Posted November 8, 2011 by Tonya Kelly
Colorado has always been a great source of pride for me. I am a native of this beautiful state and find its natural environment therapeutic. Despite moving out of state for school or work, I often found myself returning to my home state. I knew I would eventually settle here as I envisioned my future. I had dreams of having a family; taking my children hiking on Mount Evans, exploring the banks of the great Grand Lake and camping in Rocky Mountain National Park. However, five years ago my dreams suffered a set-back when my daughter Marley was born with Down syndrome and developed pulmonary hypertension. As a result, her medical condition prevents us from traveling into the mountains and taking advantage of all Colorado has to offer.
Photo copyright Scott Dressel-Martin
It wasn’t until last year when I discovered the Mordecai Children’s Garden that I realized my dream wasn’t completely gone. In fact, my daughter is now able to discover and learn about Colorado’s native plants and landscape in an innovative way.
In a three acre urban setting, Marley can experience the feeling of being in the middle of large pine trees in Mist’ery Forest and explore life along Pipsqueak Pond. She can even hike the Fourteener Range all the way to Marmot Mountain! Although, we haven’t braved it yet, we are excited to participate in next year’s Cottonwood Campout, giving her the full experience of sleeping under the stars.
In addition to her being able to safely explore the Children’s Garden, staff and volunteers frequently provide activities that allow her to learn at her own pace, while being challenged by the other children playing in the garden.
Read more »
Posted October 13, 2011 by Lisa Davis, Associate Director of Education
Families are invited to pack their flashlights and blankets for Campfire Tales, a special evening in the Mordecai Children’s Garden on Friday October 28, 2011 from 5:30-8:30 p.m.
Families can bundle up around the campfire in Sagebrush Stage as you roast marshmallows, make S’mores and sip apple cider. The family-friendly tales of Jonathan Knox, master storyteller, will fill the air and provide a perfect touch to a fall night. In addition, families can explore the garden under the glow of the stars. Special evening activities include invent your own constellation, create a night critter mask and plant an autumn seed to take home.
Read more »
Posted September 16, 2011 by digger
Families are invited to join us on Friday, September 23 to explore space and discover what it is like to be an astronaut. Our special guest, NASA, will be featuring special space-related activities. From 5:30-8:30 p.m. in Mordecai Children’s Garden, there will be many ways for families to explore, discover and celebrate space.
Posted June 21, 2011 by Lisa Davis, Associate Director of Education
Families are invited to join us for a Cottonwood Campout in the Mordecai Children’s Garden over the Fourth of July weekend. It’s the perfect opportunity for a family to try out camping for the first time or for seasoned campers to escape the crowds in the mountains and leave all of the planning to us. Children of all ages are welcome to attend.
Cottonwood Campouts take all the stress and worry out of camping. You supply the tent, sleeping bags and kids, we supply the fun! We’ll help you get your tent set-up next to Springmelt Stream and then fill the evening with fun activities such as Orienteering and Pond Exploration. We’ll even make granola bars for breakfast the next morning. Prior to turning in for the evening, we’ll gather around the campfire to roast s’mores and maybe even sing a campfire song or two. Tired heads will hit the sleeping bag and fall asleep fast. After waking up to the sounds of birds, breakfast will be served and parents can sip coffee while their children play in the garden. Prior to leaving, everyone will plant something to take home.
Read more »
Posted April 18, 2011 by Lisa Davis, Associate Director of Education
Families are invited to join us on Earth Day, Friday April 22, to celebrate the many miracles of Mother Earth. From 5:30-8:30 p.m. in the Mordecai Children’s Garden, we’ll have many ways for you to explore, discover and celebrate nature. You’ll learn how to make a difference with special activities such as
Read more »
Posted October 18, 2010 by Lisa Davis, Associate Director of Education
Families are invited to join us this Friday, Oct. 22 from 5:30-8:30 p.m. for Full Moon Family Night, a special evening of starlight and story time in the Mordecai Children’s Garden.
Read more »
Posted September 9, 2009 by Gardens Ambassador Volunteer, Visitor Services
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.
Read more »
Posted in: At the Gardens, Education, Mordecai Children's Garden - Comments(4)