Nov. 2000

Revised 02/27/08

Red Cedar Chapter Newsletter

A Visit to Ghana

Twenty*one people attended the October 3rd meeting of the Red Cedar Chapter. The meeting featured a presentation by Vice President, Elaine Chittenden, on her visit to Ghana, Africa.
This trip was not planned to be exclusively a botanic one, but Ms. Chittenden did take time to see as much of the native flora of this equatorial nation as possible.
The Aburi Botanical Garden, established by the British in the 1890's, features many species that are over 100 years old. At Aburi, Ms. Chittenden saw an impressive Silk Cotton tree, Ceiba pentandra, with huge exposed roots. The fluff or kapok that surrounds the seeds is used in flotation devices. The tree is also an important symbol in African culture and represents the connection between the terrestrial world and the heavens above.
Ms. Chittenden also visited the Plant Genentic Resource Center in Bunso. Here the staff grow many recalcitrant species of plants outside in flats because it is the best way to store them! The genetic resources are used by universities and government agencies for research on improving crops or possible uses in new medicines. The center also has an arboreta which contains timber species, medicinal plants and local spices, like black pepper, mace, nutmeg, and cocoa.
In the Kakrum National Park Ms. Chittenden enjoyed a walk in the rain forest canopy on a bridge made of step ladders fastened together with wooden planks over the rungs, supported by occasional platforms!

Special thanks to Elaine Davis for providing refreshments.

BUSINESS MEETING

Final preparations were made for the annual fall meeting held on October 21st.
Elaine Chittenden reported that she has commitments from speakers for some of the remaining meetings and is waiting to hear back from more. She would still welcome suggestions from members. Please forward any names or telephone numbers of prospective speakers and she will make contact with them. Call (571) 432-9182 or e-mail at chitt@gnds.msu.edu Elaine also reported that we will have an extra special meeting in December featuring live music * don't miss it!

Treasurer Hal Juran, reported that our bank balance was approximately $4,500 and that he has sent the check to the Michigan Botanical Club to cover our annual dues.
Secretary Nancy Kapp reported that she will enclose the dues renewal notices in the November newsletter. Payments are not required until January.

Please remember to use the north entrance of the Plant Biology Building for access to RCC meetings. All other doors will be locked for security reasons. If you arrive after 7:30 PM please knock on the window.

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