Forests & Gardens is the member magazine for Holden Forests & Gardens, which includes the Holden Arboretum in Kirtland and the Cleveland Botanical Garden in Cleveland.
MISSION: Holden Forests & Gardens connects people with the wonder, beauty, and value of trees and plants, to inspire action for healthy communities
VISION: All communities transformed into vibrant places where trees, plants, and people thrive
Editor & Director of Marketing: Jessica Schneider
Editor & Content Manager: David Lardakis
Creative: Eric Seitz, Graphic Designer
Photography: Lexi Carter, Alex Faidiga, Malcolm Henoch, Albert Jackson, Ethan Johnson, David Lardakis, Tom Martin, Ferole Parmalee, Bob Perkoski, Stefanie Verish
Check out the trail map to help you get outside this fall and enjoy
Forests & Gardens (ISSN 2474-6371) is a class and events magazine published quarterly by Holden Forests & Gardens, 9500 Sperry Road, Kirtland, Ohio 44094-5172.
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DEPARTMENTS
Learn
Immerse yourself in the fall color while checking out native species.................20
Orange mycena, Mycena leaiana
Celebrating the Season
As the crisp air of autumn sweeps across our campuses, I am reminded of the unparalleled beauty that this season brings. As a newcomer to our great state of Ohio, I am personally inspired by the vibrant hues of red, orange and yellow that paint our landscapes in a way that only nature can.
Our campuses are not only adorned with the splendor of fall foliage but also bustling with exciting events and experiences. From Fall Forest Fest at the Holden Arboretum to our many class offerings at the Cleveland Botanical Garden, we hope you find a special way to enjoy nature this season. The fan-favorite Artisans at the Arboretum event returns on November 2nd and 3rd — a wonderful opportunity to support local vendors and get to know the talented makers within our community.
On page 12, we highlight community of a different kind — specifically, the ongoing restoration work of the unique Brainard Fen ecosystem. A six-acre wetland located at the Holden Arboretum, the fen provides opportunities to research biodiversity, conserve rare and endangered plant species, and educate the public on the importance of these natural areas.
As you may know, the Holden Arboretum suffered extensive damage in early August, due to storms on campus. Over 350 donations came in over the next week in response to our “Save the Trees” campaign, which you can read more about on page 18. A sincere thank you to all who contributed.
I also want to thank our visionary supporters - including donors, members, and volunteers - for ensuring that our campuses will continue to inspire and educate for generations
to come. I’m delighted to share with you updates on two important projects made possible by their support.
The cherished Hershey Children’s Garden at the Cleveland Botanical Gardens re-opens this fall thanks to the Holden Parks Trust and the Hershey Foundation. The unique space has been rejuvenated, with a new treehouse, boardwalk, vegetable garden and accessible pathways that offer young explorers a place to discover, play and learn about the wonders of nature.
Countless hours of volunteer efforts and donations from Kevin and Lois Myeroff have aided in the opening this fall of a new back-country trail system in the Pierson Creek Valley — the largest hiking-only natural surface trail system development in Northeast Ohio in decades. These trails allow exploration of a remarkable ecosystem that will excite even the most seasoned hikers. As we move forward into the heart of the fall season, I encourage you to take a moment to enjoy the natural beauty that surrounds us. Whether you are walking through a wooded path, participating in one of our many events or simply enjoying the view from our benches, let the colors of autumn inspire and rejuvenate you.
Thank you once again for your incredible support. Together, we are creating a greener future.
Warm regards,
Ed Moydell President & CEO
Stop and Smell theAutumn Leaves
Follow the scent trail to enjoy some of the wonder of the season.
By Stefanie Verish, Horticulturist
The atmosphere of autumn embraces us all, through crisp mornings, fiery foliage and warm comfort dishes. We can’t escape the smell of pumpkin spice and cinnamon, but the Cleveland Botanical Garden boasts its own botanical array of seasonal scents. I’d like to share my “Top 5” with you and encourage you to get on the “scent trail” to visit and experience them for yourself.
1. Autumn Leaves
You can argue that you can smell autumn leaves anywhere, but most people in the world do not experience the brilliance of autumn as we do here. And that wonderful earthy smell? Why, that would be actinomycetes — bacteria instrumental, along with fungi, to break down all those discarded leaves.
2. Last of the Roses
In the Mary Ann Sears-Swetland Rose Garden, the blossoms are bursting one last time before the frost. Some of the colorful blooms tout a lovely fragrance not often associated with autumn. Fun fact: There are 5 recognized scents for roses, depending on who you ask: Old Rose, Myrrh, Tea, Fruity and Musk.
3. Sassafras
Sassafras albidum is a native tree that bears three leaf shapes that turn a range from gold to scarlet. A scratchand-sniff of the leaves or twigs will remind you of a particular fruity breakfast cereal. You can find this tree in the Western Reserve Herb Society Garden and Woodland Garden.
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4. Spicebush
Our native Lindera benzoin will reward you with a pleasant citrus fragrance throughout the year, but in the fall, the red-orange berries contrast brilliantly against the yellow foliage. Stroll through Woodland Garden and scratch and sniff the twigs or leaves to smell. If you find it to your liking, you’re in the company of the Spicebush Swallowtail, a butterfly who uses this shrub as its host plant.
5. The Katsura Tree
Returning to the Rose Garden, you might be greeted with the aroma of kettle corn or burnt sugar. Cercidiphyllum japonicum is the culprit, for as its yellowing leaves age, the compound maltol partners with a sugar molecule to release this wellknown Cleveland Botanical Garden’s favorite scent.
Follow your nose this fall to find a symphony of scents among the remaining foliage. Our staff would be happy to point you in the right direction.
Stefanie Verish has been an outdoor horticulturist at the Cleveland Botanical Garden for a handful of years, but she has been working with plants for over 20 years. She is especially passionate about utilizing native plants as integral components for local gardens.
Path to Discovery
Explore the new trails at Holden Arboretum’s Pierson Valley.
By Ralph Protano
Nestled within the serene landscapes of Holden Arboretum’s Pierson Valley, a new trail system is quietly taking shape, promising an immersive and captivating outdoor experience unlike any other in Northeast Ohio. Say farewell to the Old Valley Trail and Molly Offutt Boardwalk, and welcome the new 4.5 mile trail system designed to evoke a deep sense of wonder and reverence for the natural beauty of the area.
Imagine stepping into a realm where every twist and turn unveils hidden pockets of ancient old-growth forests, pristine streams whispering tales of centuries past and deep canyons that echo with the melody of nature. These trails, reminiscent of those found in national parks, are not just pathways but invitations to adventure and discovery.
One of the highlights of this new system is its commitment to preserving the natural landscape while offering an enriching experience to visitors. Carefully designed to blend seamlessly with the environment, the trails wind alongside creeks and through rugged terrain, eventually leading hikers to the Headwaters of the Pierson Valley Watershed. Here, amidst the untouched beauty, visitors can pause to reflect, rejuvenate and connect with nature on a profound level. Here, natural crossings and minimalistic features
have been thoughtfully incorporated to ensure access without compromising the sensitivity of this pristine ecosystem.
For those seeking a simpler path with less obstacles and adventure, the new Molly Offutt Trail on the east bank of the valley introduces a fresh perspective by connecting staircases that eliminate the challenge of crossing Pierson Creek.
“The purpose of our contribution is twofold. We’ve been members of the Arboretum for decades and love the trails that are off the beaten path. Supporting a project to enhance our favorite trails at a place that is so meaningful to us is something that is really exciting. We also want to ensure that future generations and families will have access to and will be able to enjoy these trails and knowing that we can be a small piece of some of the work that can continue for decades feels incredibly impactful to us.”
-Kevin and Lois Myeroff
Before: The staircase on Tree Hugger Trail
After: A stone staircase was constructed on Tree Hugger Trail
Crafted by a team of seasoned professionals boasting over 75 years of collective experience, the trail system is not just functional but a testament to craftsmanship that mirrors the unparalleled beauty of its surroundings. Each section has been meticulously planned to offer breathtaking vistas, tranquil spots for contemplation and an overall sense of harmony with nature. Special thanks to Kevin and Lois Myeroff who have made the first few phases of this project possible.
As the trail system nears completion, it will become the largest hiking-only natural surface trail development in the region in a generation, encompassing 10 miles of exploration through never-before-seen areas of the arboretum. This initiative is not merely about creating pathways; it's about inviting everyone to discover the “Crown Jewel” of hiking trails in Northeast Ohio.
Whether you are an avid hiker, a nature enthusiast or simply someone in search of peace and quiet away from the bustle of everyday life, the Pierson Valley trail system promises something extraordinary. Come this fall and immerse yourself in the wonders of this untouched landscape. Take a leisurely stroll or embark on an adventure-filled hike — the choice is yours. What awaits is an unforgettable journey through some of the most magnificent forests and landscapes that Northeast Ohio has to offer. The trails are beckoning, and there's a whole new world waiting to be explored in the heart of Holden Arboretum’s Pierson Valley.
The new Pierson Valley trails are set to open in fall 2024. Check holdenfg.org for updates.
On Sunday, June 16, Holden volunteers Kel Young, Lester Ferrao, Claudine Daugirdis and Ariel Tokarz helped naturalize, revegetate and stabilize the environment by placing leaves and sticks over areas that were affected by construction.
Get Ready for FROST
An ice-capped garden experience presented by KeyBank opens November 23rd.
Year two of Northeast Ohio’s most exciting winter show, Frost, at the Cleveland Botanical Garden is just around the corner. This year, expect even more from our winter spectacular, including an expanded outdoor lighting display and glasshouse biomes decked out to reflect the winter spirit. Frost will transform our indoor and outdoor gardens, creating an immersive new world for the holiday season.
Frost will open to the public on Saturday, November 23rd at 10 a.m. and run through Sunday, January 5th. Please check holdenfg.org for ticket information closer to the event.
“Last year’s debut of Frost was spectacular, and seeing so many visitors enjoy this experience inspired us to make it even bigger and better in its second year,” says Ryan Sandy, Exhibitions Manager. “We are excited to bring this unique show to the next level this season with even more lights, new themed rooms and interactive elements, events and activities. From family time to date nights, there will be something for everyone.”
New this year
In our biomes, visitors will meet Raine and Shine, spirits of the wet and dry seasons celebrating winter in other parts of the world. New displays and lights will guide you into the Spiny Desert of Madagascar and through the Costa Rica Cloud Forest, allowing you to meet plenty of new friends along the way.
In our outdoor gardens, an expanded light trail will take visitors into more areas of the garden than even before, including the newly renovated Hershey Children’s Garden. Visitors will make their way through a dazzling moving light tunnel, our rainbow-lit rose garden and other over-the-top light displays and photo-ops.
“As we continue to expand Frost each year, we are focused on giving visitors a unique experience that they won’t find anywhere else,” Sandy describes, “including plenty of unique plant and flower displays, all expertly crafted by our incredibly talented horticulture team.”
For the kid in all of us
Wintery activities, interactive displays, an oversized slide, storybook trail and marshmallow roasting in the evenings are just the beginning. Kids of all ages will be immersed in the joy and wonder of the winter season.
The six-week experience will include a full calendar of solstice season educational activities and events. Special nighttime hours will be Thursday, Friday and Saturday until 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday evenings will have live performances from The Cleveland Institute of Music, Listen CLE and other local performers reflecting the holiday spirit. Ticketed events include Breakfast with Santa and the annual Krampusnacht with the Ohio Krampus Society, which raises money for kids by sharing Alpine folk traditions.
The Gingerbread Competition is entering its 18th year and will have openings for approximately 100 gingerbread houses from local bakeries, families and kids of all ages. Instructions for how to enter can be found at holdenfg.org
“Frost is an opportunity to celebrate the season in a new, unique way, and a place to make lasting winter memories with family and friends.” Sandy says. “We can’t wait to welcome you to another year of winter wonder and cheer!”
Sunday, December 22nd: noon - 9 p.m. Monday, December 23rd: 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. Sunday, December 29th: noon - 9 p.m. Monday, December 30th: 10 a.m. - 9 p.m.
The Nature of Play
Discover what’s new in the Hershey Children’s Garden.
By Tom Martin
If you had a chance to visit the Hershey Children’s Garden this summer, you’re already aware of the tree-mendous construction that was taking place. Earlier this year, we broke ground on the focal point of our garden — a new treehouse. It contains the same whimsey and charm as before, with some new features to help children connect with our beautiful garden.
The main dock allows children close access to the pond and the plants and animals that inhabit it. Children can hop from stone to stone, observe the pondlife and climb onto a new lily padshaped floating dock. The new floating dock allows children to get further out into the pond and lay down for an up-close view of the water below.
Beyond the new floating dock, children will find a new play structure beneath the treehouse stairs. When looking for inspiration for the windows, we naturally looked at trees. Cut outs of ginkgo and tulip tree leaves adorn the walls of the new hideaway.
Children are welcome to climb the stairs, access the ramp or explore a new way to ascend to the top of the treehouse. A multitiered netted structure has been crafted to allow children to climb rope ladders from the base of the treehouse to its upper level. Up-top, children will have the best view of the garden. They may even find some binoculars, allowing them to observe feathered visitors and use a bird field guide to identify them.
Upon taking the ramp from the upper level of the treehouse, children will be led to the new accessible pathway meandering the garden's perimeter. Former dirt pathways have been replaced with paved paths, providing accessibility for more children and their families.
This reinvigorated space will provide the next generation with a beautiful place to explore, stay curious and get their hands dirty. Join us this fall as we reopen all that Hershey Children’s Garden
has to offer. Grab a field guide and ID migrating birds. Use a net to discover tiny plants and animals living in our pond. Visit the vegetable garden to see which plants are ripe and ready to pick. Whatever your child is interested in exploring, we encourage you to join them and see the wonder and beauty of plants and trees through their eyes.
This project was made possible by the Hershey Foundation and Holden Parks Trust.
Fen-tastic Flora
Holden Forests & Gardens is restoring a wetland for biodiversity.
By Rebecah Troutman, Natural Areas Biologist, and Beck Swab, Director of Community Forestry & Conservation
Did you know that we care for over 3,000 acres of natural areas at The Holden Arboretum? This includes unique habitats, including old growth forest and a rare type of wetland called a fen.
What is a Fen?
Fens are peat-forming wetlands fed by mineral-rich groundwater. The constant flow of groundwater creates stable water levels and alkaline conditions compared to most other wetlands, which have fluctuating water levels and acidic conditions.
The Importance of Fens
Fens are biodiversity hotspots. Because of the unique water flow, fens host unique plant and animal species exclusively
Sphagnum Moss (Sphagnum)
A group of mosses that form dense mats and contribute to the formation of peat, an indicator of a bog or fen wetland.
Sedges (Carex)
Characterized by their triangle-like stems, sedge species can indicate the presence of a wetland. Over 24 sedge species thrive in the fen.
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found in fens. Many of these species are rare or endangered. Additionally, fens, like all wetlands, play a role in water purification and flood control, absorbing excess rainfall and releasing it slowly over time.
Brainard Fen: A Refuge of Biodiversity
Our arboretum's fen, known as Brainard Fen, spans about six acres and boasts over 90 species of plants, many of which thrive in its specialized conditions. This list includes more than four species of Ohio listed rare or endangered plants. The fen is surrounded by the natural areas at the arboretum, providing a protective buffer that helps keep the fen clean and preserved in perpetuity. Some of the unique plants found here include:
Gooseberry (Ribes)
A thorny shrub known for its dark, tart berries, which is an important wildlife food source.
Poison Sumac (Toxicodendron vernix)
A tall shrub/ small tree with clusters of white berries, known for its toxic sap. This species is common in the fen but uncommon throughout Ohio. Though it is poisonous to humans; it is important to wildlife.
Rebecah Troutman serves as the Natural Areas Biologist in the Conservation Department at the arboretum campus. She is dedicated to connecting people with nature and specializes in rare plant conservation, land management, and ecological observation.
Marsh Marigold (Caltha palustis): This beautiful yellow spring ephemeral is an indicator of clean ground water.
Huckleberry (Gaylussacia): A shrub with small, dark berries that provides food for wildlife.
Purple-stemmed Angelica (Angelica atropurpurea): A tall, striking herbaceous plant with purple-hued stems and a firework of white flowers, valued for its nectar by pollinators.
Conserving fens is crucial for resilient, diverse ecosystems and protection of species like these which can only grow under conditions specifically created by fens.
Restoring our Fen
Although our fen is considered a high-quality wetland, it has some challenges. HF&G did not own the entirety of the fen until 2021, limiting our ability to manage the wetland. Since acquiring the entire fen in 2021, the conservation department has focused on adaptive management strategies involving flexible approaches that allow us to continually assess and adjust our conservation efforts at the fen.
•Invasive Species Control: Invasive plants including cattail, phragmites, and buckthorn threaten the fen by outcompeting native plants, disrupting ecosystem balance, altering nutrient cycling, and reducing habitat diversity. We are currently undertaking a three-year restoration project to control invasive species funded by mitigation funds to contract with The Nature Conservancy.
•Reintroducing Native Plants: Propagating and planting native fen species helps to reestablish the natural plant community and promote biodiversity. Conservation and greenhouse staff are collaborating to collect native seeds directly from our fen to propagate, grow and plant back into the fen.
•Research and Monitoring: Ongoing monitoring is essential to understand the health and dynamics of the fen ecosystem. Haydn Palmer, our NOWCorps AmeriCorps member funded through ServeOhio, has spent much of their time developing a water quality monitoring system, installing wells, and collecting samples to get baseline data about the fens pH and nutrient levels in different times of the year and after rainfall events.
This baseline data will help us understand how this dynamic system changes with time and will allow us to notice hydrologic changes in the future. We also monitor our rare plant populations to track trends and responses to restoration workwe have already seen one of our rare plant species increase in abundance after our first round of invasive species removal!
•Public Education and Involvement: Educating people about the importance of fens and involving them in conservation efforts can foster a sense of stewardship and support for ongoing projects. However, like many of our pristine natural areas, we restrict access to protect this vulnerable system. Visitors can still learn about this unique habitat by visiting the fen habitat in our wildflower garden, which showcases an example of the fen ecosystem and its distinctive plants.
Our conservation department takes excellent care of Brainard Fen, stewarding it with the same dedication and expertise as we do all our natural areas. Their ongoing efforts ensure the fen remains a thriving habitat for its unique species for generations to come.
The Future of Our Fen
The fen is under an environmental covenant held by the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency which means it will be protected in perpetuity on HF&G property. As we continue restoration efforts, we anticipate seeing decreased invasive species and a rebound of native and rare species in Brainard Fen. The fentastic diversity present is a testament to nature's resilience and underscores the importance of ongoing conservation efforts in preserving this unique wetland ecosystem.
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Beck Swab is the Director of Conservation & Community Forestry at Holden Forest and Gardens. In this role, Beck’s goal is to serve as a bridge between conservation managers, researchers, policy makers, and the public to improve conservation efforts.
Skunk cabbage - Symplocarpus foetidus
Garden to Garden
Scientists at Holden Forests & Gardens interact with a whole world of gardens to conduct their research.
By Anna Funk, Science Communicaton Specialist
Here at Holden Forests & Gardens, researchers study our collections and natural areas. But they also travel the world, collecting samples, fostering international collaborations and making an impact beyond the Holden grounds. While botanical gardens and arboreta around the country and world are curating their collections and welcoming visitors, they’re also working together toward conserving Earth's plants. These collaborations are an important part of how our researchers work to advance scientific understanding and drive global conservation efforts.
Gardens Connect for Armenia
Most Americans' memories of 2020 are dominated by the pandemic and election news, but for Holden biologist Claudia Bashian-Victoroff the year was defined by the Second Nagorno-Karabakh War. Conflict erupted between Armenia and Azerbaijan over a long-contested territory, killing thousands. Bashian-Victoroff turned to their network of Armenian-American biologists for support. Wanting to do something for their ancestral land, the group decided their greatest impact would be to do what they already do best: mycology. Together, they founded the International Congress of Armenian Mycologists (ICAM).
“Our mission is to support the scientists doing work in mycology, mycorrhizal ecology and lichenology in Armenia,” Bashian-Victoroff says.
They’ve built collaborations with Armenian mycologists at the Institute of Botany at the Yerevan Botanical Garden, and have already earned two grants to study mycorrhizal fungi in Armenia. Bashian-Victoroff traveled there with ICAM colleagues in 2021 to meet collaborators and collect samples from wild areas and the botanical garden. The project was funded by Botanical Gardens Conservation International and the ARBNET program, which encourages collaboration between gardens, especially in understudied biodiversity hotspots like the Caucasus region, as well as the Society for the Protection of Underground Networks (SPUN), which aims to map the vast biodiversity of soil fungi across the globe and to advocate for their protection.
The ICAM team has also done significant fundraising within their communities and the Armenian diaspora, supporting the renovation of the Institute of Botany’s fungal lab — now a fully functioning molecular lab that enabled DNA extractions for their collaborative work. Currently, they are preparing a paper on mycorrhizal fungi on oak roots from both the Holden Arboretum and Yerevan Botanical Garden.
“Gardens are the thread that draws it all together. As a scientist, accessing the same species of plants in a semi-controlled environment like a garden in different soil types is really interesting,” Bashian-Victoroff says. “You don’t get that if you’re not working within a collection.”
Gardens as Climate Observatories
Each year, early spring brings a crop of ephemeral woodland wildflowers that bloom for only a short few weeks, squeezing their life cycle into the window between the last winter frost and the trees leafing out overhead. Because of their dependence on
Above: The gates of the Yerevan Botanical Garden
Right: Claudia harvesting oak root fragments for DNA sequencing from the base of a tree at the Yerevan Botanical Garden
such a tight, weather-dependent season, they’re positioned to be highly impacted by climate change.
This makes spring ephemerals a priority for study, both for monitoring the effects of a changing climate and for their own conservation. Dr. Katie Stuble, a Holden scientist, and Dr. Chelsea Miller, formerly a postdoctoral researcher in the Stuble lab and now an assistant professor at the University of Akron, are doing just that.
To study how climate and weather impact the timing of spring ephemerals, the researchers have turned to a network of public gardens across the country. At each site, volunteers help monitor the wildflowers, recording observations from first sprout through leaves, flowers, seeds and die-back. In 2023, they had over 40 volunteers across the Holden Arboretum, the Dawes Arboretum (Newark, OH), the Chicago Botanic Garden (Glencoe, IL), the Missouri Botanical Garden (St. Louis, MO) and the Huntsville Botanical Garden (Huntsville, AL). The effort spans 200 plants belonging to 13 different species.
Preliminary results suggest that spring ephemeral wildflowers may be particularly sensitive to warming temperatures, with unseasonably warm temperatures often advancing flowering at a faster pace than usual.
“Public gardens and arboreta serve as a powerful platform from which to study the impacts of climate change,” says Stuble. “By allowing us to look at the same species across multiple climate conditions, we can better understand how plants respond to day-to-day changes in temperature.”
Gardens of the Future
Holden is a rhododendron powerhouse, boasting 60 acres dedicated to the plants across two gardens and the David G. Leach Research Station. Holden plant biologist Dr. Juliana Medeiros has studied these collections, as well as those at a half a dozen other botanical gardens and arboreta worldwide. But perhaps the international collaboration she’s most excited about today isn’t with a garden at all — at least not yet.
In the U.S., we have just over two dozen Rhododendron species. In Indonesia, there are more than 400, and little is known about them except that they exist. Researchers there have done excellent work to identify and document these
Yasper Mambrasar checks out a yet-to-be named Rhododenron at Meerkerk Gardens in Washington
species — researchers like Yasper Mambrasar, who is currently doing a one-year research internship in the Medeiros lab.
Mambrasar is working with Medeiros on a project involving eastern red cedar (Juniperus virginiana). But he’s also building something: connections and capacity that will advance research and help him champion biodiversity in his home country.
“In Indonesia, we have a lot of forest, but we have a problem of how to maintain it,” Mambrasar says. “I’m inspired by how Holden works to keep the forests. When I go back to Indonesia, I would like to build a new botanic garden or arboretum there. That’s my dream.”
“Yasper is such an inspiration; he’s doing amazing things — he’s recognized how he can use collaborations to build up people in his region,” Medeiros says. “He views science as a way to do good in the world, to learn how the botanical research infrastructure we have here in the US can be replicated to lift up other communities that need help in conserving their natural resources.”
Through these collaborations, Holden scientists are not just enhancing their own research but also fostering a global community committed to the conservation and study of plant biodiversity. These efforts show that gardens, whether in Armenia, the U.S., or Indonesia, are vital not only as sanctuaries for plants but as hubs of scientific innovation and international cooperation.
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Anna Funk is the Science Communication Specialist for Holden Forests & Gardens. She earned her Ph.D. studying prairie restoration before leaving the research world to help tell scientists’ stories. Today, she wears many hats, freelancing as a writer, editor, journalist and more — anything that lets her share her appreciation of science and its impact with others.
The Seeds of Growth
Sponsors’ generosity grows HF&G’s mission.
Corporate sponsorships are foundational gifts at Holden Forests & Gardens. These gifts provide critical support for HF&G’s work in every area: collections and conservation, research, community forestry and education. With this support, we are able to provide new experiences for our members, guests and students, as well as critical support for our researchers as they investigate ways to stem the tide of climate change in the Great Lakes region. This support helps us connect people to the wonder, beauty and value of nature. But sponsorship doesn’t simply benefit HF&G — sponsors also benefit because it gives their companies exposure to over 21,000 member households and 350,000 visitors to Holden Arboretum or Cleveland Botanical Garden.
Corporate Partners like Key Private Bank and Fleet Response, Oak Sponsors of our Twilight at the Holden Arboretum event, have allowed us to provide both formal and informal environmental education programming to children, teens and adults in Northeast Ohio and beyond. Bartlett Tree Experts, supporter of our People for Trees campaign, has helped us make astounding progress towards our goal to plant 15,000 trees in Northeast Ohio by 2025. So far, 11,918 trees have been planted, pledged and given away. Giant Eagle supports our work in pollinator education and health.
All our corporate sponsors enjoy custom partnership benefits that empower them to be stewards of our environment and our community.
Contact Samantha Lengel at 216.721.1600, ext. 125, or slengel@holdenfg.org to learn more and to develop a custom partnership opportunity to meet your needs.
Volunteering Matters
Holden Forests & Gardens named its 2024 President’s Lifetime Achievement Award winner.
By Tracee Patterson, Associate Director of Volunteer & Employee Engagement
The United States President's Volunteer Service Award (PVSA) was established in 2003 in recognition of the important role volunteers have in America’s strength and national identity. These awards honor individuals whose service positively impacts their community and inspires others to take action. Volunteer Resources nominates volunteers who have contributed more than 4,000 hours to Holden Forests & Gardens for the prestigious President's Lifetime Achievement Award. Volunteer Sandra Cobb was named our most recent recipient for 2024.
Sandy has volunteered with Holden Forests & Gardens for nearly 22 years, sharing her fierce intelligence, incomparable attention to detail and deliciously deadpan humor in positions in Research, Plant Records, on the Handbook Review Task Force and in her beloved Corning Library, where she began as a Library Assistant. Sandy now assists there in the role of Associate Archivist and says that her favorite thing about volunteering in the library is that “They let me come two days a week to play in this marvelous place — and don’t charge me a thing for it!”
“They let me come two days a week to play in this marvelous place — and don’t charge me a thing for it!”
- Sandra Cobb
Holden Forests & Gardens Volunteer and 2024 President’s Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient
Sandy has been helping Librarian Marisha Sullivan to address over 80 bankers’ boxes packed with documents, maps, plans, slides and photographs that had never been thoroughly documented or organized. Now sorted into general categories and partially indexed, these rich resource materials will eventually be digitized and made available electronically to guests, staff and researchers.
One memorable moment in Sandy’s work was when she found an aged botanical illustration wrapped in plastic, tucked among a stack of old maps. Further research revealed it to be a page from Mark Catesby's Natural History of Carolina, Florida and the Bahamas, about 300 years old and highly valuable.
Sandy enjoys the fun discoveries, learning opportunities and welcoming environment she experiences while volunteering. But she says what is most meaningful for her is connecting people with the Arboretum’s rich history and important research by making our library items more accessible. We are grateful for Sandy’s remarkable contributions to that effort and proud of her receiving the 2024 President’s Lifetime Achievement Award.
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Tracee Patterson is the Associate Director of Volunteer & Employee Engagement. Her prior work in volunteerism involved administrative and teaching positions at John Carroll University and Kent State University, where she coordinated and implemented service-learning programming and classes for students. Tracee was the 2020 recipient of the Volunteer Administrator of the Year Award by the Forum for Volunteer Administrators.
From left, President’s Lifetime Achievement Award winners Rich Behrens, Eva Stephans and Bob Austin listen as their commendation from President Biden is read during the 2022 award ceremony. Missing is award winner Nancy Pae.
After the Storm
Holden Arboretum rebounds after the August storms.
By Jillian Schaefer, Annual Fund Manager
On Tuesday, August 6th, the Holden Arboretum braced for a summer rainstorm that would relieve our thirsty trees and plants. What we were not expecting was five tornadoes touching down in Northeast Ohio, including a microburst at the Holden Arboretum.
As the storm passed, our team quickly assessed the extensive damage — downed and damaged trees (125+), power outages and debris littered the grounds. For the safety of our visitors, we temporarily closed the Arboretum, bringing in external experts to aid in the removal of hazardous branches and trees using cranes and lifts.
While we were closed, we launched the “Save The Trees” campaign to help cover the unexpected costs of recovery.
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Although we couldn’t be together physically, you showed up and supported us. We are overwhelmed with gratitude to share that in just one week we surpassed our goal of raising $50,000! We are so thankful to the 375 (and counting) supporters of Holden Forests & Gardens for responding to our needs.
These contributions are essential in helping us manage the storm’s aftermath. They help cover the cost of external crews to safely remove fallen trees and hazardous branches, support our efforts to propagate and save damaged trees, and ensure that fallen timber is reused sustainably. Additionally, your generosity aids in replanting efforts, and helping to restore the beauty and environmental benefits of the areas most affected by the storm. Thank you for being a vital part of our cleanup efforts. We are happy to be back open to the public and welcome you to our restored spaces.
Jillian Schaefer joined Holden Forests & Gardens in July 2023 as the Annual Fund Manager. Drawn by HF&G’s mission and commitment to environmental progress, Jillian is passionate about fostering connections and helping people pursue their philanthropic passions.
Autumn’s Glory
Don’t miss the fall color at the Holden Arboretum.
By Alex Faidiga and Ethan Johnson
As autumn sweeps across the Holden Arboretum, our state’s native trees put on a spectacular show, transforming the landscape. From the fiery hues of the sugar maple to the rich yellows and reds of sassafras, each species contributes its unique palette to the season's display. This stunning transformation not only highlights the ecological diversity of Ohio's forests but also underscores the importance
of preserving these native trees for future generations to enjoy. Join us as we explore the captivating world of Ohio’s native trees and their breathtaking fall colors — a natural wonder that draws leaf-peepers and nature enthusiasts from near and far.
Here’s a sampling of the native species you may see on your next visit to the arboretum:
Sassafras (Sassafras albidum)
Tupelo (Nyssa sylvatica) is a large tree with shiny, elliptic leaves that develop into various shades of fiery red to deep burgundy in fall. Female trees produce purple-blue fruit about the size of a black bean bundled in groups of three that are rich in lipids and thus great fuel for migrating birds. Tupelo trees are some of the first to change color in the fall. A walk around the ponds (Blueberry, Foster, Sherwin, Lotus) is most advantageous this time of year.
Sugar maple (Acer saccharum) is one of seven maple species native to northeast Ohio and one of the most common tree species in our area. Prior to European settlement, beech-maple forests dominated by sugar maple and American beech were the primary forest type in northeast Ohio. Sugar maples display phenomenal fall color in shades of intense yellow to fiery orange depending on the individual. Stop by the Display Garden to go sugar maple spotting.
Sassafras (Sassafras albidum) is a tree commonly found along forest edges that grows either as a single-trunked individual or a muti-stemmed colony. Leaves can be unlobed, a two-lobed mitten shape or a three-lobed “dinosaur track” shape. A crushed leaf or twig will release the characteristic fruity and spicy aromatic oils that were once used to flavor root beer. Like tupelo, sassafras fruits are rich in lipids, making them an important fall food source for migrating birds. Stroll to the Wildflower Garden and find one of these delightful specimens.
Tupelo (Nyssa sylvatica)
Sugar maple (Acer saccharum)
Sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua)
Sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua) is a medium to large tree with a broad native range stretching from Texas to the east coast and from New York south to Florida. Depending on where they are sourced from within this broad range, sweetgum trees can be highly variable in their timing of color change and leaf drop. Our Ohio sweetgums typically change color and drop their leaves by early November, while cultivated varieties sourced from further south can hold on to their leaves until after Thanksgiving. You might see this beauty as you’re finding a parking spot near the Corning Visitor Center.
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Red maple (Acer rubrum) are commonly planted as street trees due to the beautiful scarlet fall color to which they owe their name. Red maple leaves can be highly variable and sometimes are confused with sugar maples, but they can be distinguished by the serrated or toothed edges of their leaves. Follow the path around Corning Lake to find this native putting on a show.
Highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum) is a shrub that can be found growing in acidic soils from wetlands to upland forests. Not only does it produce delicious fruits savored by birds and humans alike, but its bright red fall foliage also makes it one of our showiest native shrubs when it comes to fall color. Follow the Blueberry Pond trail to spot this shrub.
Share your favorite fall color finds with us on social media!
Instagram: @holden_arb and @clebotanicalgarden
Alex Faidiga is the Plant Recorder in the Horticulture and Collections Department at Holden Forests & Gardens. She earned her Master’s degree at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, where she studied plant evolutionary ecology and the impacts of climate change on native plants. She was excited to return to her hometown of Cleveland in 2022 to work for HF&G, one of the many places in Northeast Ohio where she discovered her love for plants at a young age.
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Ethan Johnson is the Plant Records Curator. He learned to keep records while working for the Arnold Arboretum (1985-89) and Holden Arboretum (1981-82, 1989-present) while volunteering for the International Dendrological Research Institute, Ohio Nursery and Landscape Association Plant Selection Committee and the American Conifer Society. He was the point person when the American Association of Museums accredited Holden Arboretum as the sixth public garden in the U.S. as a museum, has labeled and inventoried Holden Arboretum’s plant collection and has been keeping plant records at Cleveland Botanical Garden since 2015.
Red maple (Acer rubrum)
Highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum)
Classes & Events
Don’t miss seasonal fun and activities.
Cleveland Botanical Garden
Botanical Painting & Drawing
October 1 – November 5
Tuesdays, 2 – 4:30 p.m.
$150 per member, $190 per nonmember
Registration includes all class sessions.
Adult
The Powerful Tool of Nature: Mental Health Support During Pregnancy and Postpartum
October 5 – October 19
Saturdays, 12:30 – 2 p.m.
$30 per registrant
Registration includes all class sessions.
Adult, currently 12+ weeks pregnant OR within 1 year of giving birth
Poetry Reading & Book Release Celebration
October 6 | 1 – 3 p.m.
$15 per member, $20 per nonmember
Adult
Join Cleveland Botanical Garden and the Wick Poetry Center in celebrating the release of Light Enters the Grove, a collection of poetry rooted in nature.
With 81 poems and accompanying art, the collection reflects on the beauty and biodiversity of northeast Ohio’s Cuyahoga Valley National Park.
From white-tailed deer to brown bats — from honeysuckle to bloodroot — each poem reinforces our human connections to the natural world. Poets from the collection will be onsite to read and reflect on their work. Light refreshments will be served.
Mushrooms of Ohio
October 12 | 10:30 - 11:30 a.m.
$10 per member, $25 per nonmember
Adult
Fall Feast Centerpiece
November 26 | 2:30 – 4 p.m.
$45 per member, $60 per nonmember
Adult
Botanical Wreath Workshop
December 7 | 1:30 – 3:00 p.m.
$45 per member, $60 per nonmember
Adult
Fall Fun
at the Cleveland Botanical Garden
Bootanical Bash
Our family-friendly annual celebration, Bootanical Bash, returns to the Cleveland Botanical Garden on Friday, October 18th. Little wizards and witches can participate in ghoulish games, activities, and collect treats as they meander through our gardens.
77th Annual Western Reserve
Herb Society Herb Fair at the Cleveland Botanical Garden
Saturday, October 12th 10am-3pm
Check out the amazing selection of hand-crafted herbal items including herbal blends, jams and jellies, herbal teas, wreaths, pressed flower note cards, potpourri, baked goods, and our creative recycling finds. Included with admission.
Holden Arboretum
Fall Fungi Foray
September 28 | 10:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
$40 per member, $50 per nonmember
Adult
Tackling Backyard Invaders
October 5 & October 12
9:30 a.m. – noon
$45 per member, $50 per nonmember
This is a two-part workshop. The price includes both sessions.
Take control of your home landscape with the help of Horticulturist Kate Small. This two-part workshop will teach participants how to confidently identify our region’s most prevalent and problematic woody invasive plants while introducing effective control methods to remove invasives while keeping yourself and your environment safe. Sessions will begin indoors before moving outdoors for practical, hands-on application.
Little Mountain Hike
October 6, November 17
11:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.
$10 per member, $20 per nonmember
Adult
Stebbins Gulch Hike
October 26, November 23, December 14
11:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
$10 per member, $20 per nonmember
Fall Specimen Collections Tour
October 15 | 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
$10 per member, $20 per nonmember
Adult, teens 13 & over with accompanying adult
Carver’s Pond Hike
October 19 | 3 – 6 p.m.
$12 per member, $22 per nonmember
Adult, teens 15 & over with adult
Art with Heart:
Fall Nature Paint and Sip
October 19 | 4 – 7 p.m.
$45 per member, $55 per nonmember
Adult
Wine & Cheese Night Hikes
October 25, November 15 | 7 – 10 p.m.
$30 per member, $45 per nonmember
Adult, 21+
Crafting with Cones: Pinecone Wreath Workshop
November 16 | 10 a.m. – noon
$40 per member, $55 per nonmember
Pierson Creek Hike
November 2 | 9:30 a.m. - noon
$10 per member, $20 per nonmember
Adult
Wintergreens Wreath Workshop
December 3 | 10 a.m. – noon OR 1 – 3 p.m.
$75 per member, $90 per nonmember
Adult
Evergreen Happy Hour
December 4 | 5 – 8 p.m.
$65 per member, $80 per nonmember
Adult, 21+
Wintergreens Wreath Workshop
December 5 | 10 a.m. – noon OR 5 – 7 p.m.
$75 per member, $90 per nonmember
Adult
Fall Fun
at the Holden Arboretum
Fall Forest Fest at the Arboretum, enjoy festival feels with smores stations, wagon rides, food trucks, crafts and garden games. A candy corn contest, hay bale course and seasonal selfie stations await fall enthusiasts. Back this year is a favorite activity — Flannels and Flights, a ticketed taste of seasonal brews. Don your favorite costume and get into the fall spirit with our Fall Forest Fest events on the first two weekends in October; October 5th and 6th and 12th and 13th.
Forests & Gardens is the member magazine for Holden Forests & Gardens, which includes the Holden Arboretum in Kirtland and the Cleveland Botanical Garden in Cleveland.
MISSION: Holden Forests & Gardens connects people with the wonder, beauty, and value of trees and plants, to inspire action for healthy communities
VISION: All communities transformed into vibrant places where trees, plants, and people thrive
