By Pat Kerl

April and May were busy months at the Nannen Arboretum.

We would like to thank everyone who helped make the Arbor Day Celebration such a wonderful experience. John Burrell, Ellicottville Town Supervisor and Charlie Coolidge, Mayor of the Village of Ellicottville, jointly presented the proclamation declaring April 25, 2014, Arbor Day in Ellicottville. The Nannen Arboretum Society planted a native Serviceberry tree, Amelanchier x grandiflora ‘Autumn Brilliance’, with the shoveling assistance of John and Charlie. Jodi Bentley helped raise the Tree City USA flag commemorating 33 years of Ellicottville being honored as a Tree City USA. Jodi related that Ellicottville was the first village in the state of New York to be designated as a Tree City USA.

We also want to thank everyone who attended “NIGHT LIGHTS at Ellicottville’s Nannen Arboretum”. This event, created by SitlerHQ the same group behind the popular NIGHT LIGHTS at the Buffalo & Erie County Botanical Gardens, was a successful fund raiser for the arboretum. The event took place 3 weekends during the month of May strategically lighting the trees and structures throughout the garden presenting visitors with a unique perspective of the arboretum grounds. The tree lighting was complimented by musical entertainment as well as artists creating and displaying their works.

And last but not least, thank you to all the gardeners who attended the Annual Master Gardener Gardening Day, “Getting the Most Out of Your Garden”. Participants learned about many gardening topics including Square Foot Gardening, Container Gardening, Soil Improvements, Season Extension Techniques, Companion Planting, and Pest and Disease Management.

Wednesdays in the Arboretum will take place at the arboretum again this year during the months of July and August. Sponsored by the Master Gardeners of Cattaraugus County, two gardening sessions take place every Wednesday evening in the Northrup Nature Hall or the Chapman Nature Sanctuary. In case of rain, the sessions are held indoors at the Ellicottville Town Center building. Admission is free and open to the public.
The arboretum is funded by donations and grants. The Society is currently reviewing grant opportunities and encourages you to consider one of the following donation opportunities:

  • Monetary donation – you may donate directly to the donation box located at the entry shelter at the Nannen Arboretum or by check to the address below;
  • Memorial Bricks for the Celebration Walkway – bricks are available in 2 sizes, 4” x 8” or 8” x 8” (Details and applications available upon request);
  • The gift of a tree or shrub – you may choose from a pre-selected list of trees and shrubs native to the Western New York area. (Details available upon request)
  • A wooden bench memorialized with your personal message and/or special name on a brass plaque. (Details available upon request)

Nannen Arboretum Society
PO Box 1016
Ellicottville, NY 14731
info@nannenarboretum.com