Schedel gardens sets free kids science camp dates

Juried art show, 8 bands to play on Aug. 2

‘The Cloak,’ a sculpture by the late Joe Ann Cousino graces Schedel Arboretum and Gardens near the Ohio Turnpike where Ottawa and Sandusky counties meet. The garden is gearing up for the season.

ELMORE — The hard winter took its toll on the Schedel Arboretum and Gardens. Some Japanese black pines, along with a columnar English Oak, were lost to the arctic-vortex cold.

But the badly stressed yellow groove bamboo survived thanks to its hardy roots, and the grove of dawn redwoods, an ancient tree species that was around when dinosaurs lived, is in good shape.

The 17-acre garden estate again blooms with life, and big plans are underway for the 2014 season.

Schedel will have a summer camp for fifth and sixth graders July 21-25. The goal is to give students entering middle school or its equivalent an advantage in their science studies, said Rod Noble, Schedel’s executive director.

This first year, the free camp will be limited to 10 students, who will be under the instruction of a teacher from the Woodmore schools.

“We want to demonstrate how important nature is in our age of technology,” Mr. Noble said.

The emphasis will be on the aquatics and water-quality sampling, using the Portage River. Youngsters will learn about the Portage’s ecosystem, including its micro-organisms.

In addition to field trips, there will be classroom instruction and experiments. The plan is to expand the program in coming years.

Because of its April through October season, Schedel does not get many school tours. But Mr. Noble said the science camp could open the possibility of more teachers and students traveling to the richly landscaped grounds.

“If they’re studying plants, maybe they can do that in August or September,” he said.

For more information on the camp, call 419-862-3182 or visit schedel-gardens.org.

Another first this year is the WoodsStock Music and Arts Festival fund-raiser slated for 10 a.m. to midnight Aug. 2.

General admission tickets will be $25 in advance. The event will have a juried fine arts show and eight bands performing on two stages throughout the day and night. Lawn chairs and blankets are welcome.

There will be a vintage car show and two food courts with fare from Rosie’s Italian Grill and Rosie’s Rolling Chef. VIP tickets are $45 in advance and include two drinks, seating, and a special bistro area with amenities. For more information, visit woodsstock.org or call the number above or 419-866-5007.

The arboretum and gardens are named for Joseph and Marie Schedel, who lived there in a Victorian manse. Mr. Schedel was a German-born engineer who made his fortune in the limestone business.

The original grounds were larger but after construction of the Ohio Turnpike reduced them, the Japanese gardens were built.

The estate was opened to the public in 1991 following their deaths, and is operated by the Schedel Foundation.

Contact Carl Ryan at: carlryan@theblade.com or 419-724-6095.