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MANITOGA/THE RUSSEL WRIGHT DESIGN CENTER
Route 9D, PO Box 249
Garrison, NY 10524
(845) 424-3812
russelwrightcenter.org.
Open for the season; Tour daily at 11, additional tour at 1:30 Sat & Sun only; reservations req'd
Sat. May 10 - Putnam County Day, discounted rates of $8 for tours at 11am & 1:30pm. Res req'd
Sat. May 17 - Volunteer landscape day, 11am-4pm, led by author and garden coach Barbara Hobens Feldt
Sun. June 1 - Extraordinary Homes Tour - tour 8 modern homes in Philipstown area, self-drive fundraiser. Limited space, reservations req'd.
Sat. June 7 - Laurel Festival, 1-4pm, Potluck lunch, strawberry icecream at annual Dragon Rock block party. Families welcome.
Sat. June 14 - Rockland County Day, discounted rates for tours at 11 and 1:30, res. req'd
Sat. June 21 - Volunteer Landscape Day, 11am-4pm, led by landscape designer Grace Kennedy.
Sat. July 12 - Ulster County Day, discounted rates for tours at 11 and 1:30, res. req'd
Sat. Aug. 9 - Westchester County Day, discounted rates for tours at 11 and 1:30, res. req'd
Sat. Sept. 6 - Volunteer Landscape Day, 11am-4pm, led by designer Joe Chapman
Sat. Sept. 13 - Orange County Day, discounted rates for tours at 11 and 1:30, res. req'd
Sat. Sept. 13 - Cocktail Walk for members, 5-7pm
Sun. Sept. 14 - Hudson River Ramble hike to Lost Pond, 2-4pm, led by Chris Galligan, $10 donation to support trail mainenance, bring picnic lunch.
Sun. Oct. 5 - 9th Annual Russel Wright Award Luncheon and Benefit Auction. 12 noon - 3:30pm, at The Garrison.
Sat. Oct. 11 - Dutchess County Day - discounted rates for tours at 11 and 1:30, res. req'd
Sun. Oct. 12 - Hike to Lost Pond led by Chris Galligan, $10 supports trail maintenance, bring picnic lunch
Sat. Oct. 18 - Columbia County Day - discounted rates for tours at 11 and 1:30, res. req'd
Sat. Oct. 25 - Cocktail Walk for members, 2-4pm
Sat. Oct. 25 - 2nd Annual Woodland Landscape Program presentation at Desmond Fish Library, 5-7pm.
Sat. Nov. 8 - Landscape Volunteer Day, 11am-4pm
Sun. Dec. 7 - Annual Holiday Open House, 2-4pm, ring in holiday season, thanks to volunteers
Expanded Programs Mark Manitoga Season Launch
Manitoga launched its 2008 season with a growing range of programs for students, professionals and the public. Internships, a camp leadership week for older youth, docent education, volunteer landscape workdays, a regular program of daily tours and specially designed group tours will give local residents and visitors from near and far
many reasons to visit the site.
In March and April, the first two of six scheduled Volunteer Landscape days welcomed more than 50 volunteers. "The first meeting of our new Woodland Landscape Council last fall taught us that many people are ready for both hands-on participation at Manitoga and also for learning more about Russel Wright's philosophy in designing
the site," said Board Landscape Chair Katy Moss Warner. In response, individual members of the Council have organized six landscape workdays this year, each offering opportunities to learn and do.
Manitoga Advisory Board member Chris Galligan led the first workday on March 29, joined by fellow arborists Chip Marks and Josh Maddox and Manitoga Landscape Curator Ruth Parnall. Moss Warner said that Galligan treated volunteers to the best pruning lesson she has heard.
Then teams spread into the landscape to trim trees, clear the fabulous views that Wright called osios, and downed trees and limbs. There was plenty of time for camaraderie over morning coffee and lunch and volunteers were proud to leave Manitoga's remarkable trees and paths looking better for the upcoming tour season.
On April 19, volunteers gathered to hear Curator Parnall demonstrate common invasive species and how to remove and dispose of them. (See http://www.russelwrightcenter.org/lectures/parnall041908.html for Parnall's notes on invasive exotics and pictures of common local threats.)
Teams then spread along the tour path and in Mary's Meadow to remove invasive plants and clear out underbrush. At the end of the day, twenty piles of sticks, downed limbs, invasive exotics and other winter debris attested to the measure of energy and hard work volunteered.
"We were proud to leave the Quarry Path route that the Manitoga Daily Tour follows ready for the season opening on April 26," said Moss Warner. She noted there is still plenty to do to recapture Wright's design and the experience he wanted visitors to have. "We hope more people will join us for upcoming Volunteer Landscape Days to
learn things they can use in their own gardens, to learn more about the story of living in harmony with nature that Wright designed Manitoga to tell, and to spend a great day with friends in a beautiful place!"
The next Volunteer Landscape Day on May 17 will be led by
Garden Your City author Barbara Hobens Feldt and will focus on improving the face Manitoga shows to the world along its 9D entrance.
Volunteer Docents also have the opportunity to learn all about Manitoga's story when they prepare to lead tours of Wright's Home, Studio and Woodland Garden. "Our training is being constantly enriched as ongoing research at the site is used to expand our training manual," said Assistant Director Lori Moss, who oversees Docent
recruitment and training. "We arrange special tours of Manitoga for our Docents led by family and friends who knew Wright and scholars who study him. We also take them on field trips to related sites so they can understand Wright's important place in Modern design."
To learn more about upcoming Volunteer Landscape Days, training to become a Volunteer Docent and other volunteer opportunities, email volunteer@russelwrightcenter.org or call the Manitoga office at 424-3812.
Manitoga Summer Nature & Design Camp to Hold Open Day This Saturday
Manitoga/The Russel Wright Design Center's 75 acres of woodland paths and streams will once again host a season of summer fun and learning when Summer Nature & Design Camp swings into action on July 7. Children ages 5 to 12 will enjoy a variety of nature-focused hiking, arts and sporting activities on the beautiful grounds of
Putnam County's only National Historic Landmark.
A preview of Manitoga's eighteenth camp season will take place this Saturday, May 3, from 2 until 4pm; raindate is Sunday, May 4, same time. Camp Open Day offers a chance to explore the site, meet the staff and learn about the program. Both new and returning campers and their families are welcome to hike the trails and find out about
Manitoga's other programs before or after Open Day activities.
The former home, studio and woodland garden of pioneer modern designer and environmentalist Russel Wright, Manitoga provides the setting for five one-week, full-day sessions. This year's themes include Reptiles & Amphibians, Planet Protectors, Landscape & Architecture, Seeds, Weeds & Trees, and Native American theater week.
This year, a new Pre-Camp Program from June 30 through July 3 will provide intensive orientation for teen volunteers and camp counselors. Special guest educators in ecology, landscape design, architecture and modern design will introduce youth ages 13 and up to Wright's nature philosophy, his design principles, environmental issues
and the skills needed to work effectively with camp children.
Mark Wick, fourth-grade teacher and reptile enthusiast, is thrilled to be returning as Camp Director. "Get ready to lace up those hiking shoes, because we're going to continue to explore the many treasures found along the trails. Whether it's a hike up to Lost Pond or a casual stroll along a meandering stream, we'll be sure to take careful
notice of all the plants and animals that have made their homes at Manitoga. I'm confident that this summer will be full of excitement."
Mark will be joined by an artist-in-residence who will link each week's theme with creative art projects using the natural environment. Along with committed and energetic counselors and various guest educators, they look forward to engaging campers in a wide variety of activities, backed by Russel Wright's philosophy of living in
harmony with nature.
"There's so much going on here this summer," said Manitoga Assistant Director Lori Moss. "We'll be breaking ground to address drainage issues and restoring the green roof on the house. We are really excited about incorporating these challenges into the camp curriculum."
The Manitoga Summer Nature & Design Camp brochure can be found online at www.russelwrightcenter.org. To receive a copy or for additional information, call the Manitoga office at 424-3812. Manitoga is located at 584 Route 9D in Garrison, 2.5 miles north of the Bear Mountain Bridge.
Trees are Focus of Manitoga Volunteer Landscape Day This Saturday
If you love trees and want to learn more about their care and the role they play in the environment, join arborist Chris Galligan and friends of Manitoga this Saturday, March 29 at Manitoga/The Russel Wright Design Center in Garrison.
Chris Galligan, a member of Manitoga's Woodland Landscape Council, will kick things off promptly at 11am with some words of wisdom about caring for trees in the Hudson Highlands, followed by a picnic-style lunch. Volunteers will then divide up into teams and work together until 4pm pruning, cutting and clearing the quarry garden,
one of the most beautiful areas of the 75-acre site that annually welcomes thousands of hikers, tourists and day-campers.
Manitoga is a woodland garden that uses the materials of the place. Wright's achievement at Manitoga was to explain the forest, its structure and its processes in a sensual and experiential way through a thoughtful and skillfully constructed series of paths. The trees at Manitoga are the canopy for Russel Wright's landscape at Manitoga.
"When a place is understood, preserved, repaired and celebrated as an integrated whole, it can be experienced as powerful and memorable," says Landscape Architect Carol Franklin, Wright's cousin and author of the Manitoga Design Management Guide.
To register for this event, email volunteer@russelwrightcenter.org or call the Manitoga office at 845-424-3812. To learn more about other volunteer opportunities and programs at Manitoga, visit www.russelwrightcenter.org.
Spring Has Sprung at Manitoga: Volunteer Landscape Day This Saturday
What better way to rejuvenate and celebrate the arrival of spring than by soaking up some fresh air and sunshine and flexing those weary winter muscles? Join Landscape Architect Ruth Parnall and fellow garden enthusiasts this Saturday, April 19, at Manitoga/The Russel Wright Design Center in Garrison as they ready the trails for the season.
The day will kick off promptly at 11am as Ruth discusses the management of invasive exotics, followed by a picnic-style lunch. Volunteers will then divide up into teams and work together until 4pm pruning, cutting and clearing the quarry garden, one of the most beautiful areas of the 75-acre site that annually welcomes thousands of
hikers, tourists and day-campers.
Ruth Parnall is Manitoga's Landscape Curator and a principal of Learning by the Yard, Consultants for School Grounds, with offices in western Massachusetts and central North Carolina. She is a specialist in native landscape restoration in environments for children.
Manitoga is a woodland garden that uses the materials of the place. Wright's achievement at Manitoga was to explain the forest, its structure and its processes in a sensual and experiential way through a thoughtful and skillfully constructed series of paths.
"The protective land which many of us have around our homes can be much more than a wall separating us from our neighbors," explains Russel Wright in his Garden of Woodland Paths. "With small effort, it can become a wonderland for our children or a revitalizing stroll for our guests."
Come and enjoy the company of friends and neighbors and use the natural splendor of Manitoga to inspire some creativity in your own landscape! To register for this event, email volunteer@russelwrightcenter.org or call the Manitoga office at 845.424-3812. To learn more about other volunteer opportunities and programs at Manitoga,
visit www.russelwrightcenter.org.
Hands-On Opportunities Welcome Manitoga Volunteers
With spring fast approaching, Manitoga is gearing up for the 2008 season! A growing range of hands-on opportunities to experience Russel Wright's National Landmark home and landscape will welcome volunteers this year as the season gets underway.
Manitoga's Woodland Landscape Council, launched last fall, will host six Landscape Volunteer Days, combining interesting presentations about Wright's landscape philosophy and design ideas with hands-on work to preserve his landscape vision at Manitoga.
The first Landscape Volunteer Day will run from 11am until 4pm on Saturday, March 29. Arborist and Manitoga Advisory Board member Chris Galligan will lead the day's work on trees in the landscape. As a boy, Galligan helped Russel Wright with landscape work, an early learning experience that led to a lifelong love of the outdoors.
He'll be joined by arborist colleagues, so volunteers will enjoy plenty of guidance.
Subsequent Landscape Volunteer Day themes will include Manitoga's Entry Meadow, Woodland Paths and Garden Rooms. Each will be hosted by a Woodland Landscape Council member and offer opportunities to learn about native landscaping as well as to participate in important hands-on landscape projects.
Volunteer Landscape Days are designed to provide a meaningful experience for arborists, horticulturists, gardeners, landscape professionals and environmental design enthusiasts. At the same time, volunteers of all skill levels are welcomed and there will be plenty of support for those new to gardening or new to the topic of the day.
Volunteering is a great way to meet others with common interests!
Those fascinated by Modern design and Wright's internationally celebrated organic architecture may volunteer for the Manitoga Daily Tour. Trained to give a 90-minute guided walk of the Woodland Path around the Quarry Pond to Wright's Home and Studio, Daily Tour Docents share with visitors an intriguing overview of Wright's
industrial design career and his creation of Manitoga as an exploration of harmonies between nature and design. Trained volunteers may also serve as Event Docents at Manitoga Cocktail Walks, the annual Laurel Festival in June, and other special programs.
Additional volunteer opportunities include serving as house guides for the Extraordinary Homes! tour of local homes of outstanding design in June, assisting with the annual Russel Wright Award Luncheon and Auction in October, and assisting with research and administrative work.
Manitoga volunteers enjoy great benefits, including the opportunity to meet interesting visitors from all walks of life, invitations to special educational trips and lectures, discounts on Manitoga merchandise and a chance to work in one of the Hudson Valley's most breathtaking settings.
Manitoga/The Russel Wright Design Center, a National Historic Landmark and charter member of the National Trust for Historic Preservation's Historic Artists' Homes and Studios Program, is located on Route 9D in Garrison, approximately 2 miles north of the Bear Mountain Bridge.
For more information on volunteer opportunities and programs at Manitoga, please visit www.russelwrightcenter.org, email volunteers@russelwrightcenter.org, or call the Manitoga office at.424-3812.
Manitoga Summer Camp Connects Kids With Nature and Design
Registration opened this week for Manitoga's popular Summer Nature & Design Camp. For five magical weeks each summer, Wright's landscape introduces children to the things that schools don't always have the time to teach: how to observe and care for the natural world and how to use nature to inspire creativity.
Capitalizing on Russel Wright's passion for connecting with the natural world, the Camp uses Wright's 75-acre Woodland Garden at Manitoga to help children learn about the principles of design and the possibilities for living in harmony with nature. Mark Wick, fourth grade teacher and environmental enthusiast, returns as 2008 Camp
Director, joined by a special Artist-in-Residence each week.
Five one-week camp sessions run from July 7 through August 8 from 9am3pm, and are open to children between 5 and 12 years of age. This summer's weekly themes include Reptiles and Amphibians, Trees, Seeds & Weeds, Planet Protectors, Landscape & Architecture and Drama & Music.
New this year, a new Pre-Camp Program from June 30 through July 3 will provide intensive orientation for teen volunteers and camp counselors. Special guest educators in ecology, landscape design, architecture and modern design will introduce youth ages 13 and up to Wright's nature philosophy, his design principles, environmental
issues and the skills needed to work effectively with camp children.
The 2008 Camp Open Day is Saturday, May 3 from 2-4pm. (Raindate Sunday, May 4) Families are invited to meet camp staff, learn more about this season's special activities and experience the site and landscape, then hike Manitoga's trails.
Manitoga/The Russel Wright Design Center, Home, Studio and Woodland Garden of pioneer industrial designer Russel Wright, is located on Route 9D in Garrison between the Bear Mountain Bridge and Route 403. It is one of the few 20th century modern homes to be open to the public in New York State and Putnam County's only
National Historic Landmark.
The Manitoga Summer Nature & Design Camp brochure is available at www.russelwrightcenter.org. For a copy by mail, or to learn more about volunteer and counselor opportunities for older youth, please contact the Manitoga office at 424-3812 or info@russelwrightcenter.org.
Manitoga/The Russel Wright Design Center Annouces its Spring and Summer 2008 Calendar of Events
Manitoga/The Russel Wright Design Center, the home and woodland gardens of pioneer industrial designer, Russel Wright, has released its 2008 Calendar of Events as follows:
MARCH
29 Saturday, 11am-4pm. Volunteer Landscape
Day led by arborist, Manitoga Advisory Board member Chris Galligan. Roll up your sleeves and meet other arborists, horticulturists, garden designers and landscape enthusiasts. Light refreshments.
APRIL
19 Saturday, 11am 4pm. Volunteer Landscape
Day led by landscape architect, Manitoga Landscape Curator Ruth Parnall. Roll up your sleeves and meet other arborists, horticulturists, garden designers and landscape enthusiasts. Light refreshments.
26 Saturday. Daily tour season
begins. Tours run through October. Weekdays at 11am; Saturdays and Sundays at 11am and 1:30pm. Tour includes Home, Studio and Woodland Garden of pioneer industrial designer Russel Wright.
$15 per person; $13 seniors; $5 children under 12. Organizations, professional groups and groups of 10 or more by prior arrangement only. Reservations required. Online registration available March 1 at www.russelwrightcenter.org.
26 Saturday. Philipstown Day, special discounted rates of $8 for Philipstown residents. Tours at 11am and 1:30pm, limited space, reservations required. On-line registration available at www.russelwrightcenter.org.
27 Sunday. Special Guided Tour, 11am. Tour of Home, Studio and Woodland Garden led by Manitoga Board member Joe Chapman. An insider's view of the design and creative philosophies behind Manitoga. Limited space, reservations required. On-line registration available at www.russelwrightcenter.org.
MAY
3 Saturday, 2pm - 4pm. Camp Open Day
(raindate Sunday, May 4, same time).
Families are welcome to meet camp staff, learn about the program, see the site and hike the paths. Both new and former campers are invited. Call Manitoga office for further details, 845.424.3812 or email info@russelwrightcenter.org.
10 Saturday. Putnam County Day, special discounted rates of $8 for county residents. Tours at 11am and 1:30pm, limited space, reservations required.
On-line registration available at www.russelwrightcenter.org.
17 Saturday, 11am - 4pm. Volunteer Landscape
Day led by author and garden coach, Manitoga Woodland Landscape Council member Barbara Hobens Feldt. Roll up your sleeves and meet other arborists, horticulturists, garden designers and landscape enthusiasts. Light refreshments.
JUNE
1 Sunday, 11:30am 5pm. Extraordinary Homes
Tour. Tour eight extraordinary modern homes in the Garrison/Cold Spring area. Includes Russel Wright's home, Dragon Rock. Participants drive their own cars, guided by a tour map. Limited space, reservations required.
7 Saturday, 1pm 4 pm. Laurel
Festival. Join friends and neighbors at the annual Dragon Rock block party to celebrate the blooming of the mountain laurel. Potluck lunch and strawberry ice cream. Families welcome. Call Manitoga office for further details, 845.424.3812 or email info@russelwrightcenter.org.
14 Saturday. Rockland County Day, special discounted rates of $8 for county residents. Tours at 11am and 1:30pm, limited space, reservations required.
On-line registration available at www.russelwrightcenter.org.
21 Saturday, 11am 4pm. Volunteer Landscape
Day led by landscape designer, Manitoga Woodland Landscape Council member Grace Kennedy. Roll up your sleeves and meet other arborists, horticulturists, garden designers and landscape enthusiasts. Light refreshments.
JULY
7 Monday through Monday, August 8. Manitoga Summer Nature & Design
Camp. Weekdays, 9am 3pm. Day camp program focusing on nature and the arts for children ages 5-12. Five separate weekly sessions held in Mary's Meadow and 75-acre Woodland Garden. Full brochure available on
website www.russelwrightcenter.org.
12 Saturday. Ulster County Day, special discounted rates of $8 for county residents. Tours at 11am and 1:30pm, limited space, reservations required. On-line registration available at www.russelwrightcenter.org.
AUGUST
9 Saturday. Westchester County
Day, special discounted rates of $8 for county residents. Tours at 11am and 1:30pm, limited space, reservations required.On-line registration available at www.russelwrightcenter.org.
SEPTEMBER
6 Saturday, 11am 4pm. Volunteer Landscape
Day led by designer, Manitoga Board member Joe Chapman. Roll up your sleeves and meet other
arborists, horticulturists, garden designers and landscape enthusiasts. Light refreshments.
13 Saturday. Orange County Day, special discounted rates of $8 for county residents. Tours at 11am and 1:30pm, limited space, reservations required.
On-line registration available at www.russelwrightcenter.org
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13 Saturday, 5pm 7pm. Cocktail
Walk. Members are invited for drinks and light refreshments at Russel Wright's home, Dragon Rock. Park at the
Manitoga Guide House lot off Route 9D and take the "cocktail walk" to the house. Rain or shine. Wear comfortable shoes. Reservations required.
14 Sunday, Hudson River Ramble, 2pm - 4 pm. Hike to Lost Pond led by Chris Galligan. $10 admission helps support trail maintenance. Please bring a
picnic lunch. Reservations required. OCTOBER
5 Sunday, Noon 3:30pm. Manitoga's ninth annual
Russel Wright Award Luncheon and Benefit
Auction at the Garrison, Garrison, NY.
11 Saturday. Dutchess County
Day, special discounted rates of $8 for county residents. Tours at 11am and 1:30pm, limited space, reservations required.
On-line registration available at www.russelwrightcenter.org.
12 Sunday, Noon 2pm, Hike to Lost
Pond led by Chris Galligan. $10 admission helps support trail maintenance. Please bring a picnic lunch.
Reservations required. On-line registration available at www.russelwrightcenter.org.
18 Saturday. Columbia County Day, special discounted rates of $8 for county residents. Tours at 11am and 1:30pm, limited space, reservations required.
On-line registration available at www.russelwrightcenter.org.
25 Saturday, 2pm 4pm, Cocktail
Walk. Members are invited for drinks and light refreshments at Russel Wright's home, Dragon Rock. Park at the
Manitoga Guide House lot off Route 9D and take the "cocktail walk" to the house. Rain or shine. Wear comfortable shoes. Reservations required.
25 Saturday, 5pm 7pm, second annual
Woodland Landscape Program presentation at the Desmond-Fish Library.
NOVEMBER
8 Saturday, 11am 4pm, Landscape Volunteer
Day. Roll up your sleeves and meet other arborists, horticulturists, garden designers and landscape
enthusiasts. Light refreshments. Call Manitoga office for further details, 845.424.3812 or email info@russelwrightcenter.org.
DECEMBER
7 Sunday, 2pm 4pm, Annual Holiday Open
House. Ring in the holiday season as Manitoga gratefully thanks all of their dedicated volunteers for
their assistance with programs and gardens throughout the year.
YEAR ROUND Self-Guided Hikes. Daily during daylight hours. Manitoga offers more than four miles of trails designed by Russel Wright. His "garden
of woodland paths" has links to the Appalachian Trail. Maps available in kiosk at the Manitoga Guide House, Route 9D public entrance. Dogs on leashes are welcome
on trails. Suggested donation of $5 helps support trail maintenance.
The only 20th century modern home open to the public in New York State, Manitoga is a National Historic Landmark.
Call the Manitoga office for further details on all programs: 424-3812, or email info@russelwrightcenter.org.
A GARDEN OF WOODLAND PATHS
Hike, picnic, connect to the Appalachian Trail.
Open weekdays, 9am – 4 pm, year-round. Weekends,
10 am – 6 pm, April-October.
Manitoga’s trails connect to the
AT via the Osborn Loop through Hudson Highlands State Park.
HOUSE AND LANDSCAPE TOURS
Third Saturday of the month from April-October.
Special tours by appointment. Advance reservations required.
PROGRAMS
Native Plant Sale
Cultural & Educational programs
Russel Wright Collectors Event
Summer Nature & Design Camp (July/August),
Call for brochure, events calendar and directions.
e-mail: info@russelwrightcenter.org
Link to their web site
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