It’s Spring!‏ At the Althouse Arboretum

Volunteer Day!  We need YOU!

It’s time to start creating our community center! The basement has been cleared out, beams added, April 23rd we’ll be installing stud walls. We can use people with some “construction” experience to help.  We will also be painting, working on trails, clearing areas for our “playground features”,  and more…. something for everyone! Please come!

Saturday, April 23rd, starting at 9am
We’ll be there all day.
Picnic lunch provided!
Rain date:  Sunday, 24th

We have some but can use more if you’d like to bring them!
If you’re willing to work on the house:  Nail gun, electric saw, tools in general
Outside work:  Need shovels, rakes, clippers
Painting:  Bring extra brushes, extension roller, scraper
Everyone:  Work Gloves!

Friends of the Arboretum

Monday, May 2nd, 7pm
2019 Mimosa Lane
(around the corner from the Arboretum, off Snyder Road)

So much going on! Find out what’s happening, add your ideas!

(Here’s more about the Friends)

And the Winner Is…

PENN”S WOODS TRAIL!
Watch for your chance to participate in making this a model of native plants and education.

Summer Camp

Time to sign up for Summer Camp! Three choices this year: Water Week, Wildlife Week and Outdoor Science Week. Discount when you sign up for all three!

 

GreenAllies News

• GreenAllies received a grant to complete the Arboretum’s Master Plan including a Low Ropes Course and a Children’s Forest Trail.  Work will begin this spring and continue throughout 2016.
•  Franklin Institute will provide the funding for GreenAllies to run a Climate Change Action Summit for college students at the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge. College volunteers will be trained in climate action projects for middle and high school students for the purpose of serving as mentors during the upcoming school year.  The goal is to inspire student environmental projects across the region.
• Emerald Ash Borer:  The invasive insect is forcing the township to cut down all the ash trees near trails and other “targets” throughout the township. Althouse Arboretum has over 200 ash trees on its property.  Plans are being formulated to cut some trees immediately; monitor and cut other ash trees when needed in the future; and to SAVE some of the most important trees through chemical treatment.  Looking for supporters to sponsor a tree and help fund the chemical treatment to SAVE THE TREES.

Althouse Arboretum Grand Opening And Community Picnic! Saturday, September 26th

Come out and join us for a celebration!  We will officially open the Arboretum at 10:30 AM with a very brief ceremony followed by a community picnic.  There will be free food (donations always accepted :), an art exhibit and sale, a silent auction, and other great organizations that will be joining us as we have fun and thank all who helped create this amazing place called the Althouse Arboretum.  Take the opportunity to relax, meet with neighbors, enjoy some walks along our trails and find out what the Arboretum is all about.  Parking will be at the Hillside Aquatic club on Moyer Road.  Shuttle service is available.

We’re having a silent auction at the picnic to raise money for the Arboretum. We already have several beautiful gift baskets donated. If you’d like to donate an item for the auction contact Nancy. A great way to advertise your business and support for the Arboretum!

Sprogel’s Run 5K Race & Walk

Saturday, September 26th, opens at 9am
Cost: $20 for 3 mile run   $10 for Fun Run and Walk
A 5k run along Sprogel’s Run Trail.  Or join other community members in a 1 or 2 mile (your choice after the half-way point!) WALK or FUN RUN. Ending at the beautiful Althouse Arboretum where we will be celebrating our GRAND OPENING with a short ceremony and community picnic!
Details, Maps and Registration info here.

Update For Easter Egg Hunt‏

Forest Easter Egg Hunt MOVED TO SUNDAY DUE TO WET CONDITIONS

Families can stop by any time between 1pm to 4pm
For children ages 4 to 9
$2 donation per child
Date: Sunday, March 29th, 1pm-4pm

Join us for the Arboretum’s first ever Easter Egg Hunt! Find hidden eggs along the trail. Bring the eggs back for prizes!

Althouse Arboretum website:  https://althousearboretum.wordpress.com/

For Sale: Bridges, In As-Is Condition

Map of Pennsylvania highlighting Berks County (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

If you believe one road’s trash can be another’s treasure, PennDOT has a bridge to sell you.

It’s on Christman Road, connecting Greenwich and Richmond townships over the Saucony Creek.

The 117-year-old span, known as Hummel’s Bridge, was a pioneer in its time.  It had pony truss construction that ushered in an era of similar bridges.

PennDOT and the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission consider it “historically and technologically significant.”

Read more:  http://readingeagle.com/article.aspx?id=471598