Berks County

What kid doesn’t like to dig in the dirt? And what parent doesn’t want their child to learn more about nature?

The Berks County Parks and Recreation Department will provide a fabulous solution to these questions.

Environmental Educator Jennifer Brooks has developed “Seeds to Sprouts: Adventures in Organic Gardening,” a multi-week program specially designed for children ages 5 to 9 and staged at the Angora Fruit Farm at Antietam Lake Park, Lower Alsace Township.

Brooks will get down to the basics by introducing simple organic gardening practices to kids while encouraging their curiosity about the outdoors.

The program is set for the third Saturday of each month (March to August) 10-11:30 a.m.

There is a cost per registered child and pre-registration is required.

·March 19: “Grow as We Go”: Children are given a brief introduction to gardening and its benefits while assisting staff with preparing their garden beds for spring.

·April 16: “Oh, Say, Can You Seed?”: A program that explores what

a seed is and how it grows into a plant. Children will plant seeds in containers, as well as directly sow them into garden plots.

·May 21: “I Dig Dirt”: Kids of all ages love to play in it, but what exactly is soil? Participants will get outside and get those hands dirty while digging for critters in the garden, making observations, and turning those soil discoveries into artwork.

·June 18: “Worms at Work”: Worms play an important role in the garden from loosening the soil to breaking down plant material. Children will make a mini composting container to take home.

·July 16: “Bugs and Beasties”: Participants will work in teams to collect and identify garden insects and determine which insects are harmful to plants and which help the garden. One of the fruit farm’s special “pollinators” will pay a visit.

·Aug. 20: “Harvest Salad-bration”: Participants will gather their fresh produce and taste the fruits of their labor in this fun-filled harvest celebration. The children will prepare a bountiful salad feast for their families.

For more information and registration, contact Jennifer Brooks at 484-509-2667, ext. 3 or at jbrooks@countyofberks.com.