Late January/February at the Botanical Conservatory
Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory
www.botanicalconservatory.org
1100 S. Calhoun Street
(260) 427-6440
Down on the Fisher-Price Farm Exhibit: Through April 8
Bring the little ones down to the Conservatory this winter for a fun time on the farm, where children can play at gathering eggs, milking the cow, churning butter, making pies, hanging the wash, and tending the garden. Reminiscent of the old Fisher-Price farm set, the old red barn and Farmall tractor are the centerpieces of the exhibit. Mom and Dad will enjoy coming in out of the cold for the smell of fresh earth and a view of growing plants. Don’t miss our special Family Farm event on Saturday, February 4. Sponsored by WAJI Majic 95.1 FM, WLDE Fun 101.7 FM, and Orthopedic Precision Instruments in Albion, Indiana. For more info, visit www.botanicalconservatory.org or call(260)427-6440. Admission is $5/adult, $3/child age 3-17, free for children 2 and under.
A variety of classes and programs are taking place this winter at the Botanical Conservatory. Check out www.botanicalconservatory.org or go to the full article to read more and then "Plant yourself at the Conservatory!"
Botanical Brown Bag – ACRES Land Trust
Thursday, January 26, 12 – 1 pm
Jason Kissel, Executive Director of ACRESLandTrust, will share photos and stories from the nature preserves that the organization has acquired over the past 51 years. ACRES goal is to preserve significant natural resources within northeast Indiana. Their nature preserves are home to many surprising natural wonders including waterfalls, glowing mushrooms, jellyfish, geological features, and even more native orchids than Hawaii! Free coffee and tea. No reservations needed. Conservatory admission applies: $5/adult, $3/child ages 3-17. Conservatory members and volunteers admitted free. For more information, call(260)427-6440.
Garden Blogging for Beginners
Saturday, January 28, 10:30 am – 12 pm
It’s never been easier to share your garden with the world. Weblogs, or blogs, are one of the easiest and most popular ways for people to express their ideas on the Internet. Carol Michel, award-winning proprietor of the website www.maydreamsgardens.com, will show you how to open a free account, add text and photos, and connect with other gardeners. No computer is necessary for this class, but if you have a WiFi-enabled laptop bring it along for some extra help in getting started. Of course, if you don’t have a garden, you can still use the information in this class to start a blog about any other topic that interests you. Ages 12-adult. Registration deadline: January 23. Fee: $11, Conservatory Member Fee: $9
$1 Night
February 2, 5 – 8 pm
On the first Thursday of the month we offer $1 admissions,5-8 pm, for adults and children. Babies and up to age 2 are still admitted free. Enjoy our evening hours and a special discount once a month. For more info, call(260)427-6440.
Family Farm Day
Saturday, February 4, 10 am-3 pm
The Conservatory had a farm, e-i-e-i-oooo! And during our celebration of farm life, you can visit some pettable animals – mini cows, sheep, goats, pigs, and rabbits – and explore the familiar crops and chores of the farm. We’ll also have farm-related crafts to make and games to play. Stop by our country lemonade stand for something to wet your whistle and some free range popcorn. Regular admission fees apply: $5/adult, $3/child age 3-17.Children 2 and under are free. This event is sponsored by WAJI Majic 95.1 FM and WLDE Fun 101.7 FM. For more information, call(260)427-6440.
Talking With Strangers
Thursday, February 9, 6:30-8 pm
To some, international travel might sound a bit intimidating, especially as a 20-something woman traveling alone. To Fort Waynenative Lanah Hake, however, it was the adventure of a lifetime. In this program, she will recount some of her many expeditions, including a sailing excursion across the Arabian Seaand a solo journey through India. She will also share her views on the environmental impact of tourism as well as the world-changing results that come from taking the time to meet and know the people along your way. Registration deadline: February 3, 2012. Ages 14+. Min.10. Max. 20. $7/public; $4/Conservatory member or volunteer. Refer to Code #127019-R1 when registering by phone at (260) 427-6011 or online at www.fortwayneparks.org. Held at Botanical Conservatory,1100 S. Calhoun St.,Fort Wayne.
Science Fun: Have a Heart
February 11 and 18 at 11 am and 1 pm; February 23 at 6 pm
Nothing says true love like a big muscle pumping 70 times a minute to push your blood through miles of vessels to every organ of your body. Okay, maybe it’s not the most romantic image, but your heart and circulatory system are very cool. Learn all about it and make your own stethoscope in this month’s lovely program. Join us to investigate with fun and family friendly experiments, demonstrations and activities. Science Fun programs last 30-45 minutes and are appropriate for ages 5 and up. Participants in NISTEM (www.nistem.org) can earn points for attending. Preregistration is not required and the program is free with regular Conservatory admission: $5/adult, $3/child ages 3-17. (Members free.) Held at Botanical Conservatory,1100 S. Calhoun St.,Fort Wayne. For more information, call(260)427-6440.
Drop-In Yoga in the Garden
Wednesdays, 5:30 – 6:30 pm
The practice of yoga is a wonderful way to build strength and flexibility, reduce stress and enhance general well-being. Instructor: Lanah K. Hake. A few blankets and mats are available, but you should bring your own supplies if you have them. Pre-registration or prior attendance is not required – simply show up 10 minutes before the start of class, ready for an invigorating workout. In the event of bad weather, there will be no class on days when Fort Wayne Community Schools cancel classes. Ages 15+. $7 per class/public; $5/Conservatory member or volunteer. For more information, call (260) 427-6440 or visit the instructor’s Facebook page at Ft Wayne Outdoor Yoga. Held in the garden at the Botanical Conservatory,1100 S. Calhoun St.,Fort Wayne.
Drop-In Zumba in the Garden
Wednesdays through February, 6:30 – 7:30 pm
Led by licensed instructor Hillary Halsema, our Zumba classes feature exotic rhythms set to high-energy Latin and international beats. Pre-registration or prior attendance is not required – simply show up 10 minutes before the start of class, ready for an invigorating workout. In the event of bad weather, there will be no class on days when Fort Wayne Community Schools cancel classes. Ages 15+. Fee: $7 per class Member Fee: $5 per class. Held at Botanical Conservatory,1100 S. Calhoun St.,Fort Wayne. For more information, call (260) 427-6440.
Volunteer Orientation at the Conservatory
Tuesday, February 21, 1-4 pm
Do you have time and abilities you would like to share? Join the Conservatory’s volunteer force to assist at the front desk, in the gift shop, with public events, or behind the scenes. Volunteers get a 10% discount in the gift shop, free admission anytime during public hours, and training, as appropriate. Sign up for the orientation to meet the staff, learn about the volunteer program, and get started. If you plan to attend, please register by calling Rebecca Canales at (260) 427-6442.
Botanical Brown Bag: Crazy Sisters Coffee Klatch
February 23, 12-1 pm
Come inside and warm up with a hot beverage and a stimulating conversation about coffee, one of the world’s favorite drinks. Cheryl Fry and Marcia Harward, co-owners of Crazy Sisters Coffee Roasters, will share their experiences running one of the few coffee roasting businesses inFort Wayne, along with insights on such diverse topics as coffee history, production, brewing or any other questions the audience might raise. Conservatory admission applies: $5/adult, $3/child ages 3-17; Conservatory members free. Held at Botanical Conservatory,1100 S. Calhoun St.,Fort Wayne. For more information, call(260)427-6440.
Basket Weaving Workshop
Saturday, February 25, 10 am – 1 pm
Creating a hand-woven basket is easier than you might imagine. Under the instruction of Marjorie Kennedy-Babbitt, owner of Sweet Annie’s Basketry, participants learn the basics of basket making as they weave their own unique creation. The baskets are made of oak and reed, both dyed and natural, and are embellished with a stoneware ornament of your choosing. This basket is perfect for holding a floral arrangement or small loaf of bread, or simply as a beautiful decorative element by itself. All supplies are provided, although you may want to bring a good pair of scissors. Makes a wonderful family activity, suitable for ages 12 and up. Admission to the Botanical Conservatory gardens included in registration fee. Registration deadline: February 17. Ages 12+. Min.6. Max. 15. $29/public; $24/Conservatory member or volunteer. Refer to Code # 127006-S1 when registering by phone at (260) 427-6011or online at www.fortwayneparks.org. Held at Botanical Conservatory,1100 S. Calhoun St.,Fort Wayne.
Discovery Corner
Daily in the Discovery Gallery
Youngsters are always welcome to visit the Discovery Corner behind Woody the Talking Tree at the Botanical Conservatory, where they’ll find stories and activities relating to a monthly theme. In February, explore The Farm. Our materials are all safe and suitable for kids 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 Conservatory admission; preregistration is not required. The Botanical Conservatory is open Tues-Sat10 am-5 pm, Thurs10 am-8 pm, and Sun 12-4 pm. Adults $5; children age 3-17 $3, children 2 and under admitted free. Call(260)427-6440 for more information.
