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January 14, 2026

Benjamin Blackburn Scholarship Lecture

Bird Haven Farm: The Story of an Original American Garden, with Janet Mavec

Saturday, February 7 - 1:00 PM (Snow Date: Sunday, February 8)

In person at The Frelinghuysen Arboretum

Admission fees for this program support the scholarship that is offered to students in the Landscape Technology Program at County College of Morris (CCM). The scholarship allows interested students the opportunity to explore the different horticultural, environmental, and design studies offered through the accredited CCM program. The increased knowledge students acquire in the classroom and through hands-on programs at CCM will benefit them as they enter their chosen fields in horticulture and landscape design.

You can be a part of this worthy commitment by registering to attend this program and helping local students fulfill their dreams.

Janet Mavec's presentation will take us through the process she and her husband undertook, along with Spanish landscape architect Fernando Carruncho to create Bird Haven Farm. The photographs will give you a small preview of what's in store - join us for a lovely February afternoon of landscape dreams, fellowship and refreshments.

Click on a picture to enlarge it.

A book sale and signing will follow Ms. Mavec's presentation.

For more information and to register, click on Ms. Mavec's photo.

The Friends are grateful to Mendham Capital Management for its generous sponsorship of The Benjamin Blackburn Scholarship Program.

For more information and to register, click on the book cover,

FRIENDS MEMBERS NEW YEAR'S PARTY

Friends Members were treated to a lovely afternoon and a very interesting and informative talk about our garden "friends", those pesky squirrels! Jim Walker from Wild Birds Unlimited, a Retail Partner with the Friends, had all kinds of sage advice on how to keep squirrels happy while at the same time keeping our feathered friends fed and happy. Jim brought along a variety of feeders and bird seed to display and talk about as well. Thanks to Member Meri Tango for the photo of Jim and some of his merchandise.

Our wonderful group of volunteers knocked themselves out arranging sweet and savory treats provided by Members and making sure all ran smoothly.

Marge Hulstrunk and Russell Gatzke outdid themselves with wonderful bird-themed arrangements for the food and beverage tables. Marge created a lovely tree full of white doves that floated serenely above the food table. Russell's tree was populated by colorful, delicate origami birds which he made! We are so fortunate to have such gifted people to work with. Thank you all!

Click on images to enlarge.

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FRIENDS VIDEOS AT THE ARBORETUM

Click here for a brief video by Lisa Bencivengo featuring Bruce Crawford, Manager of Horticulture Division of Cultural and Environmental Resources at the Morris County Park Commission in which he discusses the All American Garden at The Frelinghuysen Arboretum. Be sure to subscribe to our channel.

You can view all our videos in our YouTube channel. Be sure to subscribe.

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WATCH PREVIOUS ZOOM PRESENTATIONS

Several of our previously recorded events are available to watch on-line.

See our Prerecorded Events page for more information and to register.

Retail Partners

When shopping at our fine Retail Partners, please remember to present your Membership card at the beginning of your check out transaction. Our Retail Partners need to enter the discount at the beginning of that process.

If you have not yet used this wonderful Member Benefit, you can view our full list of Retail Partners by clicking here.

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You can register and pay on line on our Events page and Membership page and subscribe to this newsletter here: complete directions for subscribing.

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CONTACT US HERE

PARK INFORMATION

• Frelinghuysen, Willowwood and Bamboo Brook Arboreta grounds are open 7 days a week, from 8am to dusk
• The Haggerty Education Center building is open seven days a week from 10 AM to 4 PM, except for Federal holidays. Click here for information and updates.
• HUNTING IN THE PARKS - See the Morris County Park Commission website.

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