Turning Kids into Garden Explorers
Education for children is going green, according to consumer research and advisory company Iconoculture. This is due, in part, to “a growing number of nonprofits creating curricula and projects that seamlessly integrate into the classroom.”
These are typically hands-on projects, giving kids real world applications for living a greener life (a zero waste lunch). Gardening is also becoming increasingly popular among schools. As we noted in a previous blog post, the Green Education Foundation launched its Green Thumb Challenge, calling on schools and youth groups across the nation to plant 10,000 gardens.
At the Conservancy, we also believe in teaching children gardening skills and an appreciation of the world around them.
On March 23, we kick off a Garden Explorer Workshop for Kids, a series of four classes at Hazel Parker Playground.
Class topics are:
– Amazing Worms: These creatures turn garbage into gold-richness that goes back into the soil. Discover how they do it and how you might start a worm composting bin in your own backyard.
– Honey Isn’t Just for Humans: The life of bees will fascinate and inform. Learn about one of bees’ most important activities, pollination. See live bees, meet a local beekeeper and learn about where they live. Discover where honey comes from and how we share in bees’ sweet success.
– Growing Your Garden in the Air: Discover how easy it can be to grow a veggie-herb garden off the ground. Kids will decorate, plant and care for a garden throughout the four weeks.
– Bringing the Desert Home: Learn how never-thirsty plants can thrive on your windowsill. Plant a cool garden you can take home and learn how to make it thrive under your care.
– Classes are 3:30-4:45 p.m. Wednesdays, March 23, March 30, April 6 and April 13 at Hazel Parker Playground. This class is for children ages 6-10. Cost is $75 for the series, including all supplies and materials. Class size is limited.
To register, e-mail Crystal Reed, recreation coordinator at Hazel Parker Playground and Community Center.