Jay Burgess
Director of Communications, Scenic Hudson, Inc.
Tel: (845) 473-4440 x222 Cell: (914) 489-0362 Fax: (845) 473-0740
jburgess@scenichudson.org
Fun, free events teach children and families new skills for exploring nature
HUDSON VALLEY—During spring break, Scenic Hudson will offer four days’ worth of fun activities geared to help children and families learn practical skills to enhance their explorations of nature. The free events—taking place from Tuesday, April 11, through Friday, April 14—will transform Scenic Hudson’s River Center in Beacon into a science museum with exhibits and specimens encouraging children and families to look closer at the natural world. There also will be farm- and garden-inspired activities that combine arts and crafts with hands-on learning. Educator-guided programs will be held each day from 3 to 5 p.m.
The programs are geared for children in kindergarten through eighth grade. Participants may attend as many events as they wish. All supplies and refreshments will be provided. Parents are requested to stay with their children.
Tuesday, April 11, 3-5 p.m.—Planting Turtle Sprouts
Plant? Animal? Actually, a turtle sprout is a little of both—and offers a great introduction to growing plants. Decorate a “turtle” whose shell is filled with soil and grass seeds. Take it home, care for it—and watch your turtle sprout.
Wednesday, April 12, 3-5 p.m.—Fancy Flower Pots
Let your artistic skills shine—decorate a pot with paint, stickers, etc., and then bring it back on Friday to plant a seed in it. The combination of your creativity and a living flower will make a nice addition to your front porch.
Thursday, April 13, 3-5 p.m.—Plant Observation Skills
Introduce your children to botany, the science of plant life. They’ll learn the basics of identifying plants and then make drawings to compare their unique characteristics. We’ll also take a nature walk, so participants can try out their new botany skills.
Friday, April 14, 3-5 p.m.—Starting Seeds
Inspire a passion for gardening. After a brief presentation on why eating locally grown food not only is healthier but protects the environment and combats climate change, we’ll provide seeds, pots and soil so you can start growing your own veggies.
Help ensure we have enough supplies, RSVP to Scenic Hudson Education Outreach Assistant Steven Naukam: snaukam@scenichudson.org, 845-473-4440, ext. 265. Additional information and directions are at www.scenichudson.org/events.
About Scenic Hudson
Scenic Hudson works to protect and restore the Hudson River and its majestic landscape as an irreplaceable national treasure and a vital resource for residents and visitors. A crusader for the valley since 1963, we are credited with saving fabled Storm King Mountain from a destructive industrial project and launching the modern grass-roots environmental movement. Today with more than 25,000 ardent supporters, we are the largest environmental group focused on the Hudson River Valley. Our team of experts combines land acquisition, support for agriculture, citizen-based advocacy and sophisticated planning tools to create environmentally healthy communities, champion smart economic growth, open up riverfronts to the public and preserve the valley’s inspiring beauty and natural resources. To date Scenic Hudson has created or enhanced more than 65 parks, preserves and historic sites up and down the Hudson River and conserved nearly 40,000 acres.
