Vol. 2 No. 2 - January 2007

Headlines

  • The Morgan Arboretum - A Very Special Place
  • Birds of Prey Demonstration
  • Chalet Pruche Compost Toilet Presentation
  • Valary Leaving - volunteers sought

Glenn, Soledad, Reisha, and Lobi enjoying a hot drink and cinnamon roll picnic at the CC
A Very Special Place
On New Year’s Eve Day the new
fallen snow, mild temperatures, and glorious sunshine brought out members and visitors alike to experience one of those special Arboretum wintry days that is so satisfying to the soul. All the trails showed evidence of the traditional seasonal pastimes of snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, walking, and birding.

Some people were simply content to stroll among those who were enjoying their own special outing. They were rewarded with a sense of sharing a warm community bond so often missed in the hectic hours of a modern work day. Friends snuggling on commemorative benches smiled as children sliding and tumbling down the CC hill shrieked with laughter and excitement. Along the trails complete strangers when greeted with a hearty "Bonjour!" or "Good Morning!" replied in kind with a cheerful smile.

Days like these help make the Morgan Arboretum a “Very Special Place”.

Arboretum Improvements



A new roof was installed on the Conservation Centre in
mid-December



A new gravel bed was spread on the main entrance road in December. Final work will be completed in the spring.

Interesting fact
Over 250 trees were sold
during the Christmas Sale.

Birds of Prey Demonstration
Bird Protection Quebec is sponsoring a live birds of prey demonstration at the Arboretum on Sunday, January 28th at 10am. A bilingual animator from the Ecomuseum will discuss many interesting facts about these fascinating creatures.
Admission is free for Arboretum members; non-members pay $5.00 for adults, $2.00 for children.

All those wishing to attend are asked to contact the Arboretum Office at the number below.

 

The Birches
Compost Toilet Presentation
A proposal initiated by former MAA Director Margaret Forrest to install “green” toilets in Chalet Pruche became a term project for a group of students from the McGill School of the Environment. Their final proposal will be presented at the Conservation Centre on Monday evening, January 29 at 7:30pm. All those wishing to attend are asked to contact the Arboretum Office at the number below to reserve their seat.

Snowshoe (Black) Trail

Trail Network Winter Regulations

Blue trail: For skiers only. No dogs allowed.
Yellow trail: Priority to skiers with dogs. As long as there is snow, walkers must use the side of the trail in order to preserve the ski track.
Black trail: Snowshoeing and winter walking. No dogs allowed.
Green trail: Walking. No dogs allowed.
Orange trail (Centre Road): All purpose. Walking priority.
Red trail: All purpose. Walking priority.

Valerie Leaving

Val, our gatekeeper, is leaving us to work for Parks Canada next month.

Anyone willing to volunteer at the gatehouse for an hour or two a week during the coming months should contact Leslie at the number below.
   
You may contact the Arboretum by telephone at (514) 398-7811
Contact us: morgan.arboretum@mcgill.ca

This newsletter is a collaborative effort of MAA Directors Richard Gregson and Chick Taylor
and Anne Godbout of the Arboretum Administration team