Explore the Waterfront returns this weekend
A family stands gathered around a table creating herb fairies.
Ithaca Children’s Garden, Discover Cayuga Lake, Paddle-n-More, and Sciencenter have reconnected their creative forces for a second year, to get families outside and on the waterfront. Explore the Waterfront returns with in-person hands-on programs at ICG this Saturday, June 12th, from 10-11:30AM, come make a turtle sprout and bring home a growing Gaia! 

Stay tuned for July's activity on 7/10 at ICG!

Each Saturday through September, you can participate in a free waterfront activity! Check with each of the partner organizations to learn about what they are planning.
Bringing mindfulness to Belle Sherman
Group of students, each wearing protective face masks, and some holding up signs, stand near teachers at Belle Sherman Elementary as they unveil their mindfulness path.
"When Belle Sherman's social worker Alex Scher, and Shannon Frier reached out to ICG to help consult on a Mindfulness Path, designed by this year's fourth graders, we were thrilled to be able to help," shares Erin Marteal, ICG's Executive Director.  

With primary funding from IPEI, the Belle Sherman PTA, and key contributions by key community collaborators, the ideas, words, illustrations, path location and the overall concepts really came from the students themselves. Living and learning through a pandemic has been taxing. Alex, Shannon, and these irrepressible fourth graders from the Treehouse Room saw a way to create something that could be a lasting benefit to their school community.

Developing and installing signage is kind of a much bigger process than many people realize, especially when you are inviting multiple perspectives and a variety of input. We've learned a lot of tips and tricks along the way at ICG, many thanks to ICG's professional designers and interpreters who serve on ICG's Interpretation Committee. It's pretty fun to share our insights and also support the vision of the fourth graders - which is all about equity and inclusion - and sharing ideas with peers for bringing more mindfulness into their day.

Alex and Shannon will be presenting their Mindfulness Path to the Board of Education at tonight's board of education meeting if you want to learn more.

The signs will be getting installed starting today and the installation will be completed by June 21, when the Mindfulness Path is presented to the school community. 
Beverly J. Martin visits the Garden
A teacher and three young students wade in the rice paddy pond looking for tadpoles.
Jessica Custer-Bindel, teacher at Beverly J Martin Elementary School, brought her group of remote students to ICG for some outdoor learning time together. 

In addition to serious wetland exploration in the Rice Paddy Pond, the class spent time playing at the Hands On Nature Anarchy Zone. After studying tadpoles and the frog life cycle in their class online, students were able to see the frog cycle swimming, hopping, and all around the Garden. 

We love seeing teachers and students getting involved, playing and learning together at ICG!
Go, Parley, Go!
Graphic that shows two images of Parley Hannan.
When Parley is not volunteering at the Garden, she's dashing as a track star! Taking first place, shattering her own personal records, and being honored as the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association Athlete of the Week in April. We love to see it. Way to go, Parley!

Does reading about Parley make YOU want to dash to the Garden and volunteer? If so, drop Ginger a note and she’ll get you heading in the right direction.
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