What's Happening at Matthaei-Nichols - January-February 2017

Looking to learn something new about nature and the environment? Check out our calendar offerings from the nonprofit groups that meet here regularly.

All programs take place at
Univ. of Michigan Matthaei Botanical Gardens
1800 N. Dixboro Rd.
Ann Arbor, MI 48105Programs are free and open to the public unless noted otherwise in the listing.

January

Wed., Jan. 18, 7:30 pm

Exploring the Brazilian Pantanal

Presented by Washtenaw Audubon Society

At 75,000 square miles, the Pantanal is the largest wetland in the world, About 80% of this alluvial floodplain is located in Brazil, and is home to 656 bird species, including the magnificent hyacinth and golden-collared macaws, iconic jabiru stork, and striking helmeted manakin. Mammal watching can be quite good, with chances for giant anteater, marsh deer, giant river otter, and Brazilian tapir. During the dry season, lucky birders may also see the most elusive of forest cats, the jaguar, as it hunts the abundant prey at water's edge. Join Cathy Theisen for this exploration of the dry season Brazilian Pantanal. Cathy is a veterinarian, avid nature watcher and birder, and serves as the education chair for Washtenaw Audubon. Free and open to all. For more information, visit washtenawaudubon.org

Sat., Jan. 21, 11 am

Miniature Orchids

Presented by Great Lakes Judging (Orchids)

A presentation by Great Lakes Judging Center accredited judge Dennis Seffernick on the growing trend of miniature orchids.

Sat., Jan. 21, 1-4 pm

So You Want to Be a Beekeeper?
Presented by Ann Arbor Backyard Beekeepers
All invited to this free beekeeping class hosted by Ann Arbor Backyard Beekeepers (A2B2). The program is designed for those with no prior beekeeping experience, or anyone interested in finding out what it takes to be keep bees. Find out where to get bees, and what equipment will work for you as a beekeeper. Participants will leave with everything they need to know to start keeping their own bees.  Program includes Q&A. No registration required. Free.

FEBRUARY

Thurs., Feb. 9

Ikebana: Japanese Flower Arranging

Presented by Ann Arbor Ikebana Intl. Chapter

Create your own seasonal Ikebana arrangement with guidance by a certified instructor. Cost: $20 which covers flowers and instructor. Reservations required. Info:  a2ikebana@gmail.com.

Mon., Feb 13, 10-11:30 am

Catching Your Breath

Presented by MI Alzheimer’s Disease Center

A free monthly program for caregivers of adults with memory loss. Designed for learning skills for continued health and well-being. Info and to register: 734.936.8803.

Tues., Feb. 14, 7 pm

Bee Nutrition and Bee Health

Presented by Ann Arbor Backyard Beekeepers

Eastern Apicultural Society master beekeepers Earl & Carol Hoffman discuss the important topics of bee health and nutrition. In the second half of the program, U-M grad student Austin Martin discusses his academic research on the native bee populations in Detroit.

Wed., Feb. 15, 7:30 pm

Vacation on the Riviera Maya - Birding on Family Time

Presented by Washtenaw Audubon Society

Join Jacco Gelderloos for an exploration of the bird life of the coastal Yucatan peninsula and the birding opportunities it offers. Jacco was born and raised in the Netherlands, where his father and older brother got him infected with the birding bug. After moving to the United States in the 1990s, Jacco was fortunate enough to come into contact with the local birding community. Like many other birders new to the Ann Arbor area, he was readily brought into the fold of the Washtenaw Wingnuts as well as the Washtenaw Audubon Society. As a result, Jacco has served as WAS field trip coordinator and is the current Ann Arbor CBC compiler. Over the years, Jacco has had the opportunity to bird the Netherlands (and a few surrounding countries), the US, Peru, Puerto Rico, Jamaica, and Mexico, and is hoping to both expand and intensify his birding horizons in the years to come. Free and open to all. For more information, visit washtenawaudubon.org

Mon., Feb. 20, 7:30 pm

Ferns of Southeast Michigan

Presented by Michigan Botanical Club

A presentation by Carol Clements of the Wayne County Parks Nankin Mills Interpretive Center.

Tues., Feb. 21, 7:30 pm

Citizens’ Climate Lobby: Grassroots Action for Energy Alternatives

Presented by Sierra Club Huron Valley

Volunteers from Citizens’ Climate Lobby present CCL’s proposal for legislation to address climate change, outlining the proposal’s effectiveness and feasibility and how it would benefit the environment and the economy.

Wed., Feb. 22, 6:30–9 pm

Demonstration of Bonsai Grafting Techniques

Presented by Ann Arbor Bonsai Society Jon Genereaux, a propagator at Michigan State University’s Hidden

Lake Gardens, offers practical hands-on experience, demonstrating root cuttings and grafting techniques  related to woody material.

Sat., Feb. 25, 1:30-3 pm

Creative Natives for Rock Gardens

Presented by Great Lakes Chapter North American Rock Garden Society

Rising rock-gardening star Kenton Seth from Paint Brush Gardens talks about innovative uses for native plants of dry climates beyond simply xeriscapes.

Info: reznicek@umich.edu.