The sunshine and warm temperature was fitting for the first-ever Gardening in the Valley event held last Friday, April 22, 2022 (Earth Day) in Ord.
The event was hosted by the Central Community College Ord Center and offered attendees creative and helpful ideas as they plan their vegetable and flower gardens. Area greenhouses created mini greenhouse markets at the event, offering attendees a chance to shop for garden plants, succulents, garden decor, local honey and other products. Educational sessions were also offered to related to foodscaping, succulent care and water conservation for gardens.
With outdoor and environmental experiences being so important for a young child's development, the Loup Valley Childhood Initiative (LVCI) got involved in the event by offering an educational component for those involved in the care and education for young children. LVCI worked with Jack Hilgert, Conservation Education Coordinator with the Nebraska Forest Service, to offer the Trees & Me session (a nature-based curriculum for ages 1-6) a program that is a part of Project Learning Tree (PLT).
Professionals, educators, camp leaders and parents that participated in the Trees & Me session were led through a sample activity that connected shape recognition to the discovery of shapes found in nature. It was discussed that while working with children, this activity would help with sensory skills, color recognition, shape recognition and an overall love and appreciation for nature.
LVCI was honored to be a part of this educational community event. Visit these links to learn more about the Nebraska Forest Service and Project Learning Tree and to find educator tips to help connect young minds with nature.