MarkHirsch

Horticulture in the Heartland Seminar

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MarkHirschClinton Community College and the Bickelhaupt Arboretum are offering their annual Horticulture in the Heartland seminar on Saturday, March 4, 2017.  Mark Hirsch, Author and Photographer, will be the Keynote Speaker. The event is sponsored by Clinton Trees Forever, Bickelhaupt Arboretum, Clinton Community College, and Clinton County Master Gardeners. The seminar will be held at Clinton Community College, 1000 Lincoln Boulevard, Clinton, IA, from 8:00 a.m. to 2:15 p.m.  There are 12 breakout sessions running throughout the day.

Registration is open through Saturday, February 18, including a $30 registration. Late registration is available Sunday, February 1, through Saturday, February 25, with a $35 registration fee. Coffee, rolls, and lunch are included. For more information, call Bickelhaupt Arboretum at 563-242-4771.

Author/photographer Mark Hirsch is the author of That Tree. He began his career as a newspaper photojournalist at the Telegraph Herald in Dubuque, IA. Following a bad automobile accident, he discovered an old oak tree in a Wisconsin cornfield. It lead to a creative and philosophical change in his perspectives on life, photography, art, nature, and the environment. In his address, “Shades of Wisdom,” Hirsch shares lessons learned from his friendship with that tree.

Horticulture in the Heartland aims to educate and inspire others to seek enjoyment and fulfillment, through a variety of home gardening-related topics and activities.

A Simple Approach to Landscape Photography–Mark Hirsch, Author/Photographer
Spend a session with Mark Hirsch to learn how he transforms his visual discoveries of the natural world into personally rewarding photographs, using only the camera in his smartphone. The best camera is the one you have with you.

Green Side Up–Emily Swihart, Field Coordinator, Trees Forever
Join us as we prepare for the upcoming planting season with a refresher course on proper planting techniques, maintenance practices, and over-all tree care. Upon completion of the session, you will be Professional Hole Digger (PhD), ready to confidently select your specimen, prepare the site, plant your tree, and care for your newest family member.

Trumpeter Swans–Mark Roberts, Conservation Education Coordinator, Clinton County Conservation
Learn about the successful reintroduction of trumpeter swans to Clinton County. Clinton County Conservation has been a leader in the effort to bring back the trumpeter swan as a wild, nesting bird for the past 20 years. Learn about the ups and downs of the effort and where we are today.

Tips on Topiary–Deb Monroe, Clinton County Master Gardeners, and Margo Hansen, Director of Programs, Bickelhaupt Arboretum
This dynamic duo will walk you through the art of topiary from start to finish. Using live houseplants, they will demonstrate plant selection, planting, pruning, and everything in between.

The Ultimate Winter Bird Survey:  First Christmas Bird Count Marathon–Kelly J. McKay, Director, BioEco Research and Monitoring Center
This session covers the history and characteristics of the Christmas Bird Count (CBC) program, as well as the genesis of the CBC Marathon. A daily summary of the first successfully completed CBC Marathon will be provided, including some of the interesting aspects involved.

Cultivating Plants and Growing North America’s First City, Cahokia–Dr. Michael Wiant, Interim Director, Illinois State Museum 
The cultivation of a suite of domesticated plants, especially Zea maize, gave rise to North America’s first city, Cahokia. At its zenith, Cahokia was home to as many as 20,000 people, in a community that covered near six square miles. An earthwork rising 100 feet and covering 14 acres stands at the center of Cahokia. It was constructed by people moving earth a basket-load at a time. The rise of Cahokia is testimony to the power of plants, among other things.

Frogs, Toads, and Turtles Research–Kelly J. McKay, Director, BioEco Research and Monitoring Center
The methodology and results from the frog and toad breeding chorus survey, as well as the turtle mortality study, done at Big Sand Mound Nature Preserve, will be shared. Frog and toad species will be identified and examples of their different calls will be given. Possible causes of turtle mortality and the additional need for research will be discussed.

Getting the Most from Your Vegetable Garden–Dr. Denny Schrock, Master Gardener Coordinator and Lecturer, Iowa State Department of Horticulture
Learn techniques to improve quality and quantity production from your vegetable garden. We will discuss general topics as well as crop-specific tips for ensuring a bountiful harvest. Pick up tips to get more for your efforts.

Showcase your Houseplants–Deb Monroe, Clinton County Master Gardeners, and Margo Hansen, Director of Programs, Bickelhaupt Arboretum
Display those beautiful plants and soften your living space. Houseplant care, propagation, and summer care will also be covered. Bring houseplant questions and leaves for identification. Try to stump the experts.

Iowa Furbearers–Mark Roberts, Conservation Education Coordinator, Clinton County Conservation
Learn about our wide variety of winter mammals in Clinton County. You will learn about various mammals, tracks, and other signs. Tanned furs and some skulls will be shown and shared.

New Vegetable Variety Review–Dr. Denny Schrock, Master Gardener Coordinator and Lecturer, Iowa State Department of Horticulture
Every year plant breeders come up with a host of new varieties that are “new and improved.” It’s difficult to know what’s hype and what’s real. Discover All-America Selections that have been thoroughly tested and proven their worth, as well as new introductions that look promising or interesting.

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