Landis Arboretum Thanks its Volunteers

By Lei Pollard

ESPERANCE — Preservation of native flora is a crucial part of maintaining the local ecosystem. With forty acres, and the help of many volunteers, the Landis Arboretum in Esperance excels at this mission. The Landis Arboretum is a private non-for-profit organization, run by the committee's president, Jim Paley, alongside executive director, Fred Breglia, and the volunteer coordinator, Susan Strangia, many staff, and many volunteers. With a new addition at the Nicholas J. Juried Meeting House, including three new accessible bathrooms with showers, and sleeping quarters that could also be used in times of emergency, Landis also serves as the dedicated meeting location in the event of a declared emergency, such as a flood.

On Sunday, the Landis Arboretum held an appreciation luncheon for its numerous volunteers. The event began with a self-serve buffet of delicious food and transitioned to speeches given by Paley, followed by Breglia and Strangia.

Following the speeches, three awards were given to volunteers. The Fred Lape Award for Excellence in Art was given to Chandra Burhart, for her art projects decorating various buildings throughout the arboretum. Shayne Mitchell received the Volunteer of the Year award for his non-stop dedication year-round. The Great Oak Award was presented to Marian and Ken Hotopp for their continued dedication over the years.

Attending guests were able to ask the speakers questions about various goals. Paley answered all questions concisely. The event concluded with Paley showing guests the newest pavilion, and a brief tour of the preserve.

The committee is very grateful for those who have volunteered, and the folks who have signed off on grants, including community philanthropist Nick Juried, allowing for the impressive upgrades already in place.

Jim Paley says he has many plans for the Landis Arboretum. He would like to update the architecture of some buildings, as well as adding a paved walking trail to increase accessibility for those with strollers or mobility impairments. Paley also has plans to update the newly-added pavilion by adding lights.

Landis is also expanding its potential revenue sources by renting out sections for events and venues, to make up for changes in plant sales. Landis will happily take new volunteers to help keep up with the rapidly expanding number of first-timers, especially since only eighty to a hundred out of the recorded two hundred and fifty volunteers signed up are currently active.

For more information, please contact the Landis Arboretum at 174 Lape Road or call (518) 875-6935.