News release from Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation:
What’s Happening at the Botanical Conservatory in March
$1 Nights
March 3, 5 – 8 pm
On the first Thursday night, 5 – 8 pm, of each month we offer a $1 admission price for both adults and children (instead of the usual $5 & $3). Babies and up to age 2 are still admitted free. For more information, call (260) 427-6440.
$1 Night Insight: Flower Pounding
Thursday, March 3, 5:30 – 7:30 pm
If you have never tried your hand at flower pounding – transferring the colorful pigments of flowers onto paper or cloth to use in crafts or art projects – this is your chance. Mallet on wood can be a little noisy but you’ll find the activity a stress reliever, too! And you will walk away with a sample of natural color to brighten your late winter days. It’s a simple but fascinating process with an added benefit; when you start to collect and pound flowers on your own you begin to know them by both name and color quality. Master Gardener Kay Musgrave will have the flowers and tools needed. No registration required, so you can drop in on $1 Night, and bring a friend. You can explore the botanical gardens afterwards. Held at the Botanical Conservatory, 1100 S. Calhoun St. All ages. $1 per person.
Conservatory New Volunteer Orientation
Wednesday, March 8, 1 – 4 pm
The Botanical Conservatory is inviting new volunteers to join their support team in a variety of positions. Come discover where you might fit in! Volunteer opportunities include butterfly attendants, admission or gift shop cashiers, garden or greenhouse helpers, special event helpers and plant sale support. Staff and volunteers will offer an overview of the volunteer program and its benefits, answer questions, and give facility tours as you enjoy light refreshments. Personal follow-up and training for positions is provided. Please let us know you’re coming! To save a spot or for more information, contact Rebecca at (260) 427-6442 or Rebecca.Canales@CityofFortWayne.org.
Butterfly Volunteers Needed at the Conservatory
Training in March to help April – July
Do you enjoy butterflies? As the Conservatory prepares for its 14th year of live butterflies, the staff is looking for volunteers willing to monitor the entrance and exit vestibules of the new exhibit. Butterfly Attendants assist visitors with exhibit protocols and in preventing butterfly escapes, while helping to make the guests’ experience positive. Volunteers can choose among 2- or 3-hour shifts Tuesdays through Sundays. Training required; multiple class dates are available. Register for training with volunteer supervisor Rebecca Canales by calling (260) 427-6442 or by email at Rebecca.Canales@CityofFortWayne.org.
Painted Lady Hatch & Release
Saturday, March 12, 11 am-12 pm
The beauty of butterflies isn’t instant; the lifecycle is a process of four stages: egg, caterpillar, chrysalis, and butterfly. Purchase a Painted Lady caterpillar and hatching kit at the Conservatory Gift Shop in March, then build and decorate your own caterpillar hatchery. Once your caterpillar changes into a butterfly you can celebrate its flight by releasing it into the Conservatory’s Tropical Garden. For more information, call (260) 427-6445.
Winter-Sowing
Saturday, March 19, 9:30 – 11 am
Spring is right around the corner, but there’s still time for “winter-sowing,” a technique that helps certain flower seeds grow successfully. Some hardy annuals and perennial flowers need a cold treatment called stratification. Master Gardeners Anita Crusoe and Amanda Weimer will bring a PowerPoint to help you understand the basics then teach you how to build a mini greenhouse from recyclables to put it into action. By the end of class you’ll be ready, with seeds and handouts, to try it at home. Please bring a clean, clear 2-liter bottle to class; all other supplies will be provided. Ages 8+. Registration deadline: February 5. Min. 8. Max. 24. Fee: $8/public; $6/Conservatory member or volunteer. Location: Botanical Conservatory, 1100 S. Calhoun Street. To register, call (260) 427-6000.
Easter in the Garden
Friday, March 25, 10 am – 3 pm
Hop on down to the Botanical Conservatory with your camera and your children to meet the Easter Bunny. Play games for prizes, make crafts, pot a plant and enjoy light refreshments. Look for Easter eggs in our annual Easter Egg Hunt for toddlers through elementary ages. Enter our drawing for a chance to win a “sweet” Easter basket. We’ll also have live animals such as baby chicks, ducks, bunnies, sheep and goats. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Regular Conservatory admission applies: $5/adult, $3/child age 3-17, free for children 2 and under. For more information, call (260) 427-6440. Sponsored by WAJI Majic 95.1.
Tai Chi in the Garden I & II
Tai Chi I – Beginners, Thursdays, March 31 – May 19, 5:30 – 6:30 pm
Tai Chi II – Continuing, Tuesdays, March 29 – May 17, 5:30 – 6:30 pm
Keep your energy level renewed while experiencing the ancient art form of movement and grace. Tai Chi offers many benefits, from better posture to improved breathing, balance, and relaxation. In reducing stress, Tai Chi can also relieve arthritis, diabetes, and other chronic conditions. Eight weekly one-hour classes will be held. This class focuses on the Sun form and is great for new students or those wishing to continue their studies. Instructor Sandy Gebhard is certified by renowned master Dr. Paul Lam, and has over 30 years’ experience practicing and teaching Tai Chi. Note: If we meet our registration minimum, additional students may drop in for $10 per session, up to the class maximum. Drop-ins should call ahead to make sure class will be in session. Ages 18+. Registration deadline: March 24. Min. 10. Max. 16. Fee: $69/public; $59/Conservatory member or volunteer. Location: Botanical Conservatory, 1100 S. Calhoun Street. To register, call (260) 427-6000.
“Dig This!”
Through April 10
This winter, young adventurers can don their explorer vests and pith helmets to explore mysteries
hidden underground. Why do people dig? What do they look for? Try out your digging- and-finding skills with different tools and media. Will you find dinosaur bones? Maybe you’ll uncover fossils and discover cool rocks and minerals. Can a person dig all the way to China? Enjoy our active learning garden as a
winter retreat, full of lush green plants and colorful flowers. Regular Conservatory admission fees apply: $5/adult, $3/child age 3-17. Children 2 and under are admitted free. Sponsored by WAJI Majic 95.1 and Fun 101.7 Classic Hits.
Family Garden Close-Up: Orchids
Saturday, March 26, 11 am-1 pm
Visit the Botanical Conservatory on the fourth Saturday of the month and get a closer look at our plants and gardens. In March, orchid flowers are among the most beautiful – and intriguing – in nature. Most people admire orchids, yet few dare to grow them. At our learning station you’ll see different types of orchids in bloom, learn the basics of orchid care, hear about our orchid rescue program, and explore a simple vocabulary of symmetry and epiphytes. This drop-in program is included in your regular Conservatory admission fee; free for Conservatory members and volunteers.
Discovery Corner: Spring Weather
Daily in the Discovery Gallery
Our youngest visitors are always welcome to visit the Discovery Corner behind Woody the Talking Tree where they’ll find stories and activities relating to a monthly theme. In March, we’ll explore Spring Weather. Our materials are all safe and suitable for kids in pre-K through 1st grade. Adults are encouraged to read aloud to their young learners and explore ideas together. The Discovery Corner is free with general admission; preregistration is no required.
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