MONTHLY PROGRAMS  are held on the first Thursday of each month from October to May at the Presbyterian Church , 

400 Bedford Road, Pleasantville, NY 

Programs follow our 9:15 business meeting,  Refreshments are served.

Thursday, October 9 - GENERAL MEETING – 9:15 a.m. 

Program: “Invasive Species and Harmful Pests in Westchester County and How to Manage Them” 

Speaker:  Ben Kleist and Susan Leighton 

Ben Kleist is the program manager for Westchester Land Trust (WLT) and is responsible for monitoring and protecting WLT’s preserves. Susan Leighton is the program director. WLT works together with public and private partners to preserve land in perpetuity, and to protect and enhance the natural resources in our communities for generations to come. 

Thursday, October 16 -  New Member Orientation 9:30–11:00 

Mount Pleasant Community Center - Watch for further information.

Thursday, November 6 -  GENERAL MEETING – 9:15 a.m.  

Program: “Herbal Health – Exploring how to make Teas, 

Infusions, Tinctures, Herbal Oils and More” 

Speaker:    Clare Pierson 

Clare Pierson, owner of Dancing Spirits Herbs, is an herbalist who lives and works in Sleepy Hollow. She has been studying, practicing and teaching herbalism for more than 30 years. Clare has been called a “kitchen witch” who loves to share her knowledge of plant medicine for a healthier life. 

Thursday, December 4 - ANNUAL HOLIDAY LUNCHEON AND WREATH MAKING

Thursday,  January 8 - GENERAL MEETING – 9:15 a.m. 

Program: “Stumperies – Wildlife Friendly Garden Features” 

Speaker:  Timothy Tilghman 

Timothy Tilghman has been the head gardener at Untermyer Gardens since 2011. He has led the garden’s ambitious restoration effort. Stumperies both recycle and upscale at the same time turning unwanted tree stumps, trunks, logs or bark into something beautiful and great for wildlife. 

Thursday,  February 5 - GENERAL MEETING – 9:15 a.m. 

Program: “Hedges, Fedges and Shrubs for your Garden” 

Speaker:  Taro Ietaka 

Taro Ietaka is Assistant Director of Conservation, Westchester County Parks – Ward Pound Ridge Reservation.  Taro is a professional naturalist and land manager, and certified arborist and will talk about using hedges, fedges (a cross between fence and a hedge) or shrubs to help provide privacy and security while maintaining a natural aesthetic. Special thanks to Westchester County Parks for this talk.

Thursday, March 5 - GENERAL MEETING – 9:15 a.m. 

Program: Natural Mulch, Harnessing the Power of Native Plants as Ground Covers

Speaker: Missy Fabel

Missy is a landscape designer and horticulturist who studied at New York Botanical Gardens. Explore the use of native ground covers as an environmentally friendly alternative to mulch.  Native ground covers enhance biodiversity, foster ecosystem health and Minimize long-term maintenance.  Learn the best practices for adding this crucial layer to all areas of the landscape, from sun to shade, wet to dry,, foundatin plantings, garden beds and natural areas.  

Thursday, April 9 - GENERAL MEETING – 9:15 a.m. 

Program: Pruning Fundamentals

Speaker: Ann Perkowski

Ann perkowski is the founder of a specialized pruning business, The Lady Clippers.  She is a master gardener who since 2011 has taught the pruning fundaments class at the NYBG.  Her garden designs combine high-performance trees, shrubs and perennials with an accent on natives.

Thursday, May 7, GENERAL MEETING  - 9:15 a.m.

MEMBER PLANT EXCHANGE/AUCTION

The SWAP-A-PLANT TRADITION  continues. A great way to add a new plant to your garden…if you bring a plant, you get a plant! 

Plus, a PLANT AUCTION of a variety of specialty plants.

SATURDAY, MAY 9TH, 2026 - 8 a.m. - Noon  ANNUAL PLANT SALE 

THURSDAY, JUNE 4, ANNUAL MEMBERS LUNCHEON