Another Nasty Invasive

Another Nasty Invasive:  We are continually battling multiflora rose here at Boxerwood and I’ll bet you are too, maybe without even knowing it.  This rose was introduced to the eastern United States in 1866 as a rootstock for ornamental roses. In the 1930’s, the U.S. Soil Conservation Service started using the rose for erosion control and as ‘living fences’ to control livestock.   More recently, the plant was used on highway median strips as a crash barrier and to reduce headlight glare (this is also how we got the notorious and ever-present Autumn Olive).  Multiflora rose is an aggressive (and the key word here is aggressive) large, multi-stemmed shrub with arching stems and recurved thorns. Small white or pinkish flowers bloom in May and small bright red rose hips form in late summer through winter.  The tips of the canes often reach the ground and root.  Here at Boxerwood, we have had multiflora rose climb thirty feet into trees.  Birds spread the plentiful seed everywhere.

How to eradicate it?  In fields, repeated cutting or mowing at the rate of three to six timesover a period of two years seems to work.  For smaller infestations, late in the season, cut the plant to the ground and paint the remaining stems with a systemic glyphosate herbicide such as Roundup.

Boxerwood Nature Builders Camp Ends With A Challenge Splash

See how the staff of the Nature Builders Camp ended the week with a splash all dedicated to a great cause with a direct connection to our community.

Boxerwood ALS Challenge

A Busy Week At Boxerwood

There is a lot of buzz and work being done at Boxerwood this week.

Boxerwood has been home for the "Nature Builders Day Camp" hosting 31 children and camp staff led by Boxerwood Educators Jess Sullivan and Hannah West.  They have been all through the garden working on fun and educational projects.

Volunteers were hard at work Wednesday in the on going effort to remodel a new learning and meeting space in the Education Wing at the Munger Lodge.

Even the rains do not stop the continuous work being done to keep the garden in shape.

But that rain is helping many of the plants at Boxerwood do their work producing flowers, berries, and fruits that continue the chain of life in the woodland garden.

You never know what might be around the corner when walking through the woodland garden at Boxerwood.  Come make some of your own discoveries.

Boxerwood Board Approves New Professional Photography Policy

Boxerwood Professional Photography Policy

Approved by the Boxerwood Education Association Board of Trustees – August 21, 2014   

This policy is in response to an increase in use of Boxerwood by professional photographers.  At times this has intruded on other activities.  It is proposed that BEA adopt the following policy.

Photography at the Boxerwood Nature Center and Woodland Garden is encouraged as a form of art and enjoyment for our visitors and members.

Any photography that is done for a charge by the photographer and involves the use of models (individuals, families, etc.) or props will require one of the following:

            An annual professional photography permit at a cost of $100

            Or

            A Sustaining or higher level membership to Boxerwood

In addition; any photography sessions exceeding one client per day or groups of more that 4 people will need to be scheduled with a Boxerwood Staff Member.  The purpose of this scheduling is to ensure that no other activities will conflict or disrupt the photography session or Boxerwood events and education programs.

First Day at Boxerwood

I'm Emily, a new worker bee at Boxerwood.  On my first day  here,  the sky opened up and rain fell straight down as though someone had emptied out a wash bucket.  I stood at the door of Munger Lodge and watched the greenness glisten, flooded with memories of gardens and landscapes from other times and places.  It was an overwhelmingly peaceful moment.  Boxerwood is inspiring and meaningful in different ways to different people.  Our love and care for  this beautiful Woodland garden is key to our understanding of the importance of the stewardship to all of our landscapes.  I am so happy to be a part of all that is Boxerwood Nature Center, and look forward to many more perfect memories.

Temporary Closure of the Playtrail to the General Public

ATTENTION: PLAYTRAIL USERS

During the week of August 18 to the 22^nd Boxerwood will be conducting a “Nature Builders Summer Camp.”  The Playtrail will be closed to the general public on these dates during the hours of 8:30am to 3pm.  The purpose is to allow for undisrupted use by camp participants and Boxerwood programs

We apologize for any inconvenience, but feel free to explore the rest of our Woodland Garden.

Music In The Garden on August 8th

Don't forget that this Friday August 8 will be our next installment of Music in the Garden.  Bring a picnic and join us at the Stage area.  The band Molimo, Nelson County-based folk-rockers, will perform.  Admission is free.  A hat will be passed for donations to help preserve our woodland garden.  Picnicking starts at 5:30pm and Music will start at 6:15pm.  Tell your friends and join your fellow Boxerwood enthusiasts for a relaxing summer evening in nature