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2010 Nature Works! Family Workshops

 

A series of seven workshops designed for families with children ages 4 to 10 to learn how Nature Works!  Spend one Saturday morning in the Children’s Garden or join us for the entire series to earn a Nature Works! certificate. The series covers topics from organic soil blends to cooking the fall harvest.  Each workshop includes seasonal gardening methods and ideas for the home garden, nature studies, a Nature Works! family journal and a “growing” project to enjoy at home.

Every 3rd Saturday of the month April - October; 10 - 11:30 a.m.
and 3rd Thursdays of the month in June, July and August

Advance registration required; space is limited. Each program is $10 per child for members and $20 per child for non-members (adult included). Register by phone at 804.262-9887, ext. 322.

Program Descriptions 2010

click here for a printer-friendly version

 

A Garden is a Home | Saturday, April 17

Good gardens start with good soil. Good soil promotes healthy plant growth and provides a perfect home for all kinds of creatures.  Learn how nature creates the soil that supports these garden homes.  Using the finest ingredients nature has to offer, make a perfect soil blend to start seeds and create a miniature terrarium. Begin your Nature Works! family journal as we search for animal clues and homes throughout the Garden. Register Now

 

Soil Sleuths | Saturday, May 15

Soil is alive with bacteria, fungi, and many-legged creatures.  These living organisms are hard at work right under our feet making the perfect garden soil!  Join us as we dig around in different soil types to learn about the importance of decomposers and the soil they help enrich.  Create rich compost starter and receive a soil test kit to use at home.  Collect information from soil perk tests for your Nature Works! family journal. Register Now

 

Green Gardening | Thursday, June 17 or Saturday, June 19

Families learn simple gardening tips to keep a garden productive while reducing water consumption.  Learn good gardening practices to reduce the use of fertilizers and pesticides.  Collect information on beneficial garden insects and companion plants for your Nature Works! family journal. Make a natural, safe pest deterrent to take home.

Register Now June 17 or June 19

Garden Pollinators | Thursday, July 15 or Saturday, July 17
One out of every three bites of food is the result of the work of a pollinator.  Learn about native nectar and host plants that attract bees and other pollinators to your garden.  Take home several plants to start your own butterfly garden.  Sample and compare several local honey varieties and record your favorite in your Nature Works! family journal. Register Now July 15 or July 17

 

Flowers, Fruits, and Fragrances | Thursday, August 19 or August 21

Join us to celebrate the many uses of plants.  Sample fresh produce from the Farm Garden and take a sensory walk to learn how to harvest and dry flowers and herbs from your home garden. Create an herbal scented sachet decorated with leaf prints. Record all of the different ways we use plants in your Nature Works! family journal. 

 

Garden Abundance | September 18

Celebrate the season.  Families collect edibles from the Children’s Garden to prepare and eat and learn simple recipes for making healthy and delicious food.  Collect a variety of seeds from the Garden and learn proper storage so that you can plant them in next year’s garden.  Record your favorite delectable plants in your Nature Works! family journal. 

 

Terrific Trees | October 16

Heart-shaped leaves, corky bark and zigzag twigs - aren’t trees grand!  Use leaf shapes, bark texture and twig patterns to learn the basic skills for identifying trees.  Assemble a plant press to preserve collected leaves, make a bark rubbing and sketch a tree in your Nature Works! family journal.  Support the Arbor Foundation and take home a native tree sapling to plant and watch grow for years to come. 

 

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