Magnolia Gardens expecting 400 school children today
May 6, 2011
CHARLESTON, SC – May 6, 2011 – As part of its participation in the third annual National Public Gardens Day, Magnolia Plantation and Gardens has invited 400 school children to the gardens today for nature and history programs.
In addition to the public and private school students, more than 1,500 garden lovers also are expected to visit Magnolia to celebrate the special day set aside to bring the nation’s attention to public gardens.
The American Public Gardens Association has designated today as National Public Gardens Day to raise awareness of the important role public gardens play in promoting environmental stewardship and plant and water conservation.
The association’s membership includes some of the nation’s most prestigious gardens, such as the Arnold Arboretum at Harvard University and Callaway Gardens at Pine Mountain, Ga. Magnolia, the oldest public garden in the United States, is a member of the association and the only garden in South Carolina participating in the nationwide observance.
Students, teachers and chaperons from James Island Elementary, Charleston Development Academy, Fort Dorchester Elementary School, and Carousel Early Childhood Center, are expected to participate in the four-hour field day, starting at 9:30 a.m.
Activities will include demonstrations with small animals, guided tours that discuss the role African Americans played at Magnolia and a discussion about plants that are native to Lowcountry South Carolina.
To enhance the education program, Magnolia has invited other groups and companies to set up booths during the field day. They are:
• Keepers of the Wild
• S.C. Department of Natural Resources
• Clemson Master Gardeners
• Keeper of the Word
• Lowcountry Environmental Education Program
• The Center for Birds of Prey
• Nature in Motion
• Sights and Insights Tours
• Philip Simmons Artist Blacksmith Guild
• Kidsville newspaper
• First Federal Savings and Loan
• Charles Towne Landing
For more information about National Public Gardens Day, visit www.NationalPublicGardensDay.org.
