Master Gardeners of Greene County Present “Young Sprouts in the Garden” on May 18

Written by Jeanne Duffey

For the sixth year, Master Gardeners of Greene County will sponsor their signature children’s event, “Young Sprouts in the Garden,” from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. on Saturday, May 18, at Nathanael-Greene Close Memorial Park, 2400 S. Scenic Ave.

The free event, in collaboration with National Kids to Parks Day, will take place rain or shine.

“It’s an exciting time for adults to watch their children and friends’ children have one of the special times of their lives,” said Master Gardener Susie Joplin. “They bond with nature and learn how nature is very important to everyone’s lives. Young Sprouts impacts and makes a difference in a child’s life.”

Dellene Nelson, co-chair of Young Sprouts, says it is the creativity that goes on in the activities that makes the event phenomenal. “The children are completely engaged the whole time learning about plants and nature, wildlife and our environment. It’s fun for kids and parents and everyone involved in hosting this event,” said Nelson.

Activities include archery, geocaching, worm hunting, seed planting, corn-grinding, fossil-digging, bird beak engineering, rope making, botany rubbings and face painting. There will be a variety of crafts like making balloon flowers and hummingbird feeders, a plant zoo and a zipline, hosted this year by All About Trees.

Last year ArborCare of the Ozarks hosted the zipline: “Each child came to the traverse line with a different attitude,” said Sandy Harrel. “Some were thrill seekers and they couldn’t wait to get on the helmet and harness and go. Some were a little nervous and weren’t quite sure whether to do it or not. But all who went had huge smiles on their faces at the end and a story to tell their friends.”

Sponsors of Young Sprouts include Beekeepers Association of the Ozarks, Federated Garden Clubs, Janet Hayworth, Millsap Farm, Schaffitzel’s Flowers & Greenhouse, Southwest Missouri Camera Club, Springfield Conservation Nature Center, Springfield-Greene County Library District, Springfield Urban Agriculture Coalition and Victory Mission.

Master Gardeners of Greene County, in coordination with University of Missouri Extension, is located in the Springfield-Greene County Botanical Center in Nathanael Greene/Close Memorial Park. Master Gardeners provide horticultural information and training to the gardening public based on proven research specific to the local climate, soils and plants. For information, call 417-881-8909 or e-mail at mg.greenecounty@gmail.com.