Celestial Celebrations Family Fun Night with NASA

Take a Child Outside Week: Sept. 24 – Sept. 30

 

Tomorrow marks the start of Take a Child Outside Week (Sept. 24 – Sept. 30). This is one of the initiatives celebrated by the Children & Nature Network, a movement started by Richard Louv, author of the book Last Child in the Woods: Saving our Children from Nature Deficit Disorder. 

Denver Botanic Gardens was fortunate to play host to Richard last September to help building awareness of the construction of our Mordecai Children’s Garden, which opened last month to rave reviews. Richard’s message is simple: Get outside and play!                                                                        

There are so many important reasons to turn off the TV, the Playstation or the Wii and explore nature, both near and far.  The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recently came out with a report  (AAP report on play)  that said that outdoor play is crucial in helping children in their development — socially, emotionally, and cognitively. It also can help them manage stress and stay healthy, playing an obviously vital role in the fight against obesity. 

Another important reason to get kids involved in nature early in life is to instill a sense of appreciation and stewardship for the great outdoors.  Countless studies have shown that children who hike, climb trees, splash in streams and enjoy the outdoors grow up to be adults who support conservation of the natural world.
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Digger welcomes you to the new Mordecai Children’s Garden

Here I am with a friend at the Children's Garden. Photo by Scott Dressel-Martin.

Last Monday, after several years of planning, the Mordecai Children’s Garden had its grand opening. Over the past week, the new Children’s Garden has been filled with the joyful sounds of imagination and discovery as children and grownups alike are reconnecting with nature. I am one happy marmot, enjoying the company of my many new friends. Melissa Gula, our Children’s Garden Program Coordinator, convinced me that I need to blog to let you know about all of the fun things that are going on at this new Children’s Garden. Come and join me on a journey through this amazing new garden.

The Children’s Garden provides a place for our youngest visitors to put their curiosity to work as they observe plant patterns, pick up and take a close look at pinecones and seed pods, and weave natural materials to create a nest for a bald eagle. A favorite among visitors has been
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Volunteer for the Pumpkin Festival!

Are you looking for something different to do next weekend? We’ve got the answer…

Get outdoors and support the Gardens at the Pumpkin Festival on Saturday and Sunday, October 17th and 18th. It is at Denver Botanic Gardens at Chatfield, just south of C-470 and Wadsworth in Littleton. There are many fun opportunities available
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The Plant Connection

Ambassador Jan here! Without question, one of the greatest gifts that I receive as an Ambassador at Denver Botanic Gardens is the gift of meeting new people and making connections. We, all of us, like this thing whether we know it or not. We like making connections.

Plants are the tao, the way, that the Gardens makes the connection between you and me. They reach right down to our souls, touching us with their beauty.
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