Oak Ridge Today

UT Arboretum Society has Fall Plant Sale on Saturday, Oct. 21

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The University of Tennessee Arboretum Society’s Fall Plant Sale will be held Saturday, October 21, 2017, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the UT Arboretum in Oak Ridge. (Photo courtesy UT Arboretum Society)

The University of Tennessee Arboretum Society’s Fall Plant Sale will be held Saturday, October 21, 2017, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the UT Arboretum in Oak Ridge. (Photo courtesy UT Arboretum Society)

 

The University of Tennessee Arboretum Society’s Fall Plant Sale will be held Saturday, October 21, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the UT Arboretum in Oak Ridge.

“Fall is the ideal time to add plants to your landscape,” a press release said. “Beaver Creek Nursery, East Fork Nursery, Riverdale Nursery, Sunlight Gardens, as well as the UT Arboretum Society’s members and friends, will be offering a variety of high quality plants at this sale.”

Cash, checks, and credit cards will be accepted for payment. [Read more…]

Reminder: Emerald ash borer workshop at UT Arboretum this evening

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An ash tree is pictured above in Oak Ridge. (Photo courtesy City of Oak Ridge)

An ash tree is pictured above in Oak Ridge. (Photo courtesy City of Oak Ridge)

 

The Oak Ridge Tree Board is hosting a workshop focused on the impact of the emerald ash borer in the area. The event, scheduled for the evening of Tuesday, August 29, will provide important information regarding the emerald ash borer for property owners, landscapers, and others involved in the maintenance of green spaces, a press release said.

Ash trees make up a significant percentage of the urban forest in the area and have traditionally been a landscaping staple. Many of these trees in Oak Ridge are already dead or beyond treatment, but a significant number can be saved. At the workshop this evening, experts from around the area will address issues that include the identification of affected ash trees and responses to emerald ash borer infestation, including appropriate treatment. [Read more…]

City tree board has workshop on emerald ash borer on Aug. 29

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An ash tree is pictured above in Oak Ridge. (Photo courtesy City of Oak Ridge)

An ash tree is pictured above in Oak Ridge. (Photo courtesy City of Oak Ridge)

 

The Oak Ridge Tree Board is hosting a workshop focused on the impact of the emerald ash borer in the area. The event, scheduled for the evening of Tuesday, August 29, will provide important information regarding the emerald ash borer for property owners, landscapers, and others involved in the maintenance of green spaces, a press release said.

“Ash trees make up a significant percentage of our urban forest and have traditionally been a landscaping staple,” the press release said. “Many of these trees in Oak Ridge are already dead or beyond treatment, but a significant number can be saved. At the workshop later this month, experts from around the area will address issues such as identification of affected ash trees and responses to EAB (emerald ash borer) infestation, including appropriate treatment.”

Those who attend will learn about these pests and their origin and how they spread across the country, as well as the techniques used in diverse areas ranging from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park to urban areas, such as Knoxville and surrounding municipalities. [Read more…]

UT Arboretum in Oak Ridge will be viewing site for solar eclipse

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Solar eclipse (Photo courtesy UT Arboretum Society)

Solar eclipse (Photo courtesy UT Arboretum Society)

 

The University of Tennessee Arboretum in Oak Ridge will be a viewing site for the solar eclipse on August 21.

It is estimated that the total solar eclipse in Oak Ridge will last 27 to 31 seconds at approximately 2:33 p.m. EDT August 21, a press release said.

The public is invited to view the eclipse in a clear area above the arboretum’s auditorium, the press release said. Gates will open at 1:30 p.m. for cars to park near the site. Forest Resources AgResearch and Education Center staff will direct patrons to walk to the area at the top of the hill.

The public is invited to bring chairs, blankets, and viewing devices, the press release said. Normal arboretum rules will be followed including no pets and no picnicking. People are encouraged to bring water. Restrooms will be available in the auditorium building.

For this first solar eclipse over the continental United States since 1979, Oak Ridge is one of the few cities in the path of totality in Tennessee. [Read more…]

Award-winning PBS science educator to present eclipse program Aug. 10

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Submitted photo

Submitted photo

 

Award-winning PBS science educator Janet Ivey will present a program on the solar eclipse in Oak Ridge in August.

Ivey is creator of “Janet’s Planet,” which is syndicated on 140 public television stations throughout the U.S. and has received 12 regional Emmys and five Gracie Allen awards, a press release said.

Her August 10 program is titled “A Day in the Dark! Solar Eclipse 2017!” It’s sponsored by the University of Tennessee Arboretum Society.

The family-friendly program will be held in the UT Arboretum Auditorium on Thursday, August 10, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., the press release said. The arboretum is at 901 South Illinois Avenue in Oak Ridge. [Read more…]

Butterfly Festival at UT Arboretum on Saturday, July 29

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Submitted photo

Submitted photo

Monarch release, UT Insect Zoo, speakers, and children’s activities are highlights

The University of Tennessee Arboretum Society will present its Second Annual Butterfly Festival on Saturday, July 29, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the UT Arboretum Auditorium and surrounding grounds, 901 South Illinois Avenue in Oak Ridge.  It is cosponsored by the UT Forest Resources AgResearch and Education Center. The gate will be open at 9:30 a.m., with coffee and donuts available.  The event will take place rain or shine, a press release said.

The event, which drew hundreds of area participants in 2016, is designed for children and adults of all ages. There is ample parking in designated areas of the Arboretum adjacent to the event, the press release said.

The day’s highlight will be the release of 100 butterflies, some at noon and the remainder at 2 p.m.

“We invite children to help release the monarch butterflies, which will be offered at a cost of $10 per butterfly,” the press release said. Cash or credit cards will be accepted.

Nationally recognized author Rita Venable is the keynote speaker. An award-winning writer, photographer, and butterfly expert, Rita will speak about “Small-scale Butterfly Gardening” at 10 a.m. At 1 p.m., she will speak on “Butterflies of Tennessee,” the subject of her popular book. Her book will be available for purchase and signing, the press release said. [Read more…]

‘When Good Trees Go Bad’: Lecture & walk at UT Arboretum on Thursday

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The University of Tennessee Arboretum Oak Ridge Forest is pictured above in the spring of 2016. (Photo by UT Arboretum)

The University of Tennessee Arboretum Oak Ridge Forest is pictured above in the spring of 2016. (Photo by UT Arboretum)

The University of Tennessee Arboretum Society will present a short talk and lead a walk on Thursday, June 15, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the UT Arboretum Auditorium at 901 South Illinois Avenue in Oak Ridge.

Led by Forester Jeff Holt, the short talk and walk will focus on the impact of disease and damage as observed in trees on the walk, a press release said. Holt will discuss how these issues relate to tree hazard mortality risk as they may relate to management and safety of the trees. During the walk, Holt will lead the group around the Arboretum to discuss affected trees, the press release said.

Celebrating 52 years in 2017, this program is one of many activities that will be offered this year by the UT Arboretum Society. The program is co-sponsored by the UT Forest Resources AgResearch and Education Center.

The Forest Resources AgResearch and Education Center, which celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2014, is one of 10 outdoor laboratories located throughout the state as part of the UT AgResearch system. AgResearch is a division of the UT Institute of Agriculture. The Institute of Agriculture also provides instruction, research and public service through the UT College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, the UT College of Veterinary Medicine, UT AgResearch, and UT Extension offices, with locations in every county in the state.

Einstein Simplified, an improv comedy group, at UT Arboretum on Sunday

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Einstein Simplified

Einstein Simplified

 

Einstein Simplified, an improvisational comedy group, will perform at the University of Tennessee Arboretum in Oak Ridge on Sunday.

Organizers called it a great early Father’s Day gift for dad, spouse, or friends. But you must bring your sense of humor, they said.

“We live in a crazy up-and-down world, so the UT Arboretum Society is offering you a chance to forget all that on Sunday, June 11, at the UT Arboretum Auditorium, located at 901 South Illinois Avenue in Oak Ridge,” a press release said. “Join us as we all laugh non-stop as the renowned award-winning comedy group Einstein Simplified presents an hour of uninterrupted improv comedy. This 23-year-old well-established group performs funny, and often physical, unrehearsed comedy.”

The fun begins at 5 p.m. Sunday with a reception that includes wine and a wide variety of cheeses. “This is a chance to mingle with the comedy troupe and socialize with the crowd,” the press release said. The cost is $30 per person, and that includes one free glass of wine, cheese, crackers, and the comedy show.

All tickets will be sold before the event. There are no walk-up sales. Soft drinks will be provided free of charge. A cash bar for additional glasses of wine will be available. The preferred method of ticket sales is online at the UT Arboretum Society website at http://utas.brownpapertickets.com/. If online purchase is a problem, call (865) 776-8227. [Read more…]

Two medical helicopters respond to crash near UT Arboretum

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Two medical helicopters responded to a crash on South Illinois Avenue near the University of Tennessee Arboretum on Friday afternoon, May 26, 2017. One helicopter is visible just to the left of the road sign in the median above. (Photo by John Huotari/Oak Ridge Today)

Two medical helicopters responded to a crash on South Illinois Avenue near the University of Tennessee Arboretum on Friday afternoon, May 26, 2017. One helicopter is partially visible just to the left of the road sign in the median above. (Photo by John Huotari/Oak Ridge Today)

 

Note: This story was last updated at 6:40 p.m.

Two medical helicopters responded to a crash on South Illinois Avenue near the University of Tennessee Arboretum on Friday afternoon.

The crash was reported at about 2:45 p.m. Friday. The first helicopter, a UT Lifestar helicopter, departed at about 3:20 p.m., just as the second one approached to land on South Illinois Avenue.

It’s not clear yet how many vehicles or occupants were involved. [Read more…]

UT Arboretum Society to hold MOTH…er’s Night Out on Saturday

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Hebrew Moth (Photo courtesy UT Arboretum Society)

Hebrew Moth (Photo courtesy UT Arboretum Society)

The University of Tennessee Arboretum Society will sponsor the popular MOTH…er’s Night Out program to learn about moths and other nocturnal insects on Saturday, May 20, a press release said. The program is scheduled from 8 to 10 p.m. at the UT Arboretum, which is located at 901 South Illinois Avenue in Oak Ridge.

“Have you ever wondered about what kind of insects are out hunting and eating while you sleep snugly in your bed at night?” the press release asked. “Come learn about these creatures with naturalist Kris Light. After an introductory program in the Visitors Center, we will venture outdoors to check the sheets to observe the insects that have been attracted by the black lights.

“Bring your camera, your friends, and your kids as well as a magnifying glass, a flashlight, and a desire to learn about these fascinating critters! This program is appropriate for all ages.” [Read more…]

UT professor to discuss last year’s wildfires on April 13 in Oak Ridge

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Henri Grissino-Mayer

Henri Grissino-Mayer

A University of Tennessee professor will discuss the devastating wildfires in the Southeast in 2016 during a talk in Oak Ridge on April 13.

The featured speaker will be UT professor Henri Grissino-Mayer, a renowned expert on ecosystems, a press release said. He will address the devastating fires, their cause, and what the future may be, a press release said.

The talk is titled “The 2016 Wildfires in the Southeastern U.S.: What Comes Next after Gatlinburg?” It will be presented by the University of Tennessee Arboretum Society.

It’s scheduled from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday, April 13, in the UT Arboretum Auditorium at 901 South Illinois Avenue in Oak Ridge.

Grissino-Mayer is a professor in the Department of Geography at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville and director of the Laboratory of Tree-Ring Science. [Read more…]

UT Arboretum Society has 50th annual Spring Plant Sale on April 8

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The University of Tennessee Arboretum Society’s 50th Annual Spring Plant Sale will gather the best of four local nurseries in one location. The public sale will be held on Saturday, April 8, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the UT Arboretum at 901 South Illinois Avenue (Highway 62) in Oak Ridge. The “Members Only” sale will be on Friday, April 7, from 5-7 p.m. (Submitted photo)

The University of Tennessee Arboretum Society’s 50th Annual Spring Plant Sale will gather the best of four local nurseries in one location. The public sale will be held on Saturday, April 8, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the UT Arboretum at 901 South Illinois Avenue (Highway 62) in Oak Ridge. The “Members Only” sale will be on Friday, April 7, from 5-7 p.m. (Submitted photo)

 

The University of Tennessee Arboretum Society’s 50th Annual Spring Plant Sale will gather the best of four local nurseries in one location.

The public sale will be held on Saturday, April 8, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the UT Arboretum at 901 South Illinois Avenue (Highway 62) in Oak Ridge.

The “Members Only” sale will be on Friday, April 7, from 5-7 p.m. Memberships may be purchased at that time for this “early bird” shopping opportunity. Checks and credit cards will be accepted. [Read more…]