Green Start

Thanks to a grant from the Staples Foundation for Learning, Nearby Nature will be starting a new program in the spring of 2011! Green Start will feature workshops focused on inspiring parents to spend time outdoors with their young children. Our pilot series of workshops will be co-sponsored by Headstart of Lane County in May 2011. For these workshops, which will be free for Headstart clients, Headstart will provide space, Spanish translation, and childcare. (See our calendar for dates.) Our first series will include the following workshops:

• Sharing Nature Through Song, Dance, and Story -- Babies and young children love to sing and dance, pretend and play. Learn how to share nature with little ones using simple songs, movement, and storytelling.

• Discovering Nature in the Neighborhood -- Spending time outdoors helps babies and young children stay healthy and happy. Learn how to have fun and keep safe as you explore neighborhood natural areas and parks with kids.

• Creating Natural Playspaces at Home -- Nature play offers a wealth of skill building and sensory experiences for little ones. Learn how to bring nature discovery into living spaces of all sizes and shapes.

In the future, we hope to reach out to an even wider audience with our Green Start workshops, so we’ll be looking for additional partners to serve. For more information about scheduling Green Start workshops at your workplace or school, email info@nearbynature.org.