Canandaigua Botanic Society

The second oldest botanical club in the US: A brief history

By Laura Ouimette

TOP LEFT:

Sign and vasculum

TOP RIGHT:

Elisabeth Socci and Maya Hobday among the Mertensia (blue bells)

BOTTOM RIGHT:

Soil and root study at Muller Field Station

BOTTOM LEFT: Herbarium sample

OPPOSITE: Dr. Bruce Gilman, aka. Plantman, membership spanning five decades, frequent leader and presenter, curator of the FLCC herbarium. Dedicated to advancing knowledge and enjoyment of plants found in the Finger Lakes Region since May 1874, the Canandaigua Botanical Society is the second oldest botanical club in the United States. (The more professional Torrey Botanical Society, near New York City, was incorporated in 1871.)

That early group was composed of avid botanists who sought out and studied all types of plants growing in the local area. An extensive collection of pressed specimens was prepared by the club—many of which are currently housed in the Finger Lakes Herbarium at Finger Lakes Community College.

From 1874 through 1930, Dr. Harvey Jewett was the Canandaigua Botanical Society’s first president. Members were voted in and papers were read at monthly meetings held in private homes. Mrs. Charles W. Marshall served as secretary from 1876–1909 when she met her tragic death in a house fire—along with thirty-five years of CBS records.

During the next twenty years (1930–1950), members were serious botanists, with many of them being teachers or retired teachers, and specimens were collected for study. During the World War II years, gas rationing curtailed the gatherings, but they resumed in full force after the war. Field trips were held in the spring, summer, and fall months with meetings held in the winter.

From the fifties through to 1980, membership opened up to “any interested person” with winter meetings and summer field trips and an annual meeting/potluck dinner held each April. The club also continued specimen collection. The 100th Anniversary was celebrated in April 1974.

From 1980 through the 2020, membership was open to all interested people. Field trips continued within Ontario County and throughout the greater Finger Lakes Region. Specimen collection was limited due to DEC regulation of protected plants and the faculty of the FLCC Environmental Conservation and Horticulture department became an integral part of the Canandaigua Botanical Society, providing leaders and expertise as well as housing the herbarium of specimens collected by members.

Today the society is made up of individuals who,

while having a wide range of knowledge from novice to expert, share a love of nature. Interests include wildflowers, medicinal and edible plants, trees, ferns, mushrooms, aquatic plants, viticulture, insects, birds, and more. Many of the members are active in related nature and conservation oriented organizations. Members enjoy leisurely paced walks that allow time to see what is underfoot, overhead, and all around us when we really look.

During the second pandemic experienced by the Canandaigua Botanical Society, efforts were put towards promoting destinations and programing through their weblog and facebook page/group. They are excited to safely begin meeting as groups back out in nature with an in-person botanical walk to begin on Saturday, April 30, 2022 at 10am. 2024 will usher in Canandaigua Botanical Society’s 150th anniversary. In preparation they are seeking persons interested in working with current members to research through Canandaigua Botanical Society records housed at the Ontario County Historical Society. Society membership is $7 for an individual or $10 for a family. Find club information at canandaiguabotanicalsociety.blogspot.com or reach out via email: canandaiguabotanical@gmail.com.

See upcoming Canandaigua Botanical Society events in the calendar, this issue.

Laura Ouimette is the Coordinator for the Canandaigua Botanical Society.