QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER OF THE UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON BOTANIC GARDENS COLLEGE OF FOREST RESOURCES : - R L • 74 vmm *’ / sw * . 3 W , '*/■ 1^— • * 111 V H i U : f pL_ Cultural and scientific studies were included in an interdisciplinary research project in China by a UWteam. Left: Tibetan prayer flags show cultural ties in Sichuan, China. Right: UW students set up vegetation monitoring plot in Jiuzhaigou National Park. Many Ways to See a Landscape LAUREN URGENSON IN THIS ISSUE 1 Jiuzhaigou National Park 2 Director’s Notes 3 News from UWBG 4- Miller Library News 5 Community Connections 6-7 Classes & Events 7 ProHort Classes This June, Julie Combs and I (College of Forest Resources PhD students) traveled to Jiuzhaigou National Park in Sichuan Province, China as part of a research team composed of faculty and students from the University of Washington, Sichuan University, and Jiuzhaigou National Park science staff. Our research objective was to investigate patterns of human impact on biodiversity and ecosystem health in Jiuzhaigou National Park from multiple perspectives, with research conducted by an international, interdisciplinary team. Professors Tom Hinckley (Forest Resources) and Dick Olmstead (Biology) led the UW group, which included students in biology, botany, conservation, ecology, anthropology, economics, geology and archaeology. Jiuzhaigou National Park is ecologically and culturally phenomenal. Located at the northern end of the Minshan mountain range, it is renowned for its high mountain peaks (over 1 5,000 feet high) and karst topography that create a unique landscape of abundant waterfalls and crystal blue lakes. "Jiuzhaigou" means nine-village valley and historically, there were nine Tibetan villages in the area. Today three of these villages have been abandoned, while two have fewer than 10 people. In accordance with Jiuzhaigou National Park's designation as a United Nations World Heritage Site, many of the traditional agricultural and pastoral practices within the park have ceased and the remaining villages have moved to tourism as a primary source of income. Future land use in the park is also changing as tourism numbers skyrocket (approximately 2,100,000 people visited in 2006). Considering these factors affecting the landscape, Jiuzhaigou National Park Continued on Page 8 Director’s Notes DAVID J. MABBERLEY It seems logical that a botanic garden in a university setting would have research and education as crucial elements of its mission. This issue's cover story highlights one example of many important research projects underway at the University of Washington Botanic Gardens, and throughout this newsletter you will find examples of the wide variety of educational programs offered. In addition to contributing to the University of Washington's academic programs, the UW Botanic Gardens reaches many community members through a variety of public classes and programs. Our adult education programs cover subjects for which there is a clear public demand; we also develop innovative programming like the successful garden writing workshop held recently, and upcoming yoga classes this fall. Our youth programs continue to grow, with over 8,000 children participating in our 2006-outdoor education programs, story times at the Miller Library, and service learning projects. In recent years, the Arboretum Foundation has supported much of the education programming at the Arboretum. This year, Nancy Davidson Short has made a munificent pledge to provide scholarships funds in perpetuity that will enable children from low-income backgrounds to attend our programs (see article, p. 3). 7 believe that the university — and the UW Botanic Gardens in particular — has a pivotal role in bringing plant, and indeed general ecological, issues to the public of all ages. ” Professor Kern Ewing, UW Botanic Gardens’ Head of Restoration, gives tour of the Union Bay Natural Area to members of the newly -formed Director’s Guild. With an increasingly 'nature-illiterate' society, I believe that the university - and the UW Botanic Gardens in particular - has a pivotal role in bringing plant, and indeed general ecological, issues to the public of all ages. This is increasingly the role of botanic gardens around the world. Public interest in botanic gardens is therefore getting a new focus and I am delighted that in the past few months a number of prominent supporters of the UW Botanic Gardens have accepted invitations to become members of our newly established Director's Guild (see article, p. 3). This body is not only concerned with financial contributions, but has the even more important task of spreading the word about our work and soliciting support throughout the local community and beyond. I am greatly heartened by the gusto with which Guild Members have taken on this work which they tell me they are finding not only rewarding but also great fun! David Mabberley M.A. (Oxon.), Ph.D. (Cantab.), is the Director of the University of Washington Botanic Gardens and the Orin and Althea Soest Professor of Horticultural Sciences in the UW College of Forest Resources. Camas Quarterly Camas Quarterly is named for the Northwest native plant Camassia quamash, a beautiful perennial herb with a significant ethnobotanical history. It has been an important food source for First Peoples (Native Americans) in the region. Editor: Elizabeth Loudon eloudon@u.washington.edu 206-543-3889 UNION BAY NATURAL AREA UNION BAY GARDENS ELISABETH C. MILLER LIBRARY OTIS DOUGLAS HYDE HERBARIUM www.uwbotanicgardens.org WASHINGTON PARK ARBORETUM CENTER FOR URBAN HORTICULTURE UW BOTANIC GARDENS MANAGEMENT David J. Mabberley, Director Carrie Cone, Administrative Services Kern Ewing, Head of Restoration Fred Hoyt, Grounds and Facilities Elizabeth Loudon, Education and Outreach Brian Thompson, Elisabeth C. Miller Library Sarah Reichard, Head of Conservation UW BOTANIC GARDENS HEADQUARTERS Box 3541 15 Seattle, WA 981 95-41 15 206-543-8616 PHONE 206-685-2692 FAX uwbg@u. washington.edu WASHINGTON PARK ARBORETUM Graham Visitors Center Box 358010 Seattle, WA 98195-8010 206-543-8800 PHONE 206-616-2871 FAX MISSION: Sustaining managed to natural ecosystems and the human spirit through plant research, display, and education News from UW Botanic Gardens MAJOR PLEDGE FOR EDUCATION PROGRAMS WENDY KELLEY The UW Botanic Gardens' education program got a major boost this year when longtime Arboretum supporter Nancy Davidson Short pledged a significant gift of $300,000 in her will. This gift will create an endowment for the youth education program, and stems from Nancy's love for the Arboretum and for children, and her particular desire that low-income children have access to UW Botanic Gardens elementary school programs, long supported by the Arboretum Foundation. Many disadvantaged children do not have an opportunity to spend time in and learn about the outdoors. Nancy's belief that such exposure will give these children a richer life inspired her gift, to fund programs where they can learn about trees, plants, and wildlife, Nancy has had a long and interesting career in journalism and an ongoing interest in gardens. She began her career as a freelance writer, then went on to spend nearly 50 years with Sunset Magazine. She became a full-time employee in 1955 as Northwest Editor in the magazine's newly-opened Seattle office which covered the Pacific Northwest, from Oregon to Alaska, and east to Montana. In 1973, after her husband passed away, she moved to Sunset's headquarters in Menlo Park, California to become the magazine's Building Editor. After returning to Seattle in 1982, she continued to write stories for Sunset until 1995. This year, the UW Botanic Gardens has convened a new high-level committee of community members who share a commitment to the organization's mission and programs. This group, the Director's Guild, will act as advocates and ambassadors, and help build support for the UW Botanic Gardens. The following 43 individuals have agreed to be Guild members for a two-year term and to participate as founding members of the Guild: She has been a member of the Arboretum Foundation for decades and was on the Arboretum Foundation Board of Directors for 1 5 years. Currently, she writes a column for the Arboretum Foundation newsletter and is also writing a book about her great-grandmother. "I am delighted to be able to help fund the UW Botanic Gardens and expect to be happily involved in the UW Botanic Gardens and the Arboretum Foundation for the rest of my life," Nancy reported. Wendy Kelley is Major Gifts Officer for the UW Botanic Gardens. To donate or learn more about supporting UW Botanic Gardens, please contact Wendy Kelley at 206-543-4060, or wkelley@ u. washington.edu. For the use and enjoyment of students, staff and visitors, Charlotte and John Behnke and Sally and Bob Behnke have donated four benches now installed on the edge of the Soest Garden, and created an endowment for maintenance. Charlotte Behnke Ken Jacobsen Sue Moss Richie Steffen Joanna Beitel Robert Jones Diana Neely Dave Towne Van Bobbitt Estella Leopold Lee Neff Elizabeth Van Volkenburgh Ann Forest Burns Neal F. Lessenger Dick Olmstead Iris Reid Wagner Dale Cole Sandra Lier Kit O'Neill Dick Walker Jack Collins Steve Lorton Janet and Keith Patrick Karla Waterman Kathy Fries Milenko Matanovic Chuck Pettis Jean Witt Ben Flail Jeanne McNeil T.C. Richmond John Wott Donald Flarris Lock Miller Pat and Walt Riehl Dan Hinkley Frank Minton Fran Sharp Fred Isaac Ciscoe Morris Nancy Davidson Short New for sale in the Miller Library are notecards with vivid watercolors of horticultural images. The watercolors were created by John Behnke, and from them cards have been specifically printed and packaged as a donation, so 100% of the proceeds will support the programs at UW Botanic Gardens. The cards are available in packages of 6 for $18, including tax. 3 Miller Library News ELISABETH CAREY MILLER MEMORIAL LECTURE 2007 Graham Rankin The Most Beautiful Gardens in Wales Thursday, November 1, 2007 at 7:30 p.m. Meany Hall for the Performing Arts, University of Washington Graham Rankin, Director of Operations at Aberglasney Gardens in Wales, is this year's Miller Lecture guest speaker. The author of Magnolia: A Care Manual, published in 1999 by Laurel Glen Publishing, Rankin will lead his audience on a visual tour of some of Wales' most beautiful gardens. A particular focus of the lecture will be the recent, and ongoing, restoration of the abandoned 400-year-old garden at Aberglasney and its planting for the next century. An estate whose existence dates back to the 16th century, Aberglasney suffered from centuries of neglect until it was purchased in 1995 by the Aberglasney Restoration Trust. Since then, the 10 acres of gardens have been gradually and carefully restored. At its heart is a fully restored Elizabethan/Jacobean cloister and parapet walk. Other areas of the garden include a stone gatehouse, estimated to have been built in the 1600s, a Pigeon House Wood planted in the early 1800s, and a yew tunnel that historians and archaeologists suggest dates back to the 18th century. The newest garden is the Ninfarium. Built in 2005, the Ninfarium is a unique garden created within the ruinous central rooms and courtyard of the mansion. As described on the garden's website, "the remaining walls were stabilized and the entire space is covered with a glass atrium," inside which a collection of warm temperate and sub-tropical plants, including orchids, palms, magnolias, and cycads are on display. The name Ninfarium is derived from the gardens at Ninfa, south of Rome. The Miller Lecture and reception are free, thanks to generous funding by the Pendleton and Elisabeth Carey Miller Charitable Foundation. It is sponsored with the Elisabeth Carey Miller Botanical Garden, the Elisabeth C. Miller Library, and the Northwest Horticultural Society. Ticket requests will be accepted beginning Monday, September 24. If you are interested in receiving a ticket to the Elisabeth Carey Miller Memorial Lecture, please send your name and complete mailing address to info@millergarden.org or phone 206-362-8612. Tickets will be mailed to you immediately upon request. Karen Preuss at the NHS booksale earlier thisjear, with fellow library staff member Tray Mehlin. FAREWELL TO KAREN PREUSS Karen Preuss resigned her position as manager of the Miller Library on July 31st because she's "heading home to the east coast." Karen was at the helm for two years, and not only accomplished a great deal, but also seemed to get to know everybody in Seattle during that time. She will continue her membership in the Council on Botanical and Horticultural Libraries and will be back in Seattle for that organization's annual meeting in 2010, hosted by UWBG. In a farewell note, she wrote, "this isn't goodbye, merely a relocation notice!" Brian Thompson will be interim manager while the UW conducts its search for a new manager. Karen will be missed and we wish her all the best in her new home in New York, and hope she finds a good library there. SEASONAL QUESTIONS FROM THE PLANT ANSWER LINE REBECCA ALEXANDER Q: What plant is meant, when referring to sweetgrass baskets? I found the following information about sweetgrass baskets from Beaufort County Library's web site http://www.bcgov.net/ bftlib/sweetgra.htm, which [quotes] historian and museum curator Dale Rosengarten's book, Row Upon Row: Sea Grass Baskets of the South Carolina Lowcountry, on the subject: "Coiled, handmade baskets of sweetgrass (sewn with longleaf pine needles and strips of palmetto leaf) command good prices at roadside stands or on the City Market and streets of Charleston. Slaves had been making coiled baskets (an African technique different from the European weave) since the late 1600s, and the Sea Island baskets are related to those of Angola, Senegambia (now Senegal and Gambia), and the Congo. "The most common material used to be black rush (a marsh grass) bound with strips of white oak or saw palmetto stem. Sweetgrass became popular only at the beginning of the 20th century, when a black community in Mount Pleasant (across the Cooper River from Charleston) began making 'show baskets' from the material. These baskets provided much-needed income in the aftermath of hurricanes and boll weevil infestation. Tourists bought so many baskets that sweetgrass won out over more traditional varieties." "Sweetgrass ( Muhlenbergia filipes) ... is a long-stemmed plant that grows in tufts behind the second dune line from the ocean or along the boundaries between marsh and woods," wrote Rosengarten. "Here, salt- tolerant trees and shrubs have pinned down the sand and stopped it from shifting, creating a stable barrier from tidal flooding. Sweet- grass is 'prized' by the Mount Pleasant sewer system for its flood-controlling qualities." Rebecca Alexander is the Plant Answer Line Librarian at the Miller Library. You can submit your questions about gardening and plants to the Plant Answer Line anytime via email hortlib@u.washington.edu, or by calling 206-UW-PLANT (206-897-5268). The line is staffed during regular library hours. 4 CELEBRATING WILDFLOWERS DEBUTS AT THE OLYMPIC SCULPTURE PARK Cloudless skies, a beautiful park, and summer crowds: the perfect ingredients that helped make Celebrating Wildflowers a great success at its new venue, the Olympic Sculpture Park in downtown Seattle. On Saturday, June 30th, Washington Rare Plant Care and Conservation (UW Botanic Gardens' Rare Care program), in collaboration with the Seattle Art Museum, hosted its sixth annual event to foster an appreciation and understanding of native plants. The Olympic Sculpture Park offered an ideal setting for children to explore plant diversity using all their senses and creative talents. Children and their families enjoyed painting pictures using plant materials, exploring the great diversity of native mosses and their unique structures, and identifying the mystery plant without using their eyes. Participants also had an opportunity to explore the native plantings at the park and learn about their ethno- botanical and horticultural uses. The event was open and free to the public. This event and many other Rare Care activities are made possible by the active involvement of hundreds of volunteers. Rare Care is currently seeking volunteers for monitoring rare plant populations around Washington state, assisting with the Miller Seed Vault, and for office assistance. For more information on Celebrating Wildflowers, Rare Care, or volunteering, contact Wendy Gibble at 206-616-0780. For a complete listing of UW Botanic Gardens volunteer opportunities, visit the As part of building up international connections for the Pacific Connections Garden, UWBG Director David Mabberley recently signed a memorandum of understanding between the College of Forest Resources and the City of Christchurch, New Zealand. This grew from a visit to UW Botanic Gardens by the Mayor of Christchurch in spring 2005 and has been greatly supported by the Seattle-Christchurch Sister City Association ably navigated by Rachel Jacobsen. The agreement relates to staff and plant exchanges and to collaboration including joint plant-collecting expeditions. The UW Botanic Gardens hopes to enter into similar arrangements with other regions of the world represented in the Pacific Connections exhibit. Top: Richard Serra’s Wake at the Olympic Sculpture Park (photo courtesy Seattle Art Museum); bottom: Young visitor tries her hand at painting with plant- based colors at the Celebrating Wildflowers event. volunteer webpage at http://depts. washington.edu/urbhort/html/info/ volunteer.html. NEW ZEALAND CONNECTION A CELEBRATION OF LINNAEUS Dr. Magnus Liden Friday, October 5, 7:30 p.m. • Kane Hall, University of Washington Fee: Tickets $ 1 0 at the Door / NPA Members, Students and Teachers FREE with ID Dr. Magnus Liden, Director of Uppsala Botanic Garden and the Linnaeus Garden in Sweden, will be speaking on the life and contributions of Carl Linnaeus. Linnaeus is considered to be one of the most important figures in the history of botany and the father of modern taxonomy. Presented by the Northwest Perennial Alliance in partnership with the UW Botanic Gardens. For details, visit www.n-p-a.org. Student Lecture and Lunch with Dr. Magnus Liden Sunday, October 7 at 1 p.m. • Center for Urban Horticulture Free - open to students and instructors only This is an exclusive presentation for botany and horticulture students and instructors, and will be followed by a luncheon discussion with Dr. Liden. Email kathleende@hotmail.com by October 1, 2007 to reserve a seat. Miller Library Linnaeus Display See key books on Linnaeus' life and work, plant specimens he named, and the Linnean Medal, won by UW Botanic Gardens director David Mabberley in 2006 at a display at the Miller Library. A concurrent display of books and other materials is at the Seattle Public Library's Central Branch; both displays run through mid-October, as part of the worldwide Linnaeus Tercentenary celebrations. 5 Classes & Events For more information or to register, contact Jean Robins at jrobins@u. washington.edu or 206-685-8033 or visit www.uwbotanicgardens. org and follow the link for Public Education. 5 Easy Steps to Better Soil Saturday September 29, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. Douglas Classroom, Center for Urban Horticulture FEE: $35; PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED INSTRUCTOR: CHRISTINA PFEIFFER, HORTICULTURIST, INSTRUCTOR, AND AUTHOR Early fall is a good time to tackle many soil problems. This class will cover practical approaches to under- standing your soil, and what to do to make it better. Learn how to get the most out of your garden with some easy soil care practices. Bring a sample of soil from your garden to class for analysis. We will also spend time outdoors on-site to view examples of differ- ent soil conditions. Home Project Garden Design Wednesdays, October 3, 10, 17, and 24, 6:30-9:30 p.m. Nursery Visit Saturday, October 27, 10 a.m. - noon Douglas Classroom, Center for Urban Horticulture FEE: $160; PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED INSTRUCTOR: DOUG RICE Add value to your home! Would you like to become your own garden designer? Or just want some good advice? Learn how to make your own plans, work cre- atively with plants, and design for outdoor living. This course is designed for both beginning and experienced gardeners. Great for couples too. The fourth and last night is devoted to your project and plans, followed by a Saturday morning nursery visit to learn planting design. Rice is a landscape architect who has been teaching this class for fifteen years. A Celebration of Linnaeus Co-sponsored by the Northwest Perennial Alliance and the UW Botanic Gardens Friday, October 5, 7:30 p.m. Kane Hall, University of Washington FEE: $10 AT THE DOOR; NORTHWEST PERENNIAL ALLIANCE MEMBERS, STUDENTS, AND TEACHERS FREE WITH I D. Lecture by Dr. Magnus Liden, Director of Uppsala Botanic Garden and the Linnaeus Garden in Sweden. For details, see p. 5. Friday, October 5, 7:30 p.m. Center for Urban Horticulture FREE FOR STUDENTS AND INSTRUCTORS IN BOTANY AND HORTICULTURE. Student lecture and lunch with Dr. Liden. Email kath- leende@hotmail.com by October 1, 2007 to reserve a seat. For details, see p. 5. Miller Library Storytime: Apple Stories Saturday, October 6, 10 - 10:45 a.m. Miller Library, Center for Urban Horticulture W Can you imagine having your own apple tree? Arnold does, and he visits it throughout the year to watch it change with the seasons. We'll learn how apples grow and discuss different ways to eat them. Apples by Ken Robbins The Season's of Arnold's Apple Tree by Gail Gibbons Note for all Library Storytimes: recommended for kids age 2-8 and their families (all ages are welcome). After the stories, join us in the program room for a hands-on activity presented by our guests, the King County Master Gardeners. Botanical Drawing 1: Introduction to Drawing Botanical Forms Thursdays, October 18 -November 15, 7 - 9:30 p.m. Isaacson Classroom, Center for Urban Horticulture FEE: $160; PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED INSTRUCTOR: KATHY MCKEEHEN This course is designed as a self-contained unit or as an introduction to Botanical Drawing 2, for the individual who has little drawing experience or would like to improve drawing skills. Students will learn about drawing tools, papers, and basic plant forms as they progress through exercises and homework assignments. The emphasis will be on accurate line drawing; the foundation of good botani- cal art. Bring drawing paper, pencil, and eraser to the first class where a more complete materials list will be provided. Maple Tree Walk Saturday, October 20, 1 - 2:30 p.m. Meet at the Graham Visitors Center, Washington Park Arboretum FEE: $10; PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED TOUR LEADER: DAVID ZUCKERMAN, HORTICULTURE STAFF SUPERVISOR AT UW BOTANICAL GARDENS Slip into your walking shoes and join David Zucker- man for a comprehensive tour of the Arboretum's maple tree collection, one of the top collections in the country. From the Graham Visitors Center we will head directly to the Woodland Garden, home of the Japa- nese Maple collection. Our next stop will be the North American Maples followed by the Asiatic Maple collec- tion and, time permitting, the European Maples. Dress for the weather, walk will take place rain or shine! Yoga in the Arboretum Wednesdays, October 24, 31 and November 7, 6 - 7:30 p.m. Graham Visitors Center, Washington Park Arboretum FEE: $15 PER SESSION OR $45 FOR THREE; PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED INSTRUCTOR: SHAWNAZUEGE Join Education Coordinator and Certified Hatha Yoga Instructor, Shawna Zuege, for a unique yoga journey at the Arboretum. Classes will be held in the Graham Visitors Center on the grounds of the Washington Park Arboretum. Experience the fall season through an inspirational yoga practice amongst magnificent trees and beautiful fall color. Please bring a yoga mat and block, and water bottle. Dress comfortably. Fabulous Shades of Autumn Saturday, November 3, 9:30 a.m. - noon Meet at Graham Visitors Center, Washington Park Arboretum FEE: $35; PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED INSTRUCTOR: RANDALL HITCHIN, LIVING COLLECTION MANAGER AND REGISTRAR AT UW BOTANIC GARDENS Ever wondered why some trees turn bright colors in the fall? Find out why and discover some fabulous autumn foliage plants for your garden. This walking tour will cover identification, culture, and natural history of 20 trees and shrubs, using the preeminent Pacific North- west woody plant collection as the classroom. Dress for the weather, tour will take place rain or shine! Miller Library Storytime: Harvest Saturday, November 3, 10 - 10:45 a.m. Miller Library, Center for Urban Horticulture Get ready to eat your vegetables! These colorful books about the harvest are guaranteed to make your mouth water. How Groundhog's Garden Grew by Lynne Cherry Eating the Alphabet by Lois Ehlert Miller Library Storytime: Young Gardeners Saturday, December 1,10- 10:45 a.m. Miller Library, Center for Urban Horticulture December is the perfect time to man/el at what a child can create. The Gardener tells the story of Lydia Grace Finch, who leaves her mark on the big, gray city in a very colorful way. In Jack's Garden, Jack grows his own wildlife sanctuary starting from bare soil. The Gardener by Sarah Stewart and David Small Jack's Garden by Henry 6 ort Series For professional continuing education. Miller Library Storytime: Sharing the Garden January 5, 10- 10:45 a.m. Miller Library, Center for Urban Horticulture Who owns a garden? Is a garden just for people, or does a garden belong to the animals too? These two books show how delightful it can be when garden- ers share their patch of earth with wildlife. Whose Garden Is It? by Mary Ann Hoberman Growing Wild by Constance Perenyi ONGOING PROGRAMS AT THE ARBORETUM To register for any of the programs and tours below call 206-543-8801 or e-mail uwbgeduc@u.washington.edu. Saplings School Programs Students explore the Arboretum's world-class collection of trees and shrubs set amongst gardens, meadows, woodlands and wetlands. All programs are aligned with Washington State Essential Aca- demic Learning Requirements (EALRs) and grade level expectations. Offered M-F from 10-1 1:30 a.m. or 1 2:1 5 — 1 :45 p.m.; groups of 1 0 or more; $3 per student. Book now, the calendar is filling fast! Explorer Packs and Family Adventure Packs Take a self-guided tour of the Arboretum with back- packs supplied with field guides, scavenger hunts, magnifying lenses and activity ideas for groups of children in grades K-6 or families. The tree themed packs are good for any time of year. There is also a seasonal Autumn Adventures pack, to explore the mysteries of fall - leaf color changes, photosynthe- sis, seed dispersal through field guides, identifica- tion tools and games. Guided Weekend Walks Walking tours of the Arboretum's renowned plant collections are offered January - November on the 1st and 3rd Sundays at 1 p.m. Meet at the Graham Visitors Center; no fee or advanced registration. Seasonal Tours Plan a special seasonal tour at the Arboretum for your group of 1 0 or more (two weeks advance notice please). Call 206-543-8801 for fee and scheduling information. Stormwater: Turning a Potential Problem into an Asset A Practical Design Workshop for Professionals, offered in partnership with Seattle Public Utilities Wednesday, October 1 7, 8 a.m. - 4:30 pm NHS Hall, Center for Urban Horticulture FEE: $50, PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED, INCLUDES LUNCH ISA CERTIFIED ARBORIST CREDITS PENDING Back by popular demand - register early! Rainwater can be a resource. This practical course shows professionals how to use simple "Low Impact Development" stormwater management techniques to slow, infiltrate, and celebrate rainwater in our landscapes. It's designed for landscape architects, landscape contractors, designers, builders, engineers, architects and planners. Speakers will focus on successful projects around our region, large and small, municipal and private, as teaching tools. Rain gardens, cisterns, permeable paving options, bio-retention swales, soil improvement, plant selection, and landscape design for projects will be presented, along with "how to" guidelines. Upcoming stormwater regulations will require many of these practices, customers are asking for them, and there are many reasons to start using them now. This seminar will show you how. Instructors include: Chris Webb PE (Chris Webb Engineer- ing), Curtis Hinman (WSU), Tracy Tackett PE, Jim Johnson and David McDonald (Seattle Public Utilities), Peg Staeheli and Kathy Gwilym PE (SvR Design), and Shane DeWald ASLA (SDOT). See previous year's seminars at http://depts. Washington, edu/urbhort/html/education/stormwater.htm Pacific Connections Updates The Pacific Connections Garden, a joint project of the Arboretum Foundation, City of Seattle Parks and Recreation Department, and the UW Botanic Gardens is breaking ground this fall, with completion expected in summer 2008. For more information, visit www. uwbotanicgardens.org and follow the links for "Pacific Connections". The Pacific Connections Groundbreaking Thursday, October 11, 1 1 :30 a.m. Washington Park Arboretum Mark your calendars! The long-anticipated ground- breaking for the Arboretum's new Pacific Connections Garden will be on October 1 1th! Please join us to celebrate this milestone accomplishment. Visit the Arboretum Foundation website, www.arboretumfoun- dation.org, for more details on the ceremony. Arboretum Foundation Events For more information, visit www.arboretumfoundation.org or call 206-325-4510. Fall Bulb and Plant Sale Sunday, October 7, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Graham Visitors Center, Washington Park Arboretum Member Pre-Sale (bulbs only) Saturday, October 6, noon - 2 p.m. Don't miss this wonderful fall event, featuring the largest and finest selection of spring-blooming bulbs in the Northwest. You'll find an incredible assortment of tulips, daffodils, crocuses, alliums, grape hyacinths, and specialty bulbs for sale. Many new and exciting varieties will be available, along with a fabulous selection of rare and unusual bulbs, heirlooms, and garden favorites. More than a dozen of the area's leading vendors and nurseries will also be on hand, selling companion plants and bulb-related products. Celebrate the Reds Saturday, October 1 3, noon - 4 p.m. Wells Medina Nursery, Medina, WA Wells Medina Nursery hosts this annual celebration of fall color, fine wines, and Northwest gardens. A wine tasting at the event will benefit the Arboretum. Wells Medina Nursery is located at 8300 NE 24th Street, in Medina. For more information, call 425-454-1853. Greens Galore Saturday, December 1, 2007, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., Graham Visitors Center, Washington Park Arboretum Member Pre-Sale: Friday, November 30, 1 - 3 p.m. A Seattle holiday tradition, Greens Galore offers freshly cut and dried botanical treasures, one-of-a-kind wreaths, hand-made gifts, crafts, and more. You'll find beautiful, ready-made decorations or just about everything you'll need to create your own. Admission and parking are free. Milenko Matanovic carves designs into cedar logs which will become the posts of the interpretive shelter at the Pacific Connections Garden. Photos: Larrv Howard 7 Camas Quarterly QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER OF THE UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON BOTANIC GARDENS COLLEGE OF FOREST RESOURCES BOX 3541 15 SEATTLE, WA 98195-4115 Includes ProHort classes, see page 7 Continued from Page 1 provides an ideal case study for studying the conservation, human ecology, and sustainable management of protected areas around the globe. Julie and I were both part of the ecology and vegetation monitoring research team. After exploring the park, cataloging an incredible diversity of vegetation types, and consulting with park staff, our team established several long-term monitoring plots. Long-term monitoring will enable Jiuzhaigou National Park to track vegetation changes over time, assess the effects of tourism and restoration policies on park environment and biodiversity, and allow for the early detection of non-native invasive plants. Many of the park's meadows were historically maintained through traditional agricultural practices and are now becoming forests due to the end of indigenous farming and national reforestation policies. These meadows represent unique vegetation communities and our data may be useful for future biodiversity conservation and restoration measures in the park. Long-term monitoring plots are most useful if standard methods are used to re-measure the plots every three to five years, and we worked closely with park staff and Sichuan University students to ensure continuity. Aside from our own research, the days we joined other research teams were highlights of the trip. We each spent a day with the anthropology team and conducted interviews with Tibetan village Tibetan stupa (Buddhist shrine) in a valley next to Jiuzhaigou National Park, China, where UW students studied botany and other aspects of landscape management. elders. The archaeology team discovered ancient human artifacts at one of the village sites, some possibly dating back 3,000 years. Given the opportunity to see a landscape through the eyes of a geologist, archaeologist, or anthropologist and discuss our different observations, I was struck by how differently we perceive the same places. Through this experience, it became apparent how each of our perspectives is needed to develop a rich, full understanding of the human environment. Lauren Urgenson is a PhD student in the University of Washington College of Forest Resources Environmental Horticulture and Urban Forestry program (through UW Botanic Gardens). This research trip was part of the Integrative Graduate Education and Research Traineeship (IGERT) program on "Multinational Collaboration on Challenges to the Environment", sponsored by the National Science Foundation.