• By Leslie Peck
• Posted Friday, April 7, 2017

Forsyth County Third Graders Learn About Plants at Tanglewood Arboretum

Forsyth County Cooperative Extension, in partnership with the Extension Master Gardener Volunteers (EMGVs), completed a four-day youth education program at the Arboretum at Tanglewood Park. Third grade classes from four public elementary schools in Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools enjoyed a series of lessons taught outdoors in the Arboretum. EMGVs and Extension staff used experiential learning techniques to share information about vermicomposting, plant parts, soils, herbs, and carnivorous plants. The program, which was last offered in 2014, served 456 students. Over 30 volunteers contributed to this successful program.

Fifteen EMGVs, many of whom are former educators, conducted the lessons. Leslie Peck, Extension Horticulture Agent and the Director of the Arboretum, worked with the EMGVs to design lessons that would engage students in hands-on learning activities, while adhering to the Essential Standards for science in the third grade curriculum.

The program would not have come to fruition without the many volunteers who contributed their time, energy, and talent to the program. As teachers, group leaders, and assistants, the volunteers contributed over 250 hours to the program. Teachers, students, and staff all appreciated their efforts to provide excellent educational programming to Forsyth County Youth.