The Hawthorn

The Hawthorn
Spring 2010

2010 Plant Sale

Merryspring’s annual Plant Sale has been offering Midcoast gardeners
professionally grown and locally dug annuals, perennials, shrubs, and trees for
three decades.
Our featured plant will be false indigo (Baptisia australis), the Perennial Plant
Association’s 2010 Plant of the Year. This shrubby, easy-going American native
stands about four feet high and flaunts foot-long racemes of deep blue, pea-
like blossoms for three weeks in the spring. Eye-catching inflated seedpods
turn charcoal black—great for flower arrangers. Deer give it a pass.
We also have hellebores (Helleborus orientalis)—wonderful as a ground cover
in Maine gardens. The strain we are offering, Royal Heritage, sports gorgeous
blossoms in shades of pink, cream, and yellow in early spring. Foliage stays
evergreen beneath the snow and looks great all year long. Plants self-sow
freely yet politely. No deer or slug problems. This is the perfect plant for high-
shade fringe areas at the edge of woodlands.
Other highlights include perennial divisions and dahlias from the gardens of
Merryspring and its members; divisions from the Maine Daylily Society’s
collection; trees, shrubs, and perennials generously donated by Plants Unlim-
ited; and vegetable seedlings, tomato plants, and herbs.
In conjunction with this year’s Plant Sale, the Maine Rhododendron Society will Merryspring’s perennial and herb gardens are the source of
be holding its annual auction of select rhododendrons at Merryspring on Satur- many Plant Sale divisions. (photo by Rachel Potter)
day, May 22. This will be a wonderful opportunity to purchase hard-to-find The sale begins Friday, May 21 (4 to 6 p.m.,
varieties. Merryspring Members Only) and continues on
Children are welcome and are certain to have fun making their own flower Saturday, May 22 (9 a.m. to 2 p.m.). There will
pots out of folded newspaper and planting them with a choice of fast-growing be no sales before 4 p.m. on Friday. For more
seeds. info call 236-2239 or visit www.merryspring.org.

Merryspring Plant Sale Needs Your Help:

Looking for Volunteers, Plants, and Garden- Related Items
Do you have time to volunteer at the Plant Sale or during set up the week before? Do you have perennials that need division or
extra seedlings? Are your shelves groaning with unused garden books and your shed bursting with duplicate tools?
The donations and efforts of our members always add a special touch to our annual sale, so please help us make this year’s fund-
raiser an exciting and successful event.
If you have donations of books, magazines, serviceable tools, and garden ornaments, they may be dropped off at the Ross Center
any week day.
Plant donations can be dropped off during the week of May 17. Labels should indicate species and color. Donors of perennial divi-
sions are asked to place divisions in plastic bags with adequate soil to keep roots cool and moist. Volunteers will be standing by to
accept donations from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. during the days before the sale. If a volunteer is not available, seedlings may be placed in-
side the greenhouse on the potting bench or floor and perennial divisions may be placed in the shade near the greenhouse.
Page 2
Merryspring
Nature Center
P.O. Box 893, Camden, ME 04843
Tel: (207) 236-2239
Fax: (207) 230-0663
Email: info@merryspring.org
www.merryspring.org
Mission Statement
Merryspring’s mission is to practice,
teach, and advocate sound principles of
ecology, conservation, and horticulture in
order to protect our natural environment
and to provide natural landscapes and
cultivated areas for public enjoyment.
Hours of Operation
The park is open free of charge from
dawn to dusk every day of the year. Our
offices and library are open Tuesday
through Friday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., or
by appointment.
Membership Fees
Individual $35
Family $50
Business $50-100
Board of Trustees
Ray Andresen, President
Kathleen Kull, Vice President
Margaret E. Barclay, Vice President
Richard Ailes, Treasurer
Frank Callanan, Secretary
Rebecca Clapp
Susan Dorr
Cynthia Dunham
Joanne Fagerburg
James Sady
Susan Shaw
Carol Woodbury -Witham
Staff
Toni Goodridge, Administrative Mgr.
Gail Sutton, Buildings & Grounds Mgr.
Bill Sutton, Buildings & Grounds Assist.
AmeriCorps Environmental
Educator
Leo Maheu
You can sign up for our eUpdates
at www.merryspring.org to re-
ceive the latest news on pro-
grams and events.
Visit Merryspring’s Facebook
page, where you can check on
upcoming programs and events.
Go to http://www.tinyurl.com/
merryspring-facebook/. We hope
you’ll become a fan.
The Hawthorn Spring 2010
Welcome Leo: New AmeriCorps Inside this issue:
Volunteer Joins Merryspring Plant Sale 1
Environmental Educator 2
Wish List 2
Education Calendar 3-4
Kitchen Tour 5
New Board Members 5
Volunteer Handbook 5
Donor Thanks 6-7
Skunk Cabbage 8
Wish List:
Vinyl Venetian blind slats
Craft supplies
wine corks
white birch bark
Leo Maheu is the new AmeriCorps Environmental grapevine wreaths
Educator at Merryspring. A native of Berkeley, Folding chairs
California, Leo began his 10-month volunteer term at
Loppers
Merryspring in early February and will be with us
through mid-December. Hand pruners
Leo’s primary role at Merryspring will be working with
our volunteers and staff to expand the park’s environ-
mental education offerings to include more hands-on,
in-the-field programs for children. He will also be
available to lead school field trips at Merryspring and to
supervise our existing educational programs and
events. Create a Lasting Legacy for
Merryspring Nature Center
Leo is a 2008 graduate of California State University at
Merryspring has a permanent
Chico, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in
Theatre and Certification in Environmental Education. Endowment Fund to ensure that
An Eagle Scout and Merit Badge Counselor for Boy future generations will continue
Scouts of America, he previously served as the Nature to enjoy the wonders of nature
exhibited and taught at
Program Director at Camp Wolfeboro in the High
Sierras of California. Among his varied interests are Merryspring. We encourage
astronomy, backpacking, and scuba diving. donors to consider making be-
quests that will increase this
“As a Boy Scout, I learned at a very young age the fund.
importance of environmental values, and I am
Please consult your personal
constantly striving to assist others in finding their own
financial and legal advisors on
love for the outdoors,” Leo said. “This opportunity to
work as an environmental educator will enable me to what method or methods will be
continue to educate others through exhibits, festivals, in your best interest and fulfill
hands-on activities, and other events.” your wishes.
If you would like more informa-
Leo comes to Merryspring via the Maine Conservation
tion on Merryspring’s endow-
Corps (MCC), which places AmeriCorps volunteers
ment fund, please call us at (207)
throughout the state to work with non-profits and
236-2239 or send us an email to
other organizations with a focus on conservation and
info@merryspring.org.
environmental education.
The Hawthorn Spring 2010 Page 3

2010 Spring/Summer Education Calendar

SPRING TUESDAY TALKS
Noon on Tuesdays; bring a bag lunch. Members & Children Free, Others $5
April 6 Grow More, Work Less with Square-Foot Gardening—Shelley Johnson, Breatheasy Farm
April 13 NO TALK SCHEDULED
April 20 Going Green: Small Changes for a Big Impact—Keith Crowley, Chewonki Foundation
April 27 Trees for the Maine Landscape—Doug Fox, Unity College
May 4 Alpine Primula—Richard May, Evermay Nursery
May 11 Plant Fever: Tips for an Organized Growing Season—Rebecca Jacobs, Gabriella’s Gardens
May 18 NO TALK SCHEDULED

SUMMER TUESDAY TALKS

May 25 Soil Health in Plain English—Mark Hutchinson, UMaine Cooperative Extension

June 1 Tending the Perennial Garden I—Wendy Andresen
June 8 Butterflies and Lupine—Richard Lenfest
June 15 NO TALK SCHEDULED
June 22 Sustainable Landscaping—Dr. Lois Berg Stack, UMaine Cooperative Extension
June 29 Rose Day 2010—Glenn Jenks
July 6 Tending the Perennial Garden II—Wendy Andresen
July 13 Mushrooms—Greg Marley
July 20 Growing Greens in Maine All Winter Long — Judy Berk
July 27 Invasive Insect Species—Rebecca Jacobs
August 3 Tending the Perennial Garden III—Wendy Andresen
August 10 Japanese Gardens—Lee Schneller
August 17 NO TALK SCHEDULED
August 24 Ferns and Mosses – speaker to be announced
August 31 Planting and Care of Rhododendrons – speaker to be announced

FREE PUBLIC EVENTS

Green Fair at Plants Unlimited: Saturday, April 17, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. —Visit Merryspring’s family educational activity booth to
make a biodegradable newspaper flower pot and plant it with a seed of your choice.
Astronomy Evening co-sponsored by Central Maine Astronomical Society: Saturday, April 24, 8 - 10 p.m. —Mark your calendar
for this annual event when astronomers share their joy of astronomy with people of all ages.
Film “Lurking in the Trees”: Wednesday, May 19, 4 p.m.—A 30-minute documentary about the devastating effect of the Asian
longhorn beetle in Worchester, MA, followed by a Q&A about invasive species in Maine with District Forester Morten Moesswilde.
What’s Bugging You? co-sponsored by Knox County Soil & Water District: Wednesday, June 23, time TBA—Entomologist Mark
Darlington will be on hand to discuss problem insects and their control. The public is invited to bring samples for identification.
Daylily Day co-sponsored by Maine Daylily Society: Saturday, August 1, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. —View the Maine Daylily Society’s spec-
tacular demonstration garden at its peak, learn about daylily breeding and propagation, taste daylily foods, and more.

(continued on the next page)

Page 4 The Hawthorn Spring 2010

SCHOOL BREAK ECOLOGY DAY CAMP

Monday-Friday, April 19-23, 9 a.m. to 12 noon, ages 9-11 years; $60 for Members/$75 for Non-members—AmeriCorps Environ-
mental Educator Leo Maheu will lead a full week of activities, projects, and outdoor discovery covering basic aspects of the envi-
ronment including air, water, vegetation, wildlife, and the human impact on these elements.

FREE FAMILY PROGRAMS

Second and Fourth Sundays, May through September, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. unless noted otherwise
Children must be accompanied by an adult. Workshops are offered if weather permits.
In case of rain, please check for cancellation.
Dates: May 9 & 23; June 13 & 27; July 11 & 25; August 8 & 22; September 12 & 26
Sign up for e-Updates at www.merryspring.org to be notified of upcoming workshops. Potential themes include:
Outdoor Basics—An introduction to camping skills and trail and campsite games that will keep children engaged and sharpen their
observation skills.
Animal Signs—Learn about observing and protecting local birds and animals. J oin a guided nature walk around the park to look for
the homes and signs of animals and learn how to track animals in your own backyard.
Bug Safari — There is a whole world of activity in the soil and air around us – a bug’s world! We will make our own simple bug
boxes and then travel through the gardens and forest to search for insects of all shapes and sizes.
Geocaching Festival—Newbies and experienced Geocachers alike will have fun navigating Merryspring’s 66 acres on a mystery
trek. Join us to learn more about this fun family sport and navigating equipment.
Fort Building & Fairy Houses—Come and build your own secret fortress in the forest or construct a tiny home for forest dwellers.
Merryspring will supply building tips and supplies; you supply the creativity.
Trees—Trees provide us with food, fuel, shelter, shade … and so much more! Come meet the trees in Merryspring’s forest and
learn how to identify some of Maine’s common varieties.

WORKSHOPS & CLASSES

Space is limited. Call 236-2239 for more information or to pre-register.
Wilderness First Aid with Coleman Griffith: Saturday & Sunday, May 15-16, Time to be Determined; $100 Members/$115 Non-
members. Whether you are involved in serious back-country recreation or are a first responder, this course will teach you
valuable skills to aid the ill and injured in remote locations.
GPS Workshop with Morten Moesswilde, Maine District Forester: Saturday, June 5, Time and Cost to be Determined. GPS can
do so much more than guide your car travel. Learn how to use satellite technology to guide you off road, to map trails, to manage
a forest, and more.
Designing Continuously Blooming Gardens with Lee Schneller: Friday, July 23, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; $30 Members/ $40 Non-
members. Join a popular author and garden expert for a workshop on garden design. The required text, The Ever Blooming Flower
Garden by Lee Schneller, may be purchased through Merryspring upon registration for $19.95 (members receive 10% discount).
Pre-registration is required and space is limited.
Mushrooming with Greg Marley: Sundays, 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. July 25, Aug. 22, Sept. 12, Oct. 3; $150 Members/$175 Non-
members. Acquire the skills to identify and collect common mushrooms of the Maine woods with a noted mycologist. A field
guide is included with registration.
Some dates may be subject to change and additional workshops and field trips will be added. Be sure to check our website www.merryspring.org for the latest
postings. If you’d like to be sent news of new programs and reminders of upcoming events, send your name and email address to info@merryspring.org. We will
not share or sell your email address.
The Hawthorn Spring 2010 Page 5

A New Year Brings New and Returning

Kitchen Tour Faces to the Merryspring Board
Save the Date: August 4 Joining Merryspring’s
Board of Trustees this
year are Cindy Dunham,
Rebecca Clapp, Susan
Dorr, and Joanne
Fagerburg.
Cindy Dunham, along
with her husband, Jim,
was a founding Director
Mark your calendar! This year’s Merryspring of Tanglewood 4H Camp
Kitchen Tour, sponsored by EBS Style Solutions, and Learning Center in
will be held Wednesday, August 4, and the list Lincolnville, where she
of stunning kitchens is already taking shape. If worked for the past 26 Cindy Dunham (left) and Joanne Fagerburg
you’d like to volunteer for a half-day as a host/ years developing nature-
hostess, cashier, or parking attendant, please based summer camp experiences and youth environmental education pro-
contact Kathie Kull at 236-2947. Volunteers grams. A Master Gardener, Cindy believes strongly in the importance of na-
receive tickets at half-price. ture education and is excited to be returning to the board of Merryspring af-
ter more than 20 years to help expand our youth education programs.

Volunteer Handbook is Ready
For the past year the Volunteer Committee has
been creating a new Volunteer Handbook,
organizing a Volunteer Database, and updating
the Volunteer Policy. All this work will soon make
it easier to for volunteers and staff to match
talents and interests with assignments, coordinate
activities, and communicate quickly and easily.
Volunteers will be given a copy of the new Volun-
teer Handbook after they fill out a new on-line
Volunteer Survey Form that will help us better
coordinate the tremendous efforts and contribu-
tions of all our volunteers.
Becky Clapp is an educator and former Director of Development for the Riley
School. She has a strong commitment to community service and an interest
in sustainable landscapes and low-impact plantings. She is enthusiastic about
supporting Merryspring as a community resource and valuable habitat.
Susan Dorr and her husband, Greg, once lived in the little red house just
outside the Merryspring gate. Susan has been active in the park as a board
member, fundraiser, and grounds volunteer. She can often be found in the
North Meadow walking with her dog Ramsey. Susan returns to the board
after Peace Corps service in Malawi.
Joanne Fagerburg is a familiar face to Merryspring regulars and returns to the
board after a year’s absence. Joanne has experience in administering com-
plex organizations (both public and private), in grant writing, and in continu-
ing education. She is a long-time member of the Wednesday Volunteers and
is known for her expertise with a riding mower.

2009 Holiday Bazaar Was the Best Yet!

Merryspring would like to thank the entire community for
giving us the wonderful gift of making our 2009 Holiday Bazaar
the most successful yet, a huge boost to our operating budget
in these challenging times.
A very big thank you goes out to everyone who supported
Merryspring’s education programs and parkland by shopping at
the Bazaar and to the local media and organizations who
helped publicize the event. We are especially grateful for the
generous raffle donations by both Lily, Lupine & Fern and
Lynette Walther, and for the sponsorship by both Long’s Land-
scaping and Scholz & Barclay Architecture. We also wish to
thank Plants Unlimited for inviting Merryspring to sell Bazaar
items as part of its own Holiday Fair, and to Reny’s and Endless
Summer Flower Farm for contributing goods to the Bazaar.
Congratulations and a big thank you also to our Holiday Bazaar
volunteers — led by co-chairs Carol Woodbury-Witham and Judy
Block — who harvested, crafted, cooked, decorated, promoted,
clerked, and otherwise made the Bazaar possible. This fantastic
group of volunteers and staff included Wendy & Ray Andresen,
Meg Barclay, Jane Bennet, Frank Callanan, Mimi Chamberlain,
Beryl Charlton, Carol Daigneault, Joanne Fagerburg, Toni Good-
ridge & Richard Lermond, Dorothea Graham, Florence House-
holder, Bonnie Janicki, Joyce Knox, Stevie Kumble, Edie Kyle,
Aileen Lubin, Dorothy Magnuson, Kay Ouradnik, Gail Palmer,
Carol Robinson, Jim Sady, Susan Shaw, Lisa Sprague, Gail & Bill
Sutton, Priscilla & Bart Wood, and all those mysterious elves that
make things happen or appear magically.
Page 6 The Hawthorn Spring 2010

Merryspring gratefully acknowledges the contributions made by all in 2009

PATRON ($5,000 +): Doris Salzman Florimbi, Alexandra Wolf Fogel, Mary Ellen Foyo, Susan B. & William H.
Freeman, Jr., Barbara & Bart Furey, Franciscus & Levina Magdalena Gerritsen,
PARTNER ($2,500-$4,999): Mrs. Robert Black Jr.
Janet Goss, Terry & Ned Gruener, Mrs. Ann Guild, Faith E. & David C. Hague,
CONSERVATOR ($1,000-$2,499): Amy & Robert Campbell, Rev. & Mrs. Dewey David & Elena Hamilton, Sara & Arthur Hayes, Elizabeth Henry, Claudia & Peter
Fagerburg, Edie & Ned Kyle Jr., Hilliard & Aileen Lubin, Joseph D. Messler, Jr. Hill, Mary & David Holster, Mary D. & Ross S. Holt, Jr., Carolyn Horn, Richard
W. & Florence Householder, Mary Joe Hughes, Les Hyde, Jean & Robert Jacobs,
STEWARD ($500-$999): Laurie Adams, Wendy & Ray Andresen, Donna &
Kathie & Marc Johnson, Hilary Carr & David Jones, Barrie Keegan & Gretchen
Tillman Crane, Dorothea & Charlie Graham, Wheeler Griffith, Dr. & Mrs.
Ebbesson-Keegan, Ed & Ruth Kenney, Robert W. & Lorraine C. Kerwin, Elaine
Charles Kava, Stephanie A. & Alan S. Kumble, Linsey Low, Carol Arone & Mark
and George Keyes, Rolanda Klapatch, Ned & Loel Kline, Nancy & Fred Kneedler,
Lutz, Sarah Rheault, Diana Rigg
Mr. & Mrs. Harold Lamb, Molly Larson, Mr. & Mrs. Ed Libby, Kat Logan & Jim
DONOR ($250-$499): Ann B. Bixler, Brinkley Thorne & Mazie Cox, Mr. & Mrs. Loney, Cynthia & Michael E. Lucas, Robert & Edith K. Kelley Manns, Roslyn &
Charles W.H. Dodge, Maurice F. & Janet K. Granville, Sandy Millar & Frances George Marcopulos, Steven & Catherine Marin Family, Sally A. Marki, Richard
Hitchcock, Patrisha & Don McLean, Pat Whitney Messler, Wayne & Caroline & Irene Maxcy, David & Lori Maxwell, William F. & Kathleen T. May, Ann H. &
Morong, Kay Ouradnik, Thomas C. Prescott, Antje Roitzsch, Lynette L. Walther, Richard A. McKittrick, Ellen & Bob McMullen, Elizabeth P. McRae, Barb & Steve
Taylor Allen & Martha White, Thomas & Dennie Wolf, Barton & Priscilla Wood. Melchiskey, Howard & Gladys Miller, Ronald H. & Mary H. Miller, Lolly & Jim
Mitchell, Cara Moody, Susan Moore, Nina Paul &
FRIEND ($100-$249): Mr. & Mrs. Donald Abbott,
Keith Morgan-Davie, Jean & Don Morrison, Russell &
Susan Junge & Richard A. Ailes, Kathleen Allain, Alex
Erica Morton, David Corbin & Nan Moss, Corallie H.
& Lana Arau, Paula & Alexander Armentrout, JoAnne
Murray, William & Vivian D. Newman, Gail Galloway-
& Michael Bander, Henriette Binswanger, Gray Brott,
Nicholson, Barbara L. & David G. Noyes, Judith H. &
John H. & Susan T. Buck, Susan Morrissey & Frank
Douglas O'Dell, Dianne & Kenneth Oelberger, Diane
Callanan, Mary J. & Peter A. Chamberlain, Helen Shaw
Pendleton, Connie & Etienne Perret, Michael & Elaine
& Bill Chapman, Mrs. Charles Chatfield, Charlotte &
Pew, Mr. & Mrs. Thomas C. Pluecker, Rachel Potter,
William Cook, Tracy Jalbuena & James Cook, Jock &
Bob & Mary Rackmales, Sylvia Reed, Rachel Riefe, Dr.
Day Cowperthwaite, Frank & Nancy Cummings, Carol
& Mrs. Lloyd Roberts, James & Marilyn Rockefeller,
& Dan Daigneault, Anne Dixon & Nancy Delp, Michael
Diane & James Rose, Robert C. & Marion Walsh
& Pamela Dufour, John & Karin Duncan, Anne C.
Rowell, Amy Russell Family, Tace F. Schmidt and
Edmonds, Peter & Sally Enggass, Sarah R. & Richard
Family, Lee A. Schneller, Melody & Warren Schubert,
M. Evans, Rebecca Sawyer-Fay & Joe Fay, Mr. & Mrs.
Nancy Seibert, Renee R. & Robert Shulman, Jean S.
Allen Fernald, Dr. David Field, Dr. & Mrs. Robert
Silva, Harry & Marsha Smith, Mr. & Mrs. Ronald
Furman, Diana R. Gay, Mary B. Glennie, Bernard
Kendrick Smith, Pat Snow, C. Richard & Nancy T.
Guerlain, Debra & Robert Hall, Linda Mairs Holt,
Soderberg, Dimitri & Charlotte Stancioff, John F.
Donald & Renee Hotchkiss, Bonnie & Matt Janicki,
Steele, Mei Ling Cheung & Chris Steiner, Lorraine &
Faith Getchell & Glenn Jenks, Elizabeth E. & Paul J. Common milkweed (Asclepias syriaca)
Philip Streat, Paul & Claudia Sullivan, Ann & John
Killoran, Mr. & Mrs. James Kinsella, Dr. & Mrs.
Surovek, Shirley Burnell & Emmett Sutton, Ann
Thomas P. Kugelman, Joan S. & Edward Ladd, Mr. & Mrs. R Chase Lasbury,
Sziklas, Judith & Tom Tarbox, Rebecca Thompson, The Van Den Bossche
Patsy Latham, Louise D. & Richard W. Ledwith, Jr., Jean B. & R. Michael
Family, Judith & Lisa Van Lunen, Arthur Warren, Merritt & Helen Webster, Dr.
Lenderking, Emily Saltonstall Lewis, Linda L & Philip C. Lewis, Mr. & Mrs. Doug-
Thomas W. & Virginia H. Williams, John G. & Lucille A. Williams, Robert H. &
las Linder, Richard & Wanda Macnair, Lila Magie, Marguerite Cutroni & David J.
Claire P. Yackel, Lisa & Richard Young, Hilje J. & Art D. Zur Muhlen.
Maki, Mark W. & Debra J. Masterson, Steven & Ursula McAllister, Marion &
James G. McCully, Carolyn P. Miller, Audrey R. & Roger Moody, Susan K. & INDIVIDUAL ($35-$49): 3 Anonymous, Joanne Alderman, Lori Alexander,
Robert G. Mossman, Taylor Mudge, Mr. Frank Murphy, Jose & Kathy Ocariz, Marcia B. Anderson, Grete Bailey, Daniel Baker, Hayes Baker, Arlene Barnhart,
Whitney & Tony Oppersdorff, Thomas & Gray Payne, Rosemary Peacock, Michele Beckstrom, Jane P. Bennett, Joan Bennett, Peter L. Berke, Elizabeth
Thomas & Lys McLaughlin Pike, Lois D. Rice, Stephen & Pamela Ross, Ann P. Kononen Berry, Judy Kove Block, Carol Bosken, Marion Bowman, Shaunna
Rutherford, Mr. & Mrs. James Sady, David Wiggin & Diane Schetky, John & Brown, Dale K. Bruce, Helen Burlingame, Deborah Chapman, Marcella Mace
Judy Sherman, Liv Rockefeller & Ken Shure, Selma & Melvin Shure, Mr. & Mrs. Christensen, Mrs. Lauralee Clayton, Josephine B. Clough, Nan Cobbey, Marlene
Irwin Spalding, Susan St. John, Sharon A. Staz, Gerry & Joe Steele, Enid W. Cohn, Ruth Cole, Mary Baldwin Collins, Susann B. Conover, Linda A. Cox, Judy
Stone, Edith C. Groden & Hugh Stubbins, Frank Trautmann, Mary Beth Van Crosby, Lisa Cummings, Gregory B. Currier, Betsey Dauzier, Loraine Davis, Sally
Alstine, David Waldron, Mark Wallack, Peg & John Way, Clifford H. & Ruth B. Demeter, Colette Dickey, Leann R. Diehl, Marcia Dietrich, Loraine Dubeau,
Wells, Irene Wolf . Kathie Duncan, Julianne J. Edmondson, Maureen Egan, Richard C. Einsel, Jean
E. English, Jerry Fales, Charlotte W. Faller, Linda Farwell, Amy Faunce,
FAMILY ($50-$99): Patricia B. & James J. Algrant, Tom and Mary Amory,
Antoinette Federle, Nicole M. Fici, Abby Fitzgerald, Sue Fleming, Mrs. Richard
Pauline R. & Robert E. Anderson III, Roberta B. Axelson, Marion & Frank Baer II,
Foxwell, Judith F. Getman, Kathaleen M. Giurtino, Carolyn J. Giustra, Rosalee
Nicholas Snow & Catharine Baker, Bland C. Banwell, Mr. & Mrs. J. Kennedy W.
Glass, Carol Goodridge, Karen Goodwill, Barbara Goos, David Grant, Olivia
Barclay, Tom & Joanne Barksdale, Katie Bauer, Penny Baum, Joyce & Kevin R.
Griset, Greta Z. Gulezian, Hall Family, Jayne Hall, Dorothy Hokkanen, Mr. &
Bedford, Lena & Hans Bengtsson, Barbara & William Bentley, Richard L. Bern-
Mrs. Thomas Hopps, Carol Howe, Anne Jenkins, Shelley Johnson, Norma L.
hard, Callie Black, Martha M. & Sidney Block, Lark & Edward Blum, Gordon
Jones, Karen Keller, Elaine Kennedy, Barbara Kerwin, Marcia Kimpton, June
Bok & Carol Rohl, Margaret M. Boyajian, Ed & Nancy Boylan, Hathaway and
Kincade, Margaret A. King, Dorothy J. Klie, Elinor Klivans, Ann Blair Kloman,
Galen Brewster, Conrad & Kathleen Brooks, Philip & Donna Caron, Jane & Alan
Regina Knight, Robin Kruger, Kathleen Kull, Kathy Lawrence, Jacqueline Lee,
Carr, Ragan & John Cary, John & Barbara Charters, Dr. & Mrs. Kenneth Clark,
Ellen Leidenthal, Gretchen Leone, Carol & Jim Lewis, Louise Avery Lewis, Dora
Phyllis Coelho, Catherine & Ellis Cohn, Richard & Tufts Colwell, Dr. Sally Coo-
Lievow, John Lippman, Harrah Lord, Mary Lou Lundy, Barbara Malone, Carole
per, Dr. Catherine Cornell, Sally Cowan, Stephen V. & Sylvia Crane, Jean Craw-
Mathews, Jean Y. Matlack, Marjorie E. Maxcy, Mrs. Warren H. Maxfield,
ford, Gayle & Jim Curtis, Harriet & John DeHoff, Kathy Deupree, Dwight John-
Marian F. McAleenan, Ann McKendry, George McKiernan, Maura L. Melley,
son & Marsha Domench, Greg & Susan Dorr, Ruth & Robert Dreher, Richard J.
Abigail Morrison, Anton Mueller, Linda Nash, Judy Newenham, Colin Page, Lola
& Barbara Ann Dubocq, Jim & Cindy Dunham, Mimi Dye & David Dunham,
Perkins, Kit Pfeiffer, Kathy A. Phillips, Lauren Pieri, Martha M. Porter, Harriet
Cheryl Liechty & Mark Eggena Family, Marilyn A. & Robert M. Ellsworth,
Potter, Douglas M. Prescott, Bridget Qualey, Marietta Raneri, Karin Rector,
John & Louisa Enright, Laura & Eric Evans, Sarah Price & Stephen
The Hawthorn Spring 2010 Page 7

(contributions continued)
Martha Reed, Gail Whitaker Ribeck, Jenny Roberts, Carolyn Robinson, Lucia
Robinson, Valerie Rock, Judy Rohweder, Stacey Rossiter, Sheila Buchanan
Ruyle, Sandie Sabaka, Michael Salmon, Maria Salvaggio, Alexandra Samaras,
Aurora Marie Santerre, Marina F. Schauffler, Jane Schroeder, Ms. Cynthia
Seefahrt, Steve Seidell, Julie K. Sells, Joanne M. Sharpe, Estelle B. Shevis, Jane
Shields, Meg Sideris, Anita Siegenthaler, Lois Sprague, Nancy J. Stevick, Chris
Stewart, Johanna Stinson, Pam Stone, Jane M. Strauss, Brenda L. Sullivan, Mary
Sweeney, Melissa Sweet, Barbara Sweitzer, Jan B. Taft, Barbara Talley, Joan
Thibault, Anne-Marie Thomas, Nancy Thompson, Frances A. Torresen, Marcia
T. Turner, Elizabeth D. Tutein, Lynn Van Reich, Ingrid Van Steenburg, Nadine
Varrin, Constance Wallace, Cherrie Waxman, Priscilla Weatherwax, Dee
Webster, Judith E. Webster, Nina Woolston & Tracy Wheeler, Katrinka Wilder,
Mariah Williams, Christina Wohler, Susan M. Worden, Gloria Young, Laura
Zalewski.
MERRY DOGS: Abigail Horn, Archie & Chloe Morrissey-
Callanan, Barkley McCully, Beau Grant, Billie Sells, Chai
Brown, Copper Perret, Cruiser Ross, Digby Mitchell,
Ellie Boylan, Ernie Scholz & Sami Martin, Evita Ocariz,
Fife Oppersdorff, Flynn Magoo, Habibi Roberts, Izzy
Johnson-Domench, Lucy Lewis, Marmee Sideris, Maxx
Arau, Molly & Archie Goodale, Murphy Louise
VanReich, Neville Anderson, Nyssa Scholz & Ripple
Barclay, Ruby Lutz, Sam Cummings, Sammy & Boomer
Black, Sparrow Leidenthal, Stirling Hall, Suzie Charters,
Zephyr Corbin-Moss.
COMPLIMENTARY MEMBERS: Annemarie Ahearn,
Laura Cabot, Louise & Dick Cadwgan, David Cooke,
Barbara & John Davidson, Janet Redfield & Scott
Dickerson, Leigh-Anne & Cresson D. Fraley, Fraley
Family, David Hill, Lisa Sojka & Patti Kissinger,
Lawrence Klang, Carol Pelletier, Lynette & Larry Platt,
Melissa Carr, Jill and Michael Roy, Mark Senders, Lani Comfrey (Symphytum officinale)
Temple, Jennifer Thieme, Johanna Tutone, Steve
Watts, Jack & Tina Williams.
GIFT MEMBERS: Ellen Began, Marie Malin & Wing Goodale, Lucie Scholz &
Tom Martin, Melanie Ellsworth & Patrick McManus, Becky Neves, Rockwell &
Althea Potter, Carolyn Small, Susan Wincklhofer Family.
OTHER CONTRIBUTIONS: Daniel Baker, Frances Wheeler Berta, Kathleen Gass, dens, Liberty Cabinet & Design, Lincolnville Family Dentistry, Logan Wood-
Ava Goodale, Joshua Hixson, Elizabeth C. Parker, Jean & Donald White.
GIFTS IN KIND: Wendy & Ray Andresen, Amy & Robert Campbell, George
Chappel, Carol & Dan Daigneault, Jean E. English, Rev. & Mrs. Dewey
Fagerburg, Amy Fischer, Dr. & Mrs. Robert Furman, Dorothea Graham, Bonnie
& Matt Janicki, Faith Getchell & Glenn Jenks, Regina Knight, Stephanie A. &
Alan S. Kumble, Edie & Ned Kyle, Jr., Aileen Lubin, Pat Whitney Messler,
Whitney & Tony Oppersdorff, Kay Ouradnik, Elizabeth C. Parker, Connie &
Etienne Perret, Rebecca Sawyer-Fay, Joanne M. Sharpe, Rebecca
Thompson, Wagner Family, Lynette L. Walther, Arthur Warren, Judith E. MERRY DOG BUSINESS SUPPORTERS: Arf & Running; Pro Source Installations,
Webster, Debbie Whittet, Susan S. & Rufus M. G. Williams, Jr., Barton & Inc.
Priscilla Wood, Susan M. Worden, Livka Y. Farrell & Martha E. Yandle.
2009 Business Support
Merryspring is very grateful for the support the local business community
gave us in 2009. If you appreciate Merryspring, we hope you will extend
your thanks to these businesses that help fund our work and provide valu-
able goods and services to our community.
BUSINESS SPONSORS ($1,000 +): EBS Style Solutions, The First.
BUSINESS PARTNERS ($2,500-$4,999): Plants Unlimited, Scholz & Barclay
Architecture.
BUSINESS STEWARDS ($500-$999): Long’s Landscaping, McGraw-Hill Com-
panies, Inc.
BUSINESS DONORS ($250-$499): Paolina’s Way, GE Foundation Matching Gifts
Program
BUSINESS FRIENDS ($100-$249): Camden Real Estate Company, Cedar Crest
Motel, Country Inn at Camden/Rockport, Data Pro
North East, Inc., David Waldron Trash Removal,
Dominic Paul Mercadante Architecture, Francine
Bistro, Green Thumb, Holland & Foley Architecture,
Johnson's Arboriculture - Treekeepers LLC, Lily, Lupine,
& Fern, Long's Landscaping, Longfellow's Greenhouses,
Mathews Brothers Optimum Performance Personal
Training, SolarMarine LLC, Wheelwright Real Estate,
Windsor Chairmakers, York's Hardy Rhododendrons.
BUSINESS SUPPORTERS ($50-$99): 17-90 Lighting
Showroom, A. E. Sampson & Son, Ltd., Agren
Appliance, Allen Agency / Allen Financial Group,
Atlantic Baking Company, Bayview Gallery, Beckstrom
Architecture & Planning, Bench Dogs, Inc., Bernhard &
Priestley Architecture, Brown's Appliance & Mattress,
Inc., Camden National Bank, Chatfield Design, Classical
Wood Floors, Inc., Cold Mountain Builders, Crestwood
Kitchens & Bath Design Center, Dan Eaton's Landscape
Services, David C. Olivas, DDS, Dennis J. King Masonry,
Inc., Distinctive Tile & Design, Eldredge Lumber & Hardware, Inc. / Atlantic
Design Center, Endless Summer Flower Farm, Freshwater Stone, Handle It!,
Hughes Realty, Inc., IBM Corporation, Matching Gifts Program, John Gillespie,
Architect, John Morris Architects, Kelsey's Appliance Village, Inc., Landmark
Construction, Landworks Design, Laurel Wood Floors, Lee Schneller Fine Gar-
bridge Inc., Lorraine Construction, Maine Coast Construction Corp., Metaphor
Bronze Tileworks, Morningstar Marble & Granite, New View Interiors, North-
port Bath, Oliver Builders Inc., Once a Tree; Party Fundamentals, Peter T.
Gross, Architects, P.A., PHI Home Designs, Pro Source Installations, Inc., Qualey
Granite & Quartz, Rankin's, Inc., Rockers, Inc., Schelble Bros., Inc., Silverio
Architecture + Design, Stancioff Building & Design, Inc., Surroundings, Taylor-
Made Builders, Inc. / Cornerstone Kitchens, The Good Table, The Store, Viking
Lumber, Inc., Well Tempered Kitchen.
BUSINESS GIFTS IN KIND: FEDCO; Fernwood Nursery & Gardens; Green
Thumb; Megunticook Market; Scholz & Barclay Architecture.

Foundation and Organizational Support

In 2009, our programs received crucial financial support from a variety of organizations, municipalities, and private
foundations. Of special note, Merryspring received a gift of $1,500 from the Mid-Maine Rose Society, which disbanded in
2009 after more than two decades of activity and distributed their funds among a number of horticultural institutions. We
thank the following institutional supporters for their help during the past year:
Aldermere Farm, Camden Garden Club, Camden Rotary Club, GE Foundation Matching Gifts Program, Maine Daylily Society, Mid-
Coast Audubon, Mid-Maine Rose Society, Otter Island Foundation, Seth Sprague Educational and Charitable Foundation,
Thendara Foundation, Town of Camden.
 P.O. Box 893
Camden, ME 04843

Why the Big Stink? Meg Barclay

Poking up through last year’s decaying vegetation in marshy
woods and bog margins, the skunk cabbage (Symplocarpus
foetidus) may be Maine’s earliest wildflower. It achieves its
primacy by being one of the very few plants to exhibit
thermogenesis, generating temperatures of up to 95 degrees
Fahrenheit even when the air temperature is below freezing,
melting its way through frozen ground, snow, and ice, and
using as much metabolic energy as a small rodent.
So why the big stink? The “skunk” epithet in the common
name derives from the plant’s rank odor.
The odor of the flower (a hood-like spathe contains within its
cavity a globular spadix of minute flowers) imitates decaying
flesh. This scent, made more volatile by the thermogenic heat,
attracts spring-emergent, carrion-feeding insects, which find a
warm shelter within the spathe and act as pollinators. Fully formed skunk cabbage spathes and emergent leaves in
While the odor of the flower is not particularly strong, when marshy deciduous woods in March
the plant is bruised or cut, the odor is quite fetid. This may This heavy-rooted perennial native is not without aesthetic
serve as a natural defense against damage or disruption by appeal. The bold teardrop shape of the spathe, with its
large mammals. purple and green mottling set in contrast against the bright
The flower is the first part of the plant to appear. The large, green of the one to two-foot leaves, provides sculptural
yellow-green, cabbage-like leaves, which begin as a tightly interest and color in the dull brown of the springtime woods.
coiled spike, do not unfurl until the flower has been pollinated, Skunk cabbage can easily be cultivated in moderately acidic,
and the pea-sized seeds ripen in September. mucky, shaded areas and readily reproduces itself by seed.