The Hawthorn

The Hawthorn
Fall 2011

2011 HOLIDAY BAZAAR

Save the Dates: December 1, 3
Mark your calendars now so you wont miss the 2011 Merryspring Holiday Bazaar on Christmas by the Sea weekend. Always a special event, the Bazaar gives you an opportunity to double your giftgiving, since every purchase of our wonderful holiday decorations and gifts many crafted by our talented volunteers goes to benefit Merryspring Nature Center. Members will have first choice of the goodies at the Ross Center on Thursday, Dec. 1 at the Members Only Sale from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. The general public is invited to shop on Saturday, Dec. 3 (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.). If you are not now a member, we invite you to become one at the Bazaar. Members receive a 10% discount on all purchases. Balsam wreaths, evergreen swags, bundles of greens, winterberry, holly, miniature boxwood trees, and centerpieces will be available at the sale, but we strongly encourage pre-ordering to be sure you get the decorations and color scheme you want. The Merryspring elves are waiting to create something just for you! Go to the Holiday Bazaar page of the Merryspring website http://www.merryspring.org and click on the Bazaar link for a copy of the catalog. In addition to holiday greenery, we will have gloves, tools, and books for the gardener or naturalist on your list. As always, we will also have an array of unique gifts that will be available only at Merryspring during the sale. Here are just a few samples to whet your holiday shopping appetite: delicious, homemade spiced pecans; bouquet garni; herbal sachets; paperwhites in decorative gift bags or pre-planted containers; miniature amaryllis; rosemary; supplies to make your own decorations; pet treats; botanical greeting cards; note cards; seashell mirrors and picture frames; ornaments; and much, much more. And while you are shopping, be sure to enter the Holiday Raffle. Tickets are 50 cents each (or three for a $1.00) for a chance to win a Merryspring signature fresh balsam wreath decorated with natural materials (a $35 value), a Merryspring Boxwood Table Tree ($20 value), or a Merryspring Table Decoration ($15 value).

Happy Shopping!

Merry Elves Make It Happen

On most Thursday mornings during the months of October and November, a group of Merry Elves have been gathering in the basement of the Ross Center to craft their specialty, nature-based items for the Holiday Bazaar. They do this every year for the thrill of watching their hand-made gifts being enjoyed by so many holiday shoppers.

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Fall 2011

Merryspring Nature Center

P.O. Box 893, Camden, ME 04843 Tel: (207) 236-2239 Fax: (207) 230-0663 Email: info@merryspring.org www.merryspring.org

Giving Thanks To Our Family

By Ray Andresen The trustees and staff of Merryspring Nature Center would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to all the volunteers who enable Merryspring to function. All summer long youve been gardening, mowing, clearing, hosting programs, putting on events, and helping in the office, library, and gift shop. Your contributions of time and talent are cherished and invaluable. We couldnt do it without you, our wonderful Merryspring family. Our deepest gratitude also goes to Sarah Lambson, who served as our Environmental Educator from January to mid-November. Sarah is the third AmeriCorps volunteer to serve in this capacity at Merryspring, and she has left her considerable mark on our educational programming. In addition to managing and improving our Tuesday Talk Series and the Free Family Programs, Sarah accepted the challenge of resurrecting our Childrens Garden and created a thriving, exciting, beautiful corner of our cultivated gardens. She also introduced the monthly Free Movie Nights, featuring nature-based films and free popcorn. Sarah also has laid the foundation for a new Interpretive Trail (see her article on page 5) that will be a wonderful addition to Merrysprings appeal and a reminder of her significant contributions to our Nature Center. We also are grateful to all of our guest speakers and workshop leaders who shared their knowledge and expertise with our members and guests, making Merrysprings 2011 programs both enjoyable and educational. Our sincerest thanks go to the following individuals (with their subjects in parentheses): Lesia Sochor (watercolor classes), Eva Thompson (green burials), Bill Betty (mountain lions); Steve Leavens (winter camping), John Forbes (wildlife conflicts), Lee Schneller Sligh (zen gardens), Barbara Tomlinson (birds of prey), Diana George Chapin (colonial herb gardening), Hammon Buck (new plants for 2011), Jason Bolton (food safety for hikers), David Coomer (alternative energy systems), Dr. David Field (Maines Appalachian Trail), Cathie Dorr (gardening ergonomics), Paul Fenton (dahlias), Shelley Johnson (lasagna style gardening), Patrick Keenan (owls and falcons), David Handley (berry crops), Gary Fish (organic pesticides), Renee Moran (fruit trees), Clay Kirby (insect pests), Clair Ackroyd (Midcoast garden design), Tony Oppersdorf (best nature sites in Maine), Wendy Andresen (tending the perennial garden), Ken Liberty (peonies), Cindy Tibbetts (clematis and geraniums), Glenn Jenks (roses and bird walk), C.J. Walke (organic farming), Neil Lash (seed saving), Mark Hutchinson (composting), Greg Marley (mushrooms), Sarah Lambson (natures tea party), Paul Cates (gladiolas), and Robert Cleveland (orchids).

Inside this issue:

Holiday Bazaar Merry Elves Presidents Message Wish List Volunteer Opportunities Chipping Away 2012 Events Calendar Interpretive Trail All Hallows Eve 2011 Program Review New Information Kiosk Kitchen Tour Natures Wonderland 1 1 2 2 3 3 5 5 6 6 7 7 8

Mission Statement
Merrysprings mission is to practice, teach, and advocate sound principles of ecology, conservation, and horticulture in order to protect our natural environment and to provide natural landscapes and cultivated areas for public enjoyment.

Hours of Operation
The park is open free of charge from dawn to dusk every day of the year. Our offices and library are open Tuesday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., or by appointment.

Wish List
Merryspring could use the following items: Traffic cones (for parking) Folding tables and chairs Portable display case/table Extension ladder (16 or 24) Sawzall (for cutting metal) Small power washer Venetian blinds (markers) Plant pots (1 qt. to 1 gal.) Wheelbarrow If you would like to purchase, donate or contribute funds for any of the above, please contact the Merryspring office.

Membership Fees
Individual Family Merry Dog Business $35 $50 $35 $50-100

Keeping in Touch
You can sign up for our eUpdates at www.merryspring.org to receive the latest news on programs and events. Or you can visit Merrysprings Facebook page, where you can check on the upcoming schedule. Go to www.tinyurl.com/merryspringfacebook/.

Board of Trustees
Ray Andresen, President Glenn Jenks, Vice President Richard Ailes, Treasurer Frank Callanan, Secretary Susan Dorr Cynthia Dunham Joanne Fagerburg Kathleen Kull Susan Shaw Matthew Speno

Tax-Free IRA Distribution Expires 12/31/11

If you are a taxpayer at least 70 years of age, you may transfer, tax-free, funds from your traditional or Roth IRA directly to Merryspring or another Qualified Charitable Organization. The distribution counts against the required minimum for the year and applies to tax years 2006 through 2011. To make this gift, please contact your IRA administrator as soon as possible.

Staff
Toni Goodridge, Administrative Mgr. Gail Sutton, Buildings/Grounds Mgr. Charles Gifford, Maintenance Asst.

AmeriCorps Environmental Educator

Sarah Lambson
2011All Rights Reserved

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Volunteer Opportunities
Merryspring is always looking for more volunteers. We can use your help with our gardens, with our trails, with the roadway, with the library, with our educational programs, and with our three major fundraising events. As you can see by the box at the right, volunteers have made and continue to make a tremendous contribution to Merrysprings success and financial stability through these fundraisers. Right now we are looking for help with the following: Crafting items for the Holiday Bazaar Making merchandise tags for the Bazaar Selling and wrapping gifts at the Bazaar Parking and directing traffic at the Bazaar If youd like to volunteer, please call 236-2239 or stop by the office to find out how and when you can help. Cant do it right now? How about making a New Years Resolution to become a Merry Volunteer in 2012. Our new Volunteer Booklet, available at the Merryspring office, will help get you started.

The overgrown Birds & Bees Garden underwent a muchneeded restoration this October thanks to the generosity of Jackson Landscape Services, which donated a hard-working crew for several hours of pruning, chopping, chipping and raking. The end result is a clear understory that may give rise to more beneficial plantings for our winged visitors.

Chip, Chip, Chip Away

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2012 Winter/Spring Calendar of Events

WINTER TUESDAY TALKS
Sponsored by Allen Insurance and Financial January 10 January 17 January 24 January 31 February 7 February 14 February 21 February 28 March 6 March 13 March 20 March 27 Winter Plant Propagation and Tool Care Carol Yee Turkey Vultures Barbara Tomlinson Rain Gardening Laura Wilson Beekeeping Antje Roitzsch The Great Blue Heron Danielle Dauria Maines Wild Plants Tom Seymour American Chestnuts Eric Evans Whats New for 2012 Hammon Buck Shade Perennials Dennis Milliken Winter/Early Spring Tree Identification Morten Moesswilde Wildlife Photography Kathy Davis Solar Energy Bill Behrens Movie Nights at Merryspring
On the first Wednesdays from February through November at 7:00 p.m., Merryspring hosts Movie Night in the Ross Center. Films that coincide with Merrysprings mission to promote conservation and sustainable practices are chosen and screened free of charge.

Winter Ecology Festival

February 4, 10:00 a.m.3:00 p.m. Live owls, Maine mammals, birds, bird feeding, and much more. Hot drinks and refreshments throughout the day. A free family event.

Childrens Ecology Camp

April 1620, 9:00 a.m.12 noon. Children 6-10 years old learn about ecology, conservation and wildlife through handson discovery projects, nature walks, and engaging group activities.

SPRING TUESDAY TALKS

April 3 April 10 April 17 April 24 May 31 May 8 May 15 May 22 May 29 June 5 June 12 June 19 June 26 Grapes David Handley Bats Annie Kassler NO TALK The Future of Maine Agriculture John Jemison Do-It-Yourself Wedding Bouquets from local flowers Alda Stitch Herbal Vinegars Betz Golon NO TALK Living Toxic Free Lisa Pohlmann Loons Susan Gallo Tending the Perennial Garden I Wendy Andresen Wind Impact on Right Whales Mark Dittrick Cavity Nesting Waterfowl Kendall Marden Rose Day Glenn Jenks

Annual Plant Sale

May 19, 9:00 a.m.2:00 p.m. Local gardeners always mark their calendars for this annual event. Our own greenhouse, perennial and herb beds provide many treasures along with donations of divisions from many Midcoast plant enthusiasts. A must attend for any serious gardener. Members get first pick on Friday, May 18 from 4:006:00 p.m.

Nature Explorers
Eight free programs for the family include such favorites as Geocaching, Forts and Fairy Houses, Animal Signs, and Insect Identification. Workshops are held on the first and third Sundays in June through September, 1:003:00 p.m.

All Tuesday Talks begin at 12 noon and generally last about one hour.

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A Journey Along an Interpretive Trail

By Sarah Lambson
Last year, I had the opportunity to be an Interpretive Ranger at Pawtuckaway State Park in southern New Hampshire. Often when I told individuals that I was an interpretive ranger, the following question was: What languages do you speak? We often associate interpreting with making a foreign language clear to someone from another country who does not speak it. Take out anything concerning nationality and youve pretty much got what it means to be an Interpretive Ranger someone who makes the foreign language of the natural world clear to those who dont understand it or speak it. Environmental interpretation is basically the action of explaining the meaning of the earths natural environments. As an Interpretive Ranger, I explained the meaning of the natural habitats, wildlife, and plants of Pawtuckaway State Park to those who were interested. An Interpretive Trail at Merryspring would do the exact same thing for those natural components found within the parks 66 acres. Even before my first day at Merryspring, an Interpretive Trail was on the agenda. During my interview for the position of Environmental Educator, it was mentioned that Merrysping could use some kind of interpretive signage installed on one of its many trails to add a little more to the park and its potential as an educational resource. This interested me as I had taken a small part in the implementation of an interpretive trail at Pawtuckaway State Park. In my research on interpretive trails and signage, it was clear that one of the hardest things was starting from scratch. And thats basically what I was being asked to do. The one consolation I had was that some research had already been done and that at least the trails already existed. When I arrived at Merryspring, it was clear that considerable work needed to be done on many of the trails and that the research was sparse. Despite this, I was excited. I was going to be part of incorporating something I was passionate about into an already beautiful nature park. Educating the public about the natural environment and their interaction with it is my calling in life. What better way to do that than with an interpretive trail? But this, of course, would not be an interesting or exciting journey if the heroine got exactly what she wanted without any real effort. So let my take you on the journey of how excitement led to impatience, impatience to disappointment, disappointment to hope, and finally, hope to action. I have shared with you the beginning. A young and excited Environmental Educator came to a magical and beautiful park with the expectation of wonderful things. The next part of the story brought joy to this Environmental Educators heart. Sometime in March, I believe, we had a meeting with a representative from a private school who wanted to talk about potentially having students do a service learning project at Merryspring. I proposed that the school work on the Interpretive Trail, and everybody loved it. My mind was spinning with a million ideas and potential projects that could be done by the students. I immediately began to record some of my inspiration and make plans for the trail what its theme could be, pictures the kids could paint for signs, what trail maintenance they could do. It was all too good to be true, and indeed it was. We waited. And waited. It was now May and we were running out of school days in which to get this project started. There was one last meeting and then nothing. The hardest part of getting this Interpretive Trail created was finding someone to design it and create the signage. Now we were back to square one. Disappointed, I let the busy summer season wash over me and the interpretive trail project got nudged to the backburner. Months passed. The trail and its progress were addressed in our Education Committee meetings but nothing was decided and no progress was made. Then summer ended and all I could think about was how this trail was going to be in the same place it had been when I arrived. I couldnt let that happen. But time was short. Even the idea of installing a simple numbered post/pamphlet design was illogical with the few months I had left in this temporary AmeriCorps term of service. But there was hope. If I could just get things started, then maybe all was not lost. I did some research, evaluated some costs, and with the help of Cindy Dunham finally determined the trail loop and theme: Merryspring Nature Center The interaction of Humans and Nature. And while my last day of November 12th was looming ever nearer, I was energized to determine potential stops of interest, take images of them, and write up a brief descriptions of each one. I would also complete detailed plant and bird lists for the area. The hope is this ground work, combined with the research done this year and last year, will provide the next Environmental Educator with a solid foundation. We all know that a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. While I feel I have taken that step, and many more in fact, it is now up to my successor to complete this journey. My own journey is leading me elsewhere, but I can leave this path knowing that someday I can return to Merryspring and say, You see that Interpretive Trail? I helped get that going.

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Fall 2011

Having a Merry Good Time

They started arriving in mid-afternoon, well before the sun had disappeared. They departed their four-wheeled carriages, dressed in colorful costumes, a parade of princesses and knights, clowns and beasts, some disguised with masks and others with face paint. And their shrieks of delight could be heard throughout the park, adding merry to the very name Merryspring. This was the annual All Hallows Eve celebration co-sponsored by the Ashwood Waldorf School and Merryspring Nature Center, held on October 31. About 400 youngsters, parents and interested onlookers came to the event this year, gamboling about the park, taking an enchanted walk through the woods, sitting around campfires listening to spooky stories and songs, enjoying cider and other goodies, and playing games with their friends (and fiends).

Variety of 2011 Programs Drew Gardeners, Painters, Fort Builders to Merryspring

Merrysprings educational programs and workshops in 2011 attracted more than 1,200 attendees, ranging from garden enthusiasts to art students to young builders of forts and fairy houses. Our Tuesday Talk Series went from January through September, filling the Ross Center on several occasions and overflowing the outdoor hexagon at other times. A series of watercolor classes led by Lesia Sochor culminated in a wonderful art show, held at the Ross Center in October. And our Free Family Workshops continued to draw children and parents interested in everything from geocaching to exploring for bugs to creating a fairyland of forts and fairy houses in the woods.

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Check Out the New Kiosk

The next time you visit Merryspring, be sure to check out our new main information kiosk. Located at the south end of our main parking lot, the new kiosk is designed to greet visitors and provide a lot of basic information about our Nature Center. It features a colorful trail map and informative descriptions in the center, flanked on the right by a panel of basic park rules and on the left by a panel of current events and other features. The kiosk was built by 2 Men 4 All Seasons, and the laminated panels were created by Adventure Advertising. This kiosk is the first in a series of improvements planned for our park signage. When we obtain the necessary funds from grants or dedicated donations, we will be replacing the dog kiosk leading to the dog-walking areas as well as the small kiosk in front of the Ross Center and the garden kiosk near the gazebo.

Kitchen Tour Continues to Draw Big Crowd

We came to Maine for the Lobster Festival and heard about the Kitchen Tour, said the ladies from away. Next year were coming up here for the Kitchen Tour, too. That comment overheard during the 2011 Kitchen Tour testifies to the drawing power of Merrysprings annual summer fundraiser. Along with the Camden Garden Clubs venerable House and Garden Tour, the Merryspring Kitchen Tour provides the Midcoast area with two midsummer attractions for visitors and locals alike. This years Kitchen Tour in early August drew approximately 500 people for a memorable day of fun, food, and fundraising. While it lasts just one day, the Kitchen Tour takes months of preparation and perseverance to pull it all together, and for that we are indebted to our 2011 KT Committee of Kathie Kull, Carol Witham, Dorothea Graham, Edie Kyle, Meg Barclay, Harrah Lord, and Ray Andresen. Merryspring is also very grateful to everyone who contributed to the success of this years tour, especially the local homeowners who opened their doors, and to the local chefs who provided the culinary delights for our tour attendees.

Looking for Next Years Kitchens

Were already starting to look for local kitchens for the 2012 Kitchen Tour. If you would like to nominate your kitchen, or know of someone who has recently built a new house or remodeled an older kitchen, please call the Merryspring office (236-2239) or email info@merryspring.org.

Our deepest gratitude goes to these gracious homeowners, without whom there would have been no tour: Christine Kenna, Joyce Tenneson, Harrah Lord, Ron Kurzius, Susan Hoguet, Diana and Bob Falciani, and Bettina Doulton of Cellardoor Winery. Special thanks also goes to these restaurants and food purveyors who provided delicious samples throughout the day: Amalfi on the Water; Cappys Chowder House; Darbys Restaurant & Pub; EJs Restaurant; Fiore Artisan Olive Oils & Vinegars; 40 Paper; French and Brawn; Laura Cabot Catering; The Market Basket; Megunticook Market; Old World Potato Company; Paolinas Way; Primo; and Prism Restaurant & Gallery. We would also like to express our appreciation to EBS Style Solutions, our business sponsor, to Francine Bistro and Shepherds Pie, which provided the raffle prizes, and to the many other businesses, designers, and craftspeople who supported our tour. These included A.E. Sampson & Son, LTD; Agren Appliance & Television; Inc.; Animal Tile Works; Ashley Curtis Painting; A.W. Mende Custom Woodworking; Barnes Custom Window Treatments; Beckstrom Architecture & Planning; Benton Hardwood Lumber; Bernhard & Priestley Architecture; Chatfield Design; Christopher Glass, Architect; Cold Mountain Builders; Cornerstone Kitchens; Crestwood Kitchens& Bath Design Center; Crown Point Cabinetry; Darryl DelPonte; David C. Olivas, DDS; Distinctive Tile & Design; Dominic Paul Mercadante Architecture; Dowling Walsh Gallery; Dream Kitchen Studio by Mathews Brothers; Elwell Construction; Fine Home Construction; Gartley&Dorsky Engineering & Surveying; Gedimans Appliance; Irvs Drywall; Jake Barbour Inc.; Jims Burner Service; John Gillespie, Architect; John Morris Architects; John Spadola, Architect; Kelseys Appliance Village; L & L Structural Engineering Services; Lee Schneller Fine Gardens, Inc.; Lighting Concepts; Lyn Donovan Murals; Maine Entertainment; Morningstar Stone & Tile; Northport Bath & Maine Shower Door; Optimum Performance Personal Training; Party Fundamentals; Peter T. Gross Architects, P.A.; Phi Home Designs; Rockport Steel; Scholz& Barclay Architecture; 17-90 Lighting Showroom; Silverio Architecture & Design; Smith & May Inc. Hearth & Patio Showroom; StoneCraft Iconic Concrete; The Good Table; The Store; The Well Tempered Kitchen; Treasure & Trash Barn; Treekeepers LLC/Johnsons Arboriculture; Viking Lumber; and Windsor Chairmakers. Finally, our thanks goes out to the more than 75 volunteers who gave their time to act as hosts, hostesses, and parking guides.

P.O. Box 893 Camden, ME 04843

Natures Wonderland
Merryspring Nature Center is one of 40 destinations highlighted in a wonderful new book, Best Nature Sites of MidCoast Maine, by Tony Oppersdorff and KyrillSchabert. Autographed copies of the book can be found in the Merryspring Gift Shop and will be available for sale at the Holiday Bazaar. This excerpt from the book is a sidebar written by former Merryspring trustee Tom Hopps. Visitors here find a way into nature. For anyone, any day of the year, the park is a connection, providing steps into the natural world. Gardens are the first steps past the Ross Center reception building: the shade garden, herb garden, rock garden, rose garden, childrens garden and greenhouse. For most people, gardening is in a sense a basic conscious connection to mother earth. These gardens teach, delight and reinforce the primal urge to work with nature. Move farther into the park, several more steps to the woodlands, and find a garden in the woods. Here manipulation of plants is less evident. With the color, texture and variety of native and introduced plants, this area draws the visitor deeper into nature. Keep exploring beyond, to the Kitty Todd Arboretum with its diverse array of species. Deeper, in the larger balance of the park, lie trails through virtually natural, native woods, both coniferous and deciduous, complemented with glens and meadows. The more of us who take this or any other way into nature, the more of us will come to understand its beautiful, critical balance, engendering an honor for that balance that is today so in jeopardy.