The CTPA Volunteer Workday at the University of Connecticut's Waxman Conifer Collection
Saturday, June 27, 2009 - 9 am until early afternoon

CTPA is inviting all members to participate in a volunteer workday at the Sidney Waxman Conifer Collection at the University of Connecticut.  This unique collection of plants was the working field laboratory of Dr. Sidney A. Waxman, UConn professor and plant researcher world-renown for his efforts in developing unique forms of many common conifers.  In particular, Dr. Waxman is famous for his work with propagating cuttings from witch's brooms, many of which have then ended up as dwarf forms in the nursery trade.

Sadly, budget cuts, other university priorities and a shortage of personnel have left the Waxman conifer collection in a less-then-ideal state.  However, the Plant Science Department Staff, led by UConn Arborist and CTPA member Heather Dionne and guided by Steve Olsen, are dedicated to bringing this unique plant collection back into shape before it goes too far.  (See full flyer).

What Needs to Be Done?

• Remove several dead specimens

• Remove invading brush such as bittersweet

• Drag and chip brush

• Raise up several specimen trees that have been substantially browsed by deer

• Make decisions regarding crowded speciments - perhaps favoring some and removing others

• Fine pruning of certain specimens in need of such careful work

• Fencing off of smaller plants to prevent future deer damage

• Provide longer term recommendations for UConn staff

• Perhaps, remove some hardwood trees that are crowding the collection at the edge of the field

Equipment needed will include chippers, chainsaws and hand tools.  As the above list suggests, people with a variety of skills will be needed for this workday.

What do You Get out of the Workday?

• An opportunity to work closely with plants selected by one of the foremost conifer growers in the world

• A chance to learn about Dr. Waxman's work from those who worked closely with Dr. Waxman during his career at UConn

• A chance to represent CTPA and to an important audience at the University of Connecticut

• A great lunch - lunch will be provided

• Up to 3 credit hours for the renewal of the Arborist License

Details

• Workday starts on June 27 at 9 am and will end by early afternoon.  Workday is rain or shine.

• All participants must sign a waiver, and it is requested that all participants pre-register so we can plan for the day. 

• Please register by June 13, by contacting Heather Dionne, UConn staff arborist, at (860) 455-3494

• Any questions can be directed to Heather or to Chris Donnelly at (203) 484-2512 or cmdonnelly@aol.com.

Thank you. We look forward to a great workday with many enthusiastic participants. See you there!

The conifer collection has an extensive deer browse problem.	Some of the smaller hemlocks will need fencing to help them recover from the damage.
One unique tree in the collection is the climbing tamarack - Larix laricina.  This one is unencumbered.	There is a tamarack in among the hardwoods and vines that could be spectacular if cleaned and pruned.
A huge paperbark maple greets visitors as they arrive at the Waxman Conifer Collection.	Not all of Dr. Waxman's efforts succeeded.  Here, a white pine tree grows from a collected witch's broom.