Hand washing stations are back
Three children play in the mud at Ithaca Children's Garden
Goodbye to the frost, hello to the warmth! This is a great time to get engaged with the Garden. If you are like any of the brave Playful Nature Explorers, you are going to get a little bit messy. Don’t worry, we have you covered. With some expert support (thanks Explorers!) the water valves have been unearthed and unleashed. Now you don’t have to choose between tasting herbs in the garden and messing in the mud, because hand washing stations are up and running!  
  
So as you meander the Garden - go for it; taste the herbs, touch the worms, dig the mud, and have an adventure! When you're all done, you can have a wash and a snack, and watch things grow.
Join us for a PNE open house on May 21st
Two small children sit by the Rice Paddy Pong together as they watch a toad.
We still have spaces available for our fall Playful Nature Explorers session!

Join educators Kelsey and Jason at the Garden for a Playful Nature Open House. Learn more about the program, ask any questions you might have, and, of course, play.

Friday May 21, 1:30-3:00pm  
Drop in, wear your mask, no need to register! 
Playful Nature Explorers welcomes preschoolers ages 2.5-6, Monday-Thursday mornings. Based at Ithaca Children’s Garden, Playful Nature offers a play-based, emergent curriculum on 3 acres of garden spaces designed specifically to spark children’s adventure and imagination. Take a look at what the Playful Nature experience is all about. 

If you have any questions, please drop us a line at register@ithacachildrensgarden.org
Volunteer Spotlight: Parley Hannan
Photo of Parley, smiling directly at the camera.
"It's almost dreamlike--like you're living in a fairytale world."
We've had the enormous pleasure of having Parley Hannan join our team as a volunteer this year! Our Impact Specialist, Ginger sat down with Parley to learn more about her experience at Ithaca Children's Garden.

How did you come to volunteer at ICG? 

In the summer of 2019, I applied to be a Playworker and got the job. ICG felt like an organization that aligned with my values and I wanted to stay connected with them even after the job was over. I’ve been a volunteer since December 2020. 

Why do you volunteer at ICG? 

I volunteer at ICG because of the people it allows me to connect with—the volunteers and staff. They are some of the warmest, down-to-earth, fun people I know. Working with other volunteers in the Garden or participating in staff meetings, I feel like I’m in the right place with people who are striving for the things I want and want for the world. It’s a very special place. 

If you could tell someone one thing about the Garden, what would it be? 

The first thing that comes to mind is that it’s a place that’s really not like any other. Out of my twenty-five years of life, I’ve never come across a place like ICG. It’s accessible to all; it’s really cool to have a space that’s accommodating to all of all abilities. Whether it’s in the Anarchy Zone or Story Walk or Bulb Labyrinth, you feel so connected to nature and it’s always so fun. It’s almost dreamlike—like you’re living in a fairytale world.
Your financial support makes it happen
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