Sandy Douglas from the The Crane Trust delivered a presentation to us viz Zoom on “A Place for Cranes.” Sandy opened with a video showing the Sandhill cranes in their habitat. The trust was formed in 1978, after an environmental crisis of the river habitat degraded: channels deepened, invasive species were present, gravel mining and agriculture greatly affected the environment. She also spoke about conservation strategies, science and research done on the the cranes, Sandhill & Whooping Crane facts and behavior. Due to the pandemic, a virtual crane experience for 2021 can be found at cranetrust.org.

The Horticulture Committee went to the Lauritzen Gardens on March 26, 2021 to view the thousands of daffodils beginning to bloom.

On March 10^th of this year, we lost Fran Dowd, a founding member of the Loveland Garden Club (LGC).  

She was a tireless worker, organizer, supporter and cheerleader for our garden club and Lauritzen Gardens. Fran was one of the driving forces for the club’s growth and its commitment to stimulating the love of gardening both at a private and public level.

In 1983-84 Fran was one of seven enthusiastic gardeners who founded the Loveland Garden Club.  One of the original goals of the club was to become a member of the Garden Club of America (GCA). Through Fran’s leadership, that goal was achieved in 1996. 

The GCA tasks it’s member clubs to offer ongoing educational programs with minimal cost to the general public. With that in mind, Fran, in 2005, organized a LGC committee to discuss with the Executive Director of Lauritzen Gardens, the establishment of an ongoing project for LGC at the Gardens. 

In 2007, the Loveland Garden Club Endowed Lecture Series became that ongoing project with a small start-up pledge of $25,000. 

The creation of the Lecture series was a way for the Gardens to generously recognize and honor Loveland Garden Club’s many years of involvement and steadfast support in the development of the Garden.

The club ensures the long life and future development of the LGC Lecture Series Endowment with a yearly contribution. Donations to this endowed lecture series have also been designated by individuals and memorials. 

Fran loved our club, she will always be remembered as a steadfast supporter of our Club & Lauritzen Gardens. 

Her presence & friendship will be truly missed.