Editor’s Note: The Arbor Day Foundation’s very own Cathy Horner, Human Resources Manager, was selected to appear on the gameshow Wheel of Fortune recently. Naturally, we’re all very excited for her. We had a number of questions about the game show experience, which she was kind enough to answer for us in this blog post. Tune in to watch Cathy on Wheel of Fortune on December 14, 2011.

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Q: How were you selected to be a contestant on the Wheel of Fortune? 
A: My daughter and I attended a Wheel Mobile event, on a whim, last April when Sony Studios was crossing the country in their WheelMobile (a big yellow RV) screening contestants for the Wheel of Fortune.  I was lucky enough to be chosen at random to answer puzzles with a group of people on the stage they set up to look just like the real game show.  After that, I was selected to attend a second audition with a more rigorous screening process.  A couple of weeks later, I was sent a letter stating that I was selected to be a contestant!

Cathy Horner does her best Vanna White impersonation backstage at Wheel of Fortune.

Q: How did you practice?  Were you nervous? 
A: I practiced by playing a Wheel of Fortune game on MSN and with the Wii game that my kids bought for me.  I knew I would be filming during their Sandals Resort Golf Week, so I reviewed a lot of golf terminology too.  I have always been a fan of word games like crossword puzzles and Scrabble so that also helped.  The contestant department spent several hours going over the rules and helping the contestants practice on the day that we taped the show, so I actually wasn’t nervous at all.

Q: Where did you tape the show? 
A: The show was taped at Sony Studios in Culver City, California.  They taped six shows in one afternoon.  Twenty contestants from around the country were on hand including another gentleman from Omaha who had attended the same Wheel Mobile event that I had attended.

Q: We need to know: what were Pat and Vanna really like? 
A: Pat was rather elusive and only appeared during the taping.  He was all business and was treated like The Star.  Vanna was much more personable and met the contestants in the morning and then met with select groups, like Make-A-Wish participants, during the afternoon.  She is so petite in person!

Q: What did you think of the overall experience? 
A: It was a great experience.  I had never participated in filming a TV program, so it was interesting to experience the “Lights, Camera and Action!” that really takes place.  I had my own make-up artist who had worked on high profile casts like Pirates of the Caribbean.  She followed me around with a powder puff and powdered my face every 15 minutes!  Sony has a beautiful set for Wheel and they also have studio tours.  Be sure to visit when you are in the greater Los Angeles area!

Q: When does your show air?
A: My show is scheduled to air on Wednesday, December 14th.  If you live in the Omaha area, watch for it on KETV Channel 7 at 6:30pm.

Q: So… did you win enough money to quit your job with the Arbor Day Foundation?
A: They asked us not to discuss any “winnings” before the show airs, but let’s just say this: my job at the Arbor Day Foundation is priceless.

For those of you who might have missed it, the video below hits all the highlights of his presentation. It’s lengthy at nearly 14 minutes, but if you’ve got the time, we think you’ll like it.

Let us know what you think!

“What is Arbor Day all about?” I ask this question of the visitors during my tours at the Tree Adventure and Arbor Day Farm. As you may expect, I get a variety of answers:  anywhere from planting trees to Johnny Appleseed to saving the planet. I tell them that they all are close, and explain the need to plant, nurture, and celebrate trees. 

Throughout my summer as a Nature Interpreter Intern I have learned a lot, starting with the Arbor Day Foundation’s mission and now ending with heirloom varieties of apples. My time this summer, however, has taught me that Arbor Day is about more than just trees.

By working with groups of children from inner-city neighborhoods, I’ve had the opportunity to interact with those who rarely venture beyond their front door. I grew up with a tremendous exposure to nature and the outdoors, but many students, especially from urban areas, did not. They spend their days inside with the many screens (TVs, computers, videogames, etc.) keeping them occupied. This is often because it is safer inside than out, and because they don’t know what to do outside. When they get off the bus at Arbor Day Farm and learn they are going to be outside all day, they quite literally are on “sensory overload.” This can even entail screams, tears, and clinging to the interpreter. To these children, being outside for more time than it takes to walk from the house to the car is terrifying, and this is not an irrational fear on their part. They have never had the opportunity to spend significant amounts of time outside, and we fear what we don’t know. 

Thanks to the Arbor Day Foundation and the Arbor Day Farm Tree Adventure, I had the privilege of leading children through significant time in nature. We had lots of “first” experiences: seeing deer for the first time, being “actually in the woods” (as they would say), and learning that yes, woodchips really do come from trees. Most of the children left wishing they had more time in this natural setting.  The children I worked with this summer left with some knowledge of the world around them, and an introduction to the lessons nature has to teach. (My favorite lesson? Nature does not discriminate:  a mosquito will suck anyone’s blood.) Without J. Sterling Morton and his yearning to plant trees, these children would have spent another day inside.

So what is Arbor Day all about? To me, Arbor Day is about a lot more than trees. It is about appreciating the nature that surrounds us. Through the time I spent with children this summer at Arbor Day Farm, this lesson became apparent, it also became apparent that they would never look at nature the same way again. These little steps, child’s play, are helping to move cultures back to nature, and for that I am eternally grateful.

Hanna Pinneo is a Nature Interpreter intern at Arbor Day Farm Tree Adventure, majoring in Parks and Recreation at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. She enjoys hiking, playing outside with her nephew and dog, and spending time with her friends. As a National Team member of the Natural Leaders Network, Hanna is dedicated to reconnecting all children with nature.

Maryland Blue Crab Cakes
2 lb. blue crab meat, well drained
¼ cup raw garlic
1 cup panko crumbs
2 whole eggs
½ cup red bell pepper bruinoise
½ cup carrot bruinoise
½ cup red onion bruinoise
2 jalapeños, seeded and bruinoise
¼ tbl Old Bay seasoning
2 lemons zest and juiced
1 orange zest
½ cup flat leaf parsley, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
Kernels from 2 ears of fresh sweet corn

Procedure:
Heat olive oil on medium flame in sauté pan. Add garlic and sauté until aromatic. Add the peppers, carrot, onion, and jalapeño to the pan and cook gently until just sweated together. Add Old Bay seasoning and parsley, cook until just aromatic, about 2 minutes. Combine all ingredients to mixing bowl and stir together well. Adjust seasoning and panko until the mixture forms small cakes that stay together well and are not too moist or too dry. Form cakes into small cylinder shapes Reserve cakes to order.

Until next time,
Chef Matt

Matthew Taylor is the Executive Chef at Lied Lodge & Conference Center in Nebraska City, Nebraska, where local, sustainable entrees are served daily. Have a specific recipe you’d like to see featured on this blog? Let us know.

When we think of forests, we think of trees, the wonders of nature, of sheer beauty, and clean, fresh air. We often don’t think about the water we drink.

We should.

Forests help snow melt and rain water soak into the soil to replenish rivers and streams during dry times. Trees stop silt from eroding into our waterways. They serve as natural filters to clean sparkling mountain streams, healthy lakes and reservoirs, and our nation’s vast web of rivers.

Why is that important to us? As U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said, “While most Americans live in urban areas, most of us depend on rural lands, particularly forest lands, for clean water and a healthy climate.”

One example is New York City. In the late 1990s, city leaders balked at a $6 billion water treatment system and instead opted for natural forest management to clean the water it receives from the Catskill/Delaware watershed in upstate New York. The focus is on creating conservation easements along streams and reservoirs, and protecting forest lands to keep sediment and runoff from entering the water supply. The watershed provides New Yorkers with more than 1 billion gallons each day of some of the cleanest, healthiest drinking water in the world.

Millions of Californians rely on crystal-clear water flowing from the San Bernardino National Forest and other California forests to quench their thirst.

In Colorado, the South Platte watershed, which rises high in the Pike National Forest, supplies Denver with drinking water.

In Scotland, trees in The Trossachs National Park protect nearby Loch Katrine, which provides Glasgow its water supply. These are just a few examples of how our dependence on clean water also depends on healthy forests.

 

One way of keeping our forests healthy is to plant trees. The need to replant our forests is vitally important because of damage from insects, disease and unprecedented wildfires. Every year, new areas in critical need of replanting are identified – places where fires burn so hot that the seeds of future forests are destroyed. While we don’t know where the critical needs will be 10 years from now, or 40 years from now, we do know that our forests will continue to need our help.

To mark its 50th Anniversary in 2006, Enterprise Rent-A-Car made a meaningful and significant commitment to help replant our forests through an enduring partnership with the Arbor Day Foundation. The Enterprise 50 Million Tree Pledge will plant 1 million trees every year for 50 years.

We are now in the sixth year of this partnership and, together, we will have planted six million trees where they have been needed most — in nineteen projects around the world thus far…including the San Bernardino National Forest, the Pike National Forest, and The Trossachs National Park in Scotland.

These six million new trees are just the beginning. Through the next 44 years, thanks to the vision and commitment of Enterprise Rent-A-Car, the next 44 million trees will be planted wherever they will best serve people, our environment, and water resources for generations to come.

There is no substitute for clean water. Water is a vital resource that we rely on every day. We can’t create something else to take its place.

But we can plant trees.

The next time you turn on the tap, remember the role trees play in keeping our drinking water clean and safe. And when we next think of forests, we’ll think of majestic beauty, clean air, habitat for wildlife…and healthy, abundant water for this and future generations.

John Rosenow
Arbor Day Foundation

Full post available on the Enterprise Forewords blog.

• New Belgium Fat Tire Amber Ale - Ft. Collins, CO
• Boulevard Stout - Kansas City, MO
• Lucky Bucket Brewing Company - LaVista, NE
• Schilling Bridge Scottish Ale – Pawnee City, NE
• Nebraska Brewing Company - Papillion, NE

As Benjamin Franklin once said: “Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy.”
We’ll raise a glass to that, Mr. President.

And the winner is…  

Alicia Kenealy with her first place trophy.

Congratulations to first place winner Alicia Kenealy, whose recipe for creamy chicken tortilla soup earned her $100 in cash and the honor of keeping the traveling trophy for the next year.  Alicia said her recipe came from a friend who is a chef, noting that the secret ingredient is swiss cheese. Alicia is the assistant for the Lied Lodge sales team.    

Susie Wirth (at left) and Susan Freshman shared second place honors.

Two contestants tied for second place in the challenge. Susie Wirth, Nature Explore Outreach Director, and Susan Freshman, manager at Arbor Day Farm Tree Adventure, split the cash prize and honors for second place. Susie’s recipe for chicken and wild rice soup was “passed up” from her daughter in Knoxville, while Susan’s cheeseburger soup likely originated from a Taste of Home magazine published many years ago.

The Arbor Day Foundation Employee Soup Challenge has been an employee favorite in the non-profit’s Lincoln office for several years; this was the first year that the contest also took place in Nebraska City. 

Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup:

Preparation Instructions:
Prepare seasoning mix according to package directions. In a skillet, add seasoning and diced chicken. Cook chicken thoroughly. Drain and set aside.
In large pot, sauté onion in butter for about two minutes. Stir in flour until blended, then gradually stir in the broth. Bring to a boil. Cook and stir for two minutes longer, or until thickened slightly. Add tomatoes, Velveeta, cheese and salsa. Cook on medium-low until cheese is melted. Stir in heavy cream and add the chicken to the pot. Heat through but do not boil. Remove from heat and let sit for 5 minutes to thicken. Garnish with crushed tortilla chips.

The fox has something in it’s mouth — what do you think it is?

We’ll share more photos as we get them. Until then… sleep tight!

It all started on a cold winter day in December with a little movie called “Swiss Family Robinson.”  This 1960 Disney Classic would spawn my ingenious idea that would later unfold at Arbor Day Farm in Nebraska City, NE.  As I sat on the couch with my girlfriend Melanie that day, I was informed multiple times how amazing the tree house in the movie was.  Being an interior designer, Melanie deeply admired the craftsmanship of that tree house, noting the clever design by the Robinson family.  She pointed out the awesomeness of it every chance she could.  By the end of the movie, I had no doubt that she genuinely wished she could live in a tree house.  As the credits rolled, I had my “Ah-hah!” moment.  That was it.  The engagement idea I had been searching for. 

I knew then and there that I had to propose in a tree house.

Disney's 'Swiss Family Robinson' inspired Brian's unique proposal idea

With the help of my friend Google, I searched the globe for the perfect tree house.  After almost deciding to fly out to Washington state, Google mentioned a place called Arbor Day Farm in Nebraska City.  This was quite an improvement in location. I was filled with hope when I discovered that there was a 50-foot tall tree house smack dab in the middle of the Tree Adventure.  Without hesitation, I sent out an email proposing my engagement idea to a very helpful woman named Jennifer.  She was intrigued and wanted to discuss the idea with some of her colleagues.  Eventually I was introduced to Susan, and we began hashing out some ideas.  She was incredibly friendly and so easy to work with.  The emails flew back and forth as we made arrangements for the big day.  I made a trip down to the Farm a couple days prior to get comfortable with the surroundings.  It was a beautiful place, and I was feeling pretty darn good about everything.

After months of planning, May 15, 2010, came at last.  It was time to execute.  Two days earlier, the forecast was calling for a 50% chance of storms.  But as Melanie and I hopped in the car and headed down Highway 2, there were no ominous clouds in sight.  Those extra prayers I put in to the Big Guy were coming through.  As we cruised along, Melanie was all sorts of antsy.  I assumed she must have had an inkling about what was going to happen, although she knew nothing of my secret plans.  She asked me where we were going at least 20 times, and she couldn’t stand the anticipation.  Eventually we pulled into Lied Lodge in Nebraska City.  What a cool place.  We were both impressed by the originality, cleanliness, and upscale feel.  After dropping off our bags in our room, I informed Melanie that I had reserved her a surprise pedicure in five minutes at the hotel spa.  Surprised and excited, she headed out the door and down to the spa. Meanwhile, it was time for me to meet with Susan at the Tree Adventure and double check on all the plans over at the Farm.  Susan greeted me with a big hug and a smile.  I think she was as excited as I was.  We went over the plan one more time, making sure everything was ready.  Things were feeling right.  It was almost go-time. 

She said yes! Melanie and Brian after their treetop proposal

I picked Melanie up from the Lodge and we headed over to the Farm.  I expressed my concern to her about the Tree Adventure closing soon.  I told her I hoped there was still time to check it out.  We parked the car and strolled up to the entrance.  We walked in and were immediately greeted by Susan.  She told us that the Tree Adventure normally closes in 10 minutes….(look of distress on Melanie’s and my face)….BUT since they had a Girl Scout troop coming in later that evening, we could go ahead and take a walk around.  Yes!  Saved by the Girl Scouts!  Well, not quite.  Susan and I actually arranged that little situation as part of our plan.  She directed us outdoors and Melanie and I were off on the trails. 

We had a wonderful time hiking through the Tree Adventure.  We explored the wilderness, took pictures, and acted like goofballs as we trekked along the path.  I’m sure the birds and squirrels above in the trees were wondering who the two hooligans below were.  Eventually, we neared the end of the path.  Melanie asked me what we were going to do for dinner.  I told her I didn’t really have any plans and that maybe we could try to eat at the hotel restaurant.  With a ring of disappointment, she said, “Really?  You don’t have any plans?  Well, yea, I guess we could eat there.”  Little did she know, there was an incredible feast awaiting her in just a few minutes. 

We came to the last intersection of the trail.  We turned right (Melanie tried to convince me to go left) and made our way up the hill.  We reached the top and there it was, the 50-foot tree house in all its glory.  Melanie’s face lit up as she simply said, “Wow.”  After scoping it out, we started our ascent up the stairs.  We reached the summit and the moment of truth.  Melanie turned the corner and noticed the table sitting in the corner with a bottle of wine and two wine glasses.  She walked over to it with a big smile on her face.  She then turned around to find me on one knee in front of her, with a beautiful vintage ring in my hands.  I was so calm and collected up to this point, but now found myself shaking like a leaf!  I expressed my undying love and asked my Mellie to marry me.  

The perfect picnic for a perfect day

“Yes, of course I’ll marry you!”  

And with those words, she granted me the happiest moment of my life.  She slipped on the 1920s vintage ring (Melanie loves antiques and sells vintage clothing) and gave me a huge hug – and of course a nice smooch.  It was a beautiful scene atop that tree house as the sun was beginning to set.  

After our moment, I mentioned to Melanie that I had one last surprise for her.  We walked down the steps of the tree house to the platform area where a delicious picnic awaited us.  It included smoked meats, cheeses, crackers, organic fruit salad, Persian Baklava, organic dark chocolate, pecans, and wine.  I bought most of the food from the farmers market that morning.  Melanie was once again filled with awe and surprise.  We sat, ate, and took everything in.  We were both extremely happy and excited.  The weather was near perfect.  We couldn’t have asked for a better day.  (A background note – as we were hiking on the exploratory trail, Susan set up the wine at the top, and picnic below for us.  She was such a great help.) 

We finished our evening at Lied Lodge, and enjoyed the brunch buffet in the morning before heading out.  It was a wonderful weekend, and it  would not have been possible without the help of Susan, Jennifer, and the rest of the superb staff at Arbor Day Farm.  

Thank you so much for being a part of our engagement.  We will never forget our incredible day. 

Sincerely,
Brian Recker and Melanie Gillis 

Brian Recker is the K-5 Physical Education teacher for Syracuse-Dunbar-Avoca Public Schools.  He has a passion for teaching others how to live a healthy lifestyle.  He has also become an organic gardener during the summers, practicing sustainable farming methods.

Granted, there’s no shortage of beautiful landscapes and interesting things to photograph across these 260 acres in any season. But this sunny patch along the Discovery Ride path is simply magnificent.

The sunflowers are new this year, courtesy of Arbor Day Farm’s landscaping department. Visitors who climb aboard the Discovery Ride — the guided tram-like ride that winds over the river and through the woods — journey right through the middle of the patch, where they can snap their own photos of these symbols of summer.

You can view a few more photos of Arbor Day Farm’s sunflower patch here, but you really owe it to yourself to come see it in person. Don’t forget your camera!

Amy Stouffer is a marketing coordinator at Lied Lodge and Arbor Day Farm in Nebraska City, where free-range creativity is encouraged. See how you can be part of the Arbor Day team, too.