Updates from the garden

School is back in session, and we are in full swing with our horticultural therapy programs! Tenth grade students in our BOOST (Bullington Onsite Occupational Skills Training) program have been hard at work installing new garden beds and mulching the nature trail. Our stellar horticultural therapy volunteers have been leading the Life Skills class for students with disabilities, focusing on areas such as positive social interactions and increased motor skills. Students in that program have participated in activities on-site, creating scarecrows to display and working in the ADA accessible garden beds. Erica and Rosie have been leading weekly group sessions with two behavioral health facilities in the area, focusing on how plants can help people in recovery.

We have had several groups out for educational experiences, including guided programs for homeschool groups. A high school art class has come out to practice drawing fall landscapes, and Rosie has been working with a Rugby middle school Exceptional Children teacher to get her school garden prepared for winter.