Arboretum wildlife are scurrying about in their winter-survival mode these days. Gray squirrels can be seen in large numbers as they forage for acorns and hickory nuts in the woods. An albino squirrel was recently spotted behind the Learning Center. Wild turkeys, always up for an easy meal, are regular visitors to the bird feeders on the Morgan Terrace…. Any color in the landscape is really appreciated at this time of year…Highbush cranberry shrubs are loaded with red fruits now. Red-osier dogwoods also brighten the winter color palette with their attractive red twigs… To learn more about the Arboretum’s winter denizens, check out the online Nature Notes blog by Julia Bohnen and Matt Schuth or grab your hat and gloves and join us for a “Hot Chocolate Walking Tour” at 10 a.m. this Wednesday (Nov. 19).   Spend an hour with an Arboretum naturalist  exploring our grounds for winter bird life and animal tracks.  Fee is $5 (free for members). Includes coupon for hot beverage.  Speaking of walks, our lovely Three-Mile Drive is closed for the season to vehicles, but open to all hardy walkers and hikers! 

Our new Arboretum seasonal Gift Store in the Galleria of Edina will host naturalist Jim Gilbert  for a book-signing from 1-3 p.m. this Saturday (Nov. 22). He will personalize copies of his new "Minnesota Nature Notes" just in time for the holidays.  Meanwhile, Arboretum gardeners and volunteers are busily working their magic,  preparing for our annual "Windows on Winter" outdoor garden displays and Great Hall of Trees in the Oswald Visitor Center, all of which will debut on Nov. 28, as the setting for our Making Spirits Bright holiday celebration of music, food and festivities. (Special thanks to sponsor American Family Insurance.)  As part of the merriment, our Holiday Teas are back by popular demand - Wednesdays through Saturdays Dec. 3-20, plus Dec. 26-27 and Dec. 29-31. Times: 2:30-4 p.m.  It's a great way to create a wonderful holiday memory with family and friends.  We're also hosting Holiday Gourmet Dinners on  Friday evenings in December.  Call 612-624-7173 to reserve. Did you know that every Third Thursday, the Arboretum Restaurant serves a special luncheon menu highlighting organic and locally grown foods?  The next one is this Thursday (Nov. 20) from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.  Prepare to be delighted!

Stop by the Arboretum this Saturday, Nov. 22,  to learn all about  our upcoming travel programs for 2009.   An info session in the MacMillan Auditorium at 1 p.m. will cover the following travel tours:  Key West, Fla. (Feb. 26-March 1);  Amsterdam & Keukenhof (April 22-28); Boston & Rhode Island (June 4-8); Chile (mid-Oct.); and Puerto Rico with Cuba extension (Dec. 3-7).  The event is open to the public and  free with gate admission.