This Weekend At the Arboretum: Oaks and Turtles

The seasons have turned. Fall has arrived, which means it’s a perfect time to do some outdoor strolling. Get outside this weekend before the rain comes on Monday and take part in these Arboretum tours: “It’s Oaktober!” and “Turtle Talk and Tour." 

Here’s a release form the Arboretum:

The calendar says "October," the arboretum says "Oaktober," beckoning visitors for a tour of the oak collection, one of the largest in the nation, at the time of year when the trees are preparing to drop their seeds and hunker down for the winter.

In describing the It's Oaktober! tour, the arboretum staff said: "Learn more about the stages in the life of an oak and check out the great diversity of oak tree shapes, sizes, leaves and acorns."

The tour is set for 10 a.m. Saturday (Oct. 1), starting at the gazebo.

Then, on Sunday (Oct. 2), the arboretum presents a Turtle Talk and Tour suitable for the whole family.

Professor Brad Shaffer, professor, Department of Evolution and Ecology, and director, center for Population Biology, plans to discuss research on the interactions between the arboretum waterway's native western pond turtle (a declining species) and non-native, exotic turtles (many of them former pets, released into the waterway).

The program also includes a tour of favorite turtle basking spots.

The turtle program is scheduled from 1-3 p.m., starting on the Wyatt Deck.