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.
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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.
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Posted January 24, 2011 by Panayoti Kelaidis, Senior Curator & Director of Outreach
Calamagrostis brachytricha (Korean feather reed grass)
There are many peccadilloes that annoy sensitive horticulturists:
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Posted January 10, 2011 by Lisa Davis, Associate Director of Education
Seedlings classes offer our youngest visitors (ages 18 months to six years) and their caregiver the opportunity to discover plants and nature. Each week this class explores a new theme with interactive explorations, nature walks and stories. This is the perfect chance to introduce your young child (or grandchild) to the wonders of the natural world. Seedlings is offered for three different age groups and is modified to fit the developmental needs of each group.
- 18-24 months, Tuesdays 9:30-10:15 a.m. or 10:45-11:30 a.m. - Stimulate the senses through hands-on experiences with nature.
- 24-36 months, Thursdays 9:30-10:15 a.m. or 10:45-11:30 a.m. - Experience nature through art, movement, songs, stories and the senses.
- 3-6 years, Wednesdays 9:30-10:30 a.m. or 11:00-12:00 a.m. - Dig deeper into the subject with fun activities and projects to take home.
Our winter class schedule is as follows:
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Posted September 23, 2010 by Former Employees
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- 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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Posted October 20, 2009 by Josie Hart Genter, Children's Program Coordinator
This is a time where kids from ages 3-5 can get together, have fun and explore the wonders of nature. Their parents also have fun with one another and find camaraderie in the fact that their children are learning not only to appreciate nature, but also how to interact with nature and preserve its beauty.
I have been teaching this class for over a year and still am amazed that, despite different ages or developmental phases, children always have something in common: they are fascinated by what we find during our explorations of nature!
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Posted October 16, 2009 by Panayoti Kelaidis, Senior Curator & Director of Outreach
Vine Maple (Acer circinatum) in Colorado Springs
Aha! Got your attention!…Of course, that’s not flames but fiery fall
color you’re looking at. If someone had told me there was a mature vine maple blazing like that in Colorado Springs, I’d tell them “Phooey!
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Posted August 27, 2009 by Anna Sher, Adjunct Research & Conservation Researcher
The mushroom discovered that may be a new species
Gary A. Monroe @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
Denver Botanic Gardens staff were among the thirty-six scientists who donated their time in the first Soapstone Prairie Natural Area Bioblitz, surveying all species in a 24-hour period. Ten scientist teams inventoried insects, mammals, fungi, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and of course plants.
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Posted in: At the Gardens, Education, Mordecai Children's Garden - Comments(4)