East Hill Notes: A week of opportunities to enjoy natural surroundings

By Gary Stewart
 
The beauty of late spring and early summer in Tompkins County is evident, and a variety of Cornell programs reflect the nature that surrounds us in any number of ways. Below is a sampling of events, all free and open to the public.
Monday, June 20, 6-7:30 p.m., Summer Solstice Walk, F. R. Newman Arboretum, Cornell Plantations, meet at the Sculpture Garden.
 
Enjoy an evening nature walk through the F.R. Newman Arboretum, recently voted the “#1 most beautiful college arboretum,” to celebrate the passage of spring into summer on the longest day of the year. You’ll learn about the solstice, discover some of the trees, shrubs and wildlife of the arboretum, and hike to the Newman Overlook bell to “ring in” the arrival of summer at the exact moment of solstice (6:35 p.m.) Walk will be held rain or shine and includes some moderately steep slopes.
 
Tuesday, June 21, 4-7 p.m., Dilmun Hill Work Party.
 
Experience the latest in sustainable agricultural practices and support Dilmun Hill, Cornell’s student-run farm near Pine Tree Road and Route 366. Work alongside volunteers and student managers who enjoy farming, food and fun. Go home with fresh, organically grown produce, when available. Depending on conditions, you might help with installation of beds, planting, weeding, mulching or harvesting. All are welcome. Please wear close-toed shoes, dress for the weather and bring your water bottle and sunscreen.
 
Wednesday, June 22, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. “Weeds: Untamed Wonder,” Cornell Plantations, Brian C. Nevin Welcome Center, 124 Comstock Knoll Road.
 
A selection of the wild and weedy! In this exhibition, artists from the Finger Lakes Chapter of the Guild of Natural Science Illustrators have painted some “favorite” weeds of the northeast. The show, which runs through June 30, helps explain what makes a weed a weed, includes fun facts about native weeds and provides helpful information about invasive plants that endanger local plant communities.
 
Thursday, June 23, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. “Climate Smart Farming: New York State Farmers in Their Own Words,” Mann Library exhibit.
 
The Cornell Institute for Climate Change and Agriculture (CICCA) works with Cornell researchers, extension specialists and New York State farmers to co-develop tools that increase resiliency, reduce risk and mitigate greenhouse gas emissions from the agricultural sector. This exhibit, which runs through late August, showcases this unique collaboration, highlighting stories of farmers’ experiences with extreme weather and climate change and the important adaptations they are making through new cropping systems and varieties, improved water and waste management, and the installation of renewable energy systems.
 
Friday, June 24, 8 p.m.-midnight, Fuertes Observatory Open House, off Cradit Farm Road, North Campus.
The Cornell Astronomical Society hosts public observing nights every Friday evening throughout the summer at the historic Fuertes Observatory. If the sky is clear, the telescopes will be pointed throughout the evening at the Moon, Mars, Saturn, galaxies and more. Tours of the observatory’s historic astronomical instruments and museum will be given from 8 p.m. to midnight regardless of weather.
 
Saturday, June 25, 11 a.m., Fall Creek Gorge Tour, across the street from the Johnson Museum.
 
Take a walking tour with Cornell’s Gorge Stewards. Geology, glaciology, history and ecology are just some of the topics our stewards are well versed in and waiting to share with you. As you learn about Cambrian rock formation you could be gazing at tens of millions of years of geologic history. Stand 100 feet over Horseshoe Falls while you explore the tremendous forces that shaped this exquisitely scenic region. This hike is moderately strenuous and includes walking on uneven surfaces, inclines and plenty of stairs.
 
East Hill Notes is produced by Cornell University Director of Community Relations Gary Stewart. For topics you’d like to see addressed in future columns, e-mail gjs28@cornell,.edu. Follow Cornell Community Relations @CornellTownGown.