring Grove Cemetery and Arboretum.

What do you do when you aren’t at work?When not at work I enjoy recreating outside, playing guitar, woodworking, sporting events and spending time with family.

What do you do at Holden?As part of the Guest Relations staff, the most important aspect of my job is to ensure that our guests and members have an enjoyable experience here, whether they are here for a special event, occasion or just an afternoon stroll.

What do you like about your job?One of the best parts of my job is the opportunity to work alongside such dedicated and pleasurable coworkers.

Do you have a favorite spot on the grounds? One of my favorite spots on the grounds is the Molly Offutt Memorial Boardwalk. Down about 96 stairs, the view along Pierson Creek is beautiful.

What did you do before working here? Most recently, I was an instructor for the Growing Students in Science program here at Holden. Prior to that I was in the advertising and public relations industry, as well as owner of a children’s play and music franchise.

What is the one thing visitors to the Layer Garden should know?The Layer Garden provides a unique experience within Holden offering mature tree cover with established beds of rhododendron from all over the globe. It is a great place to enjoy a walk, study plants, or simply relax.

What do you do when you aren’t at work?When I’m not at work, I spend time with my husband and three children. I love being involved with their school, sports and activities.

What is the one thing every visitor to Holden should see? There are so many gorgeous gardens and outstanding tree displays on the grounds, there is always something stunning to enjoy!

meetAaron Kash

meetChristine Van Dusen DiFabio

Horticulturist

Guest Relations Representative

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What do you like about your job?Making someone’s big day happen! Especially here at Holden, this is a magical place and we can share it with everyone!

Do you have a favorite spot on the grounds? I love the wildflower garden and the pond at Lantern Court!

What do you do when you are not at work?I love to read and to visit far away places and to shop, usually for shoes.

What do you do at Holden? I’m the horticulturist in charge of Lantern Court.

What do you like best about your job? I love taking care of old estates – the history, the old trees and shrubs – I find something new almost every day.

Do you have a favorite spot on the grounds?My favorite spot would be the Japanese maple bed overlooking the salamander pond, also primrose valley.

What did you do before coming to Holden? I was a caretaker/head gardener on a private estate on the shores of Lake Ontario in Henderson Harbor for nine years. Also worked at a large estate on the St. Lawrence River for a couple years, while tending to gardening clients on the side. Both places were rich in history with formal and informal gardens. Before the estate jobs, I was a district tech. for the Jefferson County New York Soil and Water Conservation District. While working with Soil and Water, I was in charge of working with USDA on erosion and soil stabilization projects within the U.S. Army Ft. Drum Military Base in Watertown, N.Y. I grew up on a dairy farm in the Hudson Valley, crop manager on the family dairy in Henderson, N.Y.

Why is Holden a great place for a private event? The people! We have such a wonderful generous group of staff and volunteers all working to make this place an amazing experience!

What do you do when you’re not at work? When I’m not at work, I find myself fishing, canoeing, cycling, skiing, hiking or just touring gardens somewhere, imagine that! (I used to do technical rock climbing, but I think I moved to the wrong state.)

What do you think would surprise guests about the gardens at Lantern Court? Most visitors at Lantern Court are surprised at the mansion, which can’t be seen from the road, the gardens that surround it and the selection of plants hidden on this wonderful property. It is truly a botanical garden in its own right.

meetShannon Bradick

meetCraig Schrader

Private Event Coordinator

Horticulturist

staff news

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EROSION ALONG THE STREAM WAS IMPACTING THE HILLSIDE.

THE REPAIRED HILLSIDE WILL BE PLANTED IN THE SPRING.

by Chad Knisely, natural areas manager

Partnership results in Stream RestorationA cooperative effort involving The Holden Arboretum, Chardon Township and the Chagrin River Watershed Partners is helping to preserve the water quality in one of Ohio’s State Scenic Rivers.

Erosion along an unnamed stream that runs adjacent to Wisner Road and flows through a portion of the Arboretum’s Baldwin natural area as well as private property with conservation easements, was threatening the water quality in the East Branch of the Chagrin River.

The Chardon Township Board of Trustees was awarded a grant from the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency’s Surface Water Improvement Fund to restore a reach of headwater stream within Chardon Township. The restoration effort has been conducted on a 225’ section of the stream adjacent to Wisner Road. Part of the headwater stream flows southwest along Wisner Road before turning west and dropping into the East Branch Chagrin River, just north of the intersection of Wisner and Mitchells Mills roads.

Headwater streams are the capillaries of a watershed. Larger river systems are highly connected to their headwater streams, and their health and quality is highly dependent on the headwater streams that feed them. Technically headwater streams have small drainage areas, usually less than 20 square miles and have unique assemblies of fish, salamanders and macroinvertebrates. Headwater streams vary in flow rates and can have flowing water year round or dry channels during the summer months. Many headwater streams lack permanent fish populations due to their intermittent nature and instead have salamanders at the top of the food chain. Two-lined and dusky salamanders are commonly found in the Arboretum’s headwater streams.

Over time the headwater stream along Wisner Road began to erode its own channel both deeper and wider, transporting excessive sediment downstream, shrinking streamside habitat and threatening the structural integrity of Wisner Road. The exact reasons for the excessive erosion are unclear. However, repeated heavy storm events and impervious surfaces causing excessive runoff may have caused the severe erosion. It’s highly probable the excessive erosion is due to a combination of the above factors and rather than any single reason.

All streams erode, in fact erosion is a natural stream process and the transport of eroded material is critical to a streams

ability to maintain itself. Without the transport and constant influx of eroded material a stream channel would primarily be all bedrock and largely void of life. It is the spaces between the boulders, cobble and gravel that give room for life to exist in a stream. Combine this habitat with woody debris and leaf matter from intact forest areas surrounding a stream and you have all the ingredients for life to exist. However, as with anything else, it is possible to have too much of a good thing. With too much erosion comes the presence of fine sediments such as sand, silt and clay. These fine sediments settle out and quickly fill in the interstitial spaces between cobble and gravel, choking out stream life that fits in the bottom of the food chain. It is this excessive erosion of the subject headwater stream that caused downstream sedimentation, a loss of streamside habitat and the failure of the Wisner Road embankment.

The headwater stream restoration project is designed to alleviate these issues by meeting three goals:

• Restore the natural stream and riparian habitat

• Reduce erosion and transport of sediment

• Stabilize the embankment along Wisner Road

In addition to the cooperative effort by the township, the Chagrin River Watershed Partners and the Arboretum, there are several other partners involved in this important stream habitat restoration project, including the Lake County Soil and Water Conservation District, the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers, the Ohio Scenic Rivers Program and the Ohio EPA. The work was handled by the Davey Resource Group. All the partners have been involved in determining a stream design that will meet the specified goals. After several meetings, design iterations and weather setbacks a final design was reached, and permits issued, enabling work to begin this summer.

Ultimately the bed of the stream was raised several feet and a series of step pools were created. The step pools will help dissipate the energy of the flowing water and subsequently the waters ability to erode its channel. Instead of flowing straight and fast through a steep grade with high energy and erosive power, the water will flow over a series of low dams into shallow pools. This design should stabilize the stream channel and reduce erosion. The Holden Arboretum will re-establish the riparian habitat next to the stream with plantings in the spring of 2015 using plants propagated from seeds collected from the Arboretum’s natural areas during the fall of 2013. Supplemental plantings may be made during the fall of the same year. Re-establishing the streamside vegetation will further stabilize the stream channel and enhance the stream’s riparian habitat and health.

ROCKS WERE USED TO CREATE

STEP POOLS TO SLOW EROSION

ALONG THE STREAM.

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Barred Owl (continued from page 9)

Something to Sprout About (continued from page 10)

Barred owl populations increased 1.7 percent per year between 1966 and 2010, according to the North American Breeding Bird Survey. Since barred owls are forest birds, they are often used as indicator species for managing old forest. They need large trees for nest sites, which make them sensitive to logging and development. Besides humans, great horned owls are the most serious predatory threat to barred owls.

In nominating Howle, one staff member wrote, “Hap is one of a kind. He does not say much, and he is very understated, but boy does he deliver. Hap started volunteering by leading school kids. Nature education was not his profession, but it is his passion. He quickly added natural areas tours to his repertoire, and he is always ready to help. Little kids - no problem. Big kids – when do you want me there? Families – how many? Camp groups – how tired do you want them at the end? Need help developing a new tour on Little Mountain for schools – love too! Hap always does Holden proud. He will try anything and works to make it the best that he can.”

Howle took the Ohio Certified Volunteer Naturalist (OCVN) course here at Holden when it was first offered, which is just another example of how he wanted to make sure he was doing the best job he could. He has taken the lead with a group from OCVN to create scarecrows for Scarecrow Row, part of Goblins in the Garden. He has also assisted at many Holden special events. He has given over 100 hours each year that he has been here.

After the program, a traditional clambake dinner of clams, chicken, sweet potatoes, corn and rolls were enjoyed by all. The evening finished with raffle prizes and sweets. A big Holden Sprout Out to everyone that attended for making it a very special evening!

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By Cait Anastis, editor

Exploring aWinter WonderlandWinter is coming, but that doesn’t mean the opportunities to explore the gardens and natural areas have to end. The changing season offers a number of opportunities for visitors to battle cabin fever and experience the unique beauty that winter brings to the grounds.

A winter hike is a great way to do both.

“I think it gives people a chance to see Holden in a different light,” said Marian Williams, manager of information services. “It’s a whole different palette of colors and shapes that people can experience in the winter time.”

Guided hikes in the winter allow visitors to explore Little Mountain and Stebbins Gulch. Snowshoe hikes are offered each weekend in January and February, provide guests with the opportunity to explore the gardens and natural areas in the core area even in deep snow. There are also a number of family programs designed to get families out to enjoy the snow.

“One of the benefits of living in Northeast Ohio is that there are four seasons, and they make snow boots, scarves and mittens for a reason,” said Sharon Graper, manager of academic services. “If we all remember back to when we were little, snow is fun. Kids still think it’s fun.”

One of the programs planned will give children the opportunity to create gingerbread houses with natural materials found on the Arboretum’s grounds, she said. Participants will go out

to collect the decorating materials before coming back inside to work on their houses. Other programs for children include family snowshoe hikes that are planned for both President’s Day and Martin Luther King Jr. Day, giving families the opportunity to make the most of the day off school. Children enjoy the winter hikes, Graper said, because they have an opportunity to crunch through the snow and it’s easy to spot animal tracks.

The winter allows adults to experience the world in a different way as well, Williams said. Your other senses seem to be heightened in the winter and sound travels farther. Without foliage, visibility is also greater, making it a perfect time to get a better look at the Arboretum’s resident birds.

“The birds that are here are either winter residents or year-round residents, so it’s a good time to learn those species,” Williams said.

For guests who may not be able to hike the trails during the winter, other programming, including the popular Fireside Lecture Series, can help you experience the outdoors while remaining in a comfortable indoor setting.

“Keeping active is good for your own health, both body and mind,” Williams said. “The Holden Arboretum offers plenty of opportunities to be active. For me, it’s those three things – keeping yourself active, keeping your mind active and keeping your spirits up.”

JACKIE KLISURIC

CRATAEGUS VIRIDIS ‘WINTER KING” (GREEN HAWTHORNE)ON THE LEFT, ILEX VERTICILLATA (WINTERBERRY)

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Construction suspends cross-country skiingCross-country skiing at The Holden Arboretum will be suspended this winter due to the restoration work being done at Corning Lake and the upcoming installation of a deer fence around Holden’s core gardens.

The construction at Corning Lake has impacted a significant portion of the traditional ski trails and has limited access to other parts of the property for skiers. Because the projects will effect a significant number of the trails used by skiers, the Arboretum will not be grooming trails or allowing skiing and is asking skiers to enjoy the trails at surrounding parks instead.

Snowshoes can still be used on existing hiking trails, and the Arboretum will be creating walkable paths for those who want to visit the gardens. A map of both will be available at the Corning Visitor Center.

shorts

Statement of ownership, management and circulation

Publication title: Leaves

Publication No. 0518-2662

Filing Date: Sept. 30, 2014

Issue Frequency: Bi-monthly

No. of issues published annually: 4

Annual subscription price: $10 members; $55 nonmembers

Mailing address of known office of publication: 9500 Sperry Road, Kirtland, OH

Mailing address of headquarters: same

Full name and complete mailing address of the publisher, editor and managing editor: The Holden Arboretum, addresses the same.

Editor, Cait Anastis; Managing Editor, N/A

Owner: The Holden Arboretum, address the same

Known bondholders, mortgages, security holders: None

Tax status purpose, function and nonprofit status of this organization and the exempt status for federal income tax purposes has not changed in the preceding 12 months.

Publication name: Leaves

Issue date for the following information: Fall 2014

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Total # of copies 7,250 7,250

Paid/requested outside county mail subscriptions

3,754 3,757

Paid/requested in-county mail subscriptions

2,988 3,006

Sales through dealers/carriers 0 0

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Total free distribution 466 466

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Total 7,250 7,250

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Total Requested and Paid Print Copies

6,742 6,763

Total Requested Copy Distribution

7,208 7,229

Percent Paid 93% 93%

Glow Member Night, Tuesday, Dec. 9, 6-8:30pmIt’s been an exciting year for Cleveland Botanical Garden and The Holden Arboretum, and in appreciation for you, our members, we invite you to a special members-only night during Glow 2014. Enjoy an enchanting evening, with members-only access to fabulously decorated trees, softly-lit outdoor gardens and Santa’s annual visit for members. Other special highlights of the evening include, holiday treats, special 20 percent discount in the Garden Store, cash bar and free, limited indoor parking.

Admission is free, advance reservations should be made no later than Wednesday, Dec. 3 by calling 216.721.1600, ext. 100, or visit cbgarden.org/membernight to make your reservation.

Because we have extended our hours during Glow, please feel free to bring your friends any other night during the show!

Mondays – closed Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, Sunday – close at 6pm Wednesday, Friday – close at 9 pm

9500 Sperry RoadKirtland, Ohio 44094440.946.4400holdenarb.org

Please notify Holden of change of address.

periodicalspostage paidMentor, Ohio

®

JACKIE KLISURIC

Picea glauca (white spruce)