MEMBER NEWSLETTER
Allison Anderson Membership Specialist
Dear Members,
I am in disbelief that it’s already July We’re more than halfway through 2024, and summer is just flying by. This is the month for fireflies, bonfires, s’mores, camping, hiking- and of course, visiting Reiman Gardens. �� Even when it’s too hot to explore the grounds, there’s still lots to see inside. Befriend the butterflies in our Butterfly Wing, identify insects outside the lab, cozy up on a comfy bench in the Conservatory, and appreciate the art in the Garden Room.
Mark your calendars! Our MVP celebration is upon us, which will be held the evening of Friday, July 26, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. You are cordially invited to join us to celebrate what makes Reiman Gardens successful: YOU. We will have delicious snacks, a cash bar, trivia games, and more. You may also bring your own snacks and beverages We can’t wait to see you!
We absolutely love our members and volunteers as we wouldn’t exist without you. You all provide us with the support we need to sustain the Gardens for generations to come Please know how much you are appreciated because you all truly ensure the continued success of Reiman Gardens.
Thank you for reading this month’s member e-newsletter. We are delighted you are a member and feel immense gratitude for your support Your membership makes a significant impact as it directly funds our programs and initiatives. Members are the lifeblood of Reiman Gardens!
-Allison
MVP PICNIC: JULY 26
5 PM - 7 PM
Members and Volunteers Picnic (MVP)
July 26 | 5 PM - 7 PM
Join us for an evening in the Gardens as we celebrate you, our members and volunteers! You are welcome to attend and bring immediate family/household members with you
We will have a cash bar and light refreshments available You are welcome to bring your own food and beverages as well.
This year, we are excited to feature a ribbon-cutting of the Volunteer Legacy Pathway. Please pre-register for this free event here.
Thank You to Sheila Anderson by
Allison Anderson
I want to take a moment to recognize a very special volunteer, Sheila Anderson. She is honestly the unsung hero of the membership department Not only is she an outstanding volunteer here at Reiman Gardens- she is also my amazing mom.
Her efforts these last few weeks to assist me with data entry have been instrumental to the success of the membership program. June was an incredibly busy month for membership, but she didn’t let that intimidate her. Her hard work and dedication to Reiman Gardens is impressive. Her help was essential with getting everything completed for the end of fiscal year 2024.
I want to recognize her for her above and beyond efforts to help the Gardens, as she truly does so much for the membership department. Not only does she work full-time (plus caregiving for my ailing grandmother), but she also makes time to volunteer every June. She has also helped to assist with member-only events in the past. She is honestly Wonder Woman in my eyes.
I feel so blessed I get to work at such a beautiful place, plus receive stellar help from my mom. Even though it’s hard work, they will always be times with her that I cherish. Here’s to all the hard-working, selfless mothers everywhere. Thank you so much for everything that you do.
july 2024
UPCOMING
EVENTS AND PROGRAMS
Fireworks
July 3
Enjoy a front row seat to the City of Ames fireworks. Reiman Gardens will be open until the conclusion of the fireworks display. Visitors can bring blankets, coolers, and folding chairs. Normal price of admission.
Garden Art Fair
July 14, 10 AM - 4 PM
More than 80 artists will showcase their talents with eclectic items to view and purchase $2 off normal price of admission. No preregistration is required. View vendors and details here.
Nature at Night
July 9, 8:30 PM - 10 PM
Join horticulture staff for a special nighttime walking tour of the Gardens and end with mocktails in the Patio Garden. Pre-register here.
july 2024
EVENTS AND PROGRAMS UPCOMING
Floral Design Class
July 16, 6 PM - 7 PM
Learn how to make a vase with fiery fresh-cut flowers with State Fair Master Judge Sandy Gossman. All materials included with class Register here.
Painting Class
July 22-Aug 19, 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
This series will spotlight works from the Regionalists and other artists such as John Rogers Cox, Margot Peet, Norman Rockwell, and more. Using various media, students will create one painting each week. Learn more and register here.
Youth Day Camps
July 22-26, 9 AM - 4 PM
Learning and fun collide with nature during our youth day camps. Each day has a new theme. Best for ages 6-10. See each day’s schedule and register here.
Coffee in the Gardens july
EVENTS AND PROGRAMS UPCOMING
July 25, 9 AM - 10 AM
Start your morning off with an extra hour in the gardens and a free cup of coffee. While you are here check out our new Garden Playhouses Exhibit! Regular Admission rates apply
Caterpillar Club
Every Thursday; 10:15 AM - 11 AM Join us outdoors weekly for our popular Early Childhood Development program featuring stories followed by nature exploration and activities. Best for children ages 2-5 with an adult.
UPCOMING
EVENTS AND PROGRAMS
SAVE THE DATE - Events & Programs in August
Youth Day Camps
August 5-7, 9 AM to 4 PM - Have fun and learn with STEM and art activities at Reiman Gardens. Ages 6-10. Classes fill quickly! Learn more at reimangardens com/events
Nature at Night: Black Lighting Invertebrates After Dark
August 6, 8:00 PM to 9:30 PM - Join entomology staff and special guest Jim Durbin of Insects of Iowa for a nighttime excursion in the Gardens, exploring how invertebrates are attracted to light after dark This event sells out quickly! Learn more at reimangardens.com/events.
Butterfly Blizzard
August 8, 8:30 - 10 AM - Participants will get to choose how many butterflies they release. Each butterfly will be in their own container. Participants will learn a little about each of their butterflies and how to release them. Learn more at reimangardens.com/events.
Floral Design Workshop
August 20, 6-7 PM - Join cherished instructor and State Fair Master Floral Judge Sandy Gossman for a floral arranging class to make herbal Tussie Mussies.
Members Trip: Treasures of Costa Rica
January 4-12, 2025
Since the inauguration of the Christina Reiman Butterfly Wing in 2002, 13,262 Blue Morpho (Morpho pelides) Butterfly have captivated visitors with its dazzling iridescence. It's no surprise that this butterfly has become a favorite among those who have visited the Butterfly Wing. We are thrilled to offer you the opportunity to witness this majestic species in its native habitat with our upcoming 2025 Reiman Gardens trip to Costa Rica. Home to over 1,200 butterfly species, Costa Rica boasts a diversity that encompasses 90% of Central America's butterfly species. During this trip, participants will explore extraordinary habitats that are home to many of these species.
What excites me even more, as the Gardens' Entomologist, is the chance to visit not one, but two of the butterfly facilities that have supplied our exhibits. These visits will provide a unique glimpse into the operations of the butterfly exhibit industry and an understanding of the breeding side of these amazing creatures.
Rest assured, plant enthusiasts, there will be an abundance of flora to admire From the most stunning tropical plants like orchids, bromeliads, and palms growing in their natural settings, to curated gardens showcasing their beauty, this trip offers it all. Additionally, we'll have the chance to learn about Costa Rica's agricultural treasures, including coffee, chocolate, and other spices.
Registration is now open! For more information and a complete itinerary, click here.
Warm regards, Nathan
Brockman
Reiman Gardens Director of Entomology
REIMAN GARDENS NEWS
JULY 2024
GOVERNOR’S VOLUNTEER AWARDS CEREMONY HONORS
REIMAN GARDENS VOLUNTEERS
Several dedicated volunteers were honored at the 2024 Governor’s Volunteer Awards ceremony. Jim Stewart, Iowa State University AF-ROTC, and the Iowa State University National Residence Hall Honorary were recognized for their exceptional contributions to our community. Read more here.
Did you know that over half of our funding relies on the generous support of our donors and daily attendance revenue? Your tax-deductible donations support the year-round beautification of Reiman Gardens! Click the donate button above to help us provide visitors with the best experience every day.