I’m thrilled to launch the Young Naturalists Workshop Series for Indian Trail Parks and Recreation in 2027!

  • Little Bluestems programming is designed for Pre-K kids, 3-6 years old. We meet from 10-11am on Thursdays, beginning January 15th.

  • Eastern Redbuds programming is created for School-aged kids, 6-10 years old. We meet from 11am-12pm on Saturdays, beginning January 20th

About Young Naturalists:

Location:
Our sessions will be held - light rain or shine - at the Medium Picnic Shelter in Crooked Creek Park.

In the case of severe weather (thunderstorm, flooding, winter storm, frigid temperatures, etc.), we’ll cancel the workshop, and you’ll receive a full refund.

Facilitator:

In creating and facilitating Young Naturalists, I draw from my experiences as a university professor, home gardener, herbal medicine maker, and therapeutic horticulturist, AND my studies in permaculture and horticulture design. Learn more about me HERE.

While content for sessions may overlap, and I hope to see participants return again and again to the program, each gathering will be designed as a one-off experience.
Each session will begin with brief introductions of all participants and end with an invitation for everyone to share one observation or question.

What Participants can expect:

  • A warm, welcoming and inclusive environment that foregrounds curiosity, exploration, and connection

  • Outdoor learning - which might mean wearing a coat, rain boots, and/or bug spray

  • Respectful engagement from and with all participants and their attending adults

  • An ethos of interdependence and care for nature’s plants, animals, insects, and fungi

  • Hands-on learning on our own, in pairs, and in groups

  • If you have a child who may need accommodations due to physical or cognitive disability or social anxiety, please reach out! As a parent to neurodiverse children, I’m committed to supporting the learning and enjoyment of ALL children.

Young Naturalists topics and activities may include:

  • Composting at home

  • Environmental history of the NC Piedmont

  • Guerilla gardening

  • Sensory exploration of our plant friends

  • The vital work of pollinators

  • Making leaf art

  • Playing with scale and perspective in nature

  • Life cycles: understanding annuals, biennials, and perennials

  • Celebrating holidays with nature crafts

  • Edible landscaping

  • Native trees & plants of the Southeastern US

  • Working with nature’s patterns

  • Seasonal scavenger hunts

  • Plants as mindfulness teachers

  • Environmental artists and art-making

  • Herbal teas & herb gardens

  • The wonders of plant roots

  • Creating seasonal bouquets

  • Seed-saving for the birds and our gardens

Registration

The cost for each workshop session is $10

You can register through Indian Trail Parks and Recreation HERE.

Questions?
Please reach out to Joanne at: grow [at] invitingabundance.net OR 828.348.4164