Free Lecture Features the History of the Internationally Renown Rhododendron Garden at Hendricks Park

New Search

05/13/04 THU 11:43 FA% 541 682 4882 EUGENE PW MNTNC & POS PW ADMIN X002 May 13, 2004 CONTACT: ? Friends of Hendricks Park, 607-4066 ? Ginny Alfriend, gardener, Hendricks Park, 682-5324 ? Therese Picado, Parks and Open Space Public Infom~ation Specialist, 682-4814/682-4800 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Free Lecture Features the History of the Internationally Renown Rhododendron Garden at Hendricks Park Michael Robert, Hendricks Park head gardener from 1981-2003, will present a special lecture and slide show entitled, °A Fifty Year History of Hendricks Park Rhododendron Garden;' on Thursday, May 20, at 7 p.m. at Laurelwood Golf Course meeting room, 2700 Columbia Street. The free, public lecture is sponsored by the Friends of Hendricks Park. Robert retired in December 2003 after woriking at Hendricks Park for over 30 years, has served on the board of the Eugene chapter American Rhododendron Socety (ARS) since 1982 and now serves as a volunteer historian for the local ARS chapter and the Friends of Hendricks Park. The slide show will document the history of the Hendricks Park Rhododendron Garden from its dedication in 1954 through the decades as it has grown and evolved and includes archival photos from the early parks department, founding members of the Eugene chapter of the ARS and Robert's own photos over his long tenure at Hendricks Park. The purpose of the Friends of Hendricks Park is to raise awareness of Hendricks Park as a valuable community and regional resource, provide stewardship in the management of the park by assisting with the implementation of the Hendricks Park Forest Management Plan, educate the public about issues that affect the park, and generate a broad base of community support for the park. For more information about the lecture series or the Friends of Hendricks Park, call 607-4066 or 682-5324 or visit www.friendsofhendrickspark.org. r~