THE HOLDEN ARBORETUM SPEAKERS LIST
Sharon Graper, Manager of Formal Education
Graper’s relationship with Holden began in 1981 when she chose Holden as the location for her high school senior project. Since 1994, Graper has managed school programming at Holden. She has a master’s degree in science education from the University of Delaware and received her undergraduate degree in environmental science from the University of Virginia.
How to Nurture a Child’s Sense of Wonder
This presentation complete with hand’s-on activities is designed for adults who want to be a companion in their child’s exploration of the natural world. Techniques and activities that encourage children to discover the world around them will be presented. The focus will be on why it is more important to appreciate what is seen, than to know its scientific name.
Karen L. Kennedy, HTR Horticultural Therapist
Kennedy has been employed with Holden since 1986 and is responsible for the development and coordination of the horticultural therapy outreach services. She is a graduate of Kansas State University and worked previously as the assistant horticulturist and horticultural information coordinator at the Garden Center of Greater Cleveland.
What is Horticultural Therapy? (Length: 1 hour)
This program will look at the theory behind the therapy utilizing plants as its medium and its relation to a variety of special populations. The strides that have been made in recent years are encouraging and fascinating.
The Small Space Garden (Length: 1 hour)
Everyone can have a vegetable or flower garden regardless of how much space is available. Through discussion and slides you will learn gardening techniques for growing on patios, balconies and other limited spaces.
Brian Parsons, Director of Conservation
Parsons, a graduate of Beloit College, designed and constructed the Myrtle S. Holden Wildflower Garden and the Arthur and Arlene S. Holden Sr. Butterfly Garden. Areas of special interest include the conservation of native plants, Ohio plant communities, propagation of endangered plant species, the management of natural areas, and natural landscaping.
The Myrtle S. Holden Wildflower Garden: Development, Design and Content
Learn more about the garden’s development, its design scheme and the species, which represent the diversity of Ohio’s native plant communities.
Landscaping for the Birds
Discover the plant species most suitable for attracting birds to your home landscape and the concepts behind this unique landscape approach.
Native Plants in the Home Landscape
This will be a discussion of the use of native species in the landscape and the techniques of incorporating them into a natural design. Slides will illustrate suitable plants as well as design characteristics.
Conservation of Endangered Plant Species
The presentation will describe Holden’s efforts in this endeavor and its work as the Great Lakes regional garden in the Center for Plant Conservation’s national network of botanical institutions.
Natural Areas of The Holden Arboretum
Slides and discussion will focus on the diversity, beauty, and importance of Holden’s ecosystems and the many issues that threaten these valuable strongholds of biodiversity.
Paul C. Spector, Director of Education
Spector has been Holden’s director of education since 1978. He received a bachelor of science degree in environmental conservation from Cornell University and did his graduate work in environmental education at Slippery Rock University.
The Art and History of Maple Syrup Production
The rich history behind the production of maple syrup makes for an interesting and fascinating program. Through film and discussion, you will learn the process undertaken to turn sap into sweet, delicious syrup.
Bird Feeding Basics
Learn the basics of establishing a backyard feeding station. Placement, types of feeders, seed preferences and the species of birds are likely to be attracted will be discussed.
Tips for Attracting Bluebirds
View “A Flying Piece of the Sky,” Holden’s movie on bluebird conservation, followed by a discussion on setting up a successful bluebird-nesting program.
Marian Williams, Manager of Public Programs
Williams is responsible for Holden’s public programs and interpretation of the gardens and natural areas as well as a variety of other special projects. She received her undergraduate degree from Earlham College and her master’s degree from Purdue University.
Underutilized Trees and Shrubs for the Landscape
This one hour program of underutilized, yet highly ornamental trees and shrubs, is a must see. Plants selected for the show are those recommended by Holden staff and current literature. Emphasis is placed on which plant material offers three-season interest through a combination of beautiful flowers, fruit, foliage, bark, form and texture.
Gardening to Attract Butterflies and Moths
The program covers the essentials necessary to design and plant a garden that is highly attractive to butterflies and moths. Learn about the important ecological role butterflies and moths play and the need for conservation.
Hummingbird
Learn about the life history of the hummingbird and how to attract hummingbirds with annuals, perennials, woody plants and a variety of feeders.
Tom Yates, Lantern Court Supervisor
Yates is responsible for the beautiful grounds of Lantern Court, a classic country estate at Holden. An avid naturalist, he leads hikes to Holden’s natural areas and has a vast knowledge of the flora of Northeastern Ohio.
The Holden Arboretum: A Natural History
The rich diversity of flora and fauna to be found at Holden throughout the seasons is explored through slides and discussion.
Wildflowers of Northeastern Ohio
The spotlight is on the beauty of Northeastern Ohio’s wildflowers as you learn about identification characteristics, habitat and cultural requirements.
Propagation of Wildflowers
Tips for home propagation of wildflowers will be covered including transplanting, seed germination and cuttings. Wise conservation practices will be stressed.
Speaker Fees
Programs at your site: $125 plus travel. There may be an additional materials fee for some programs.
Programs at Holden from 9-4 Monday through Friday: $6 per person
Programs at Holden evenings or weekends: $10 per person
For further information contact the Education Department at 440.602.3816