YDL-Whittaker has hosted a few amazing outside organizations for some of its programming this summer! Two of these organizations are featured below. See what’s happening each week on the events calendar!
Ecology Lessons with Matthaei Botanical Gardens:
On Friday, June 30, the staff from the Matthaei Botanical Gardens at the University of Michigan came in with a lesson plan for food webs at the Whittaker location. Inside, families got the chance to look at interactive biome maps and specialty plants. After that, kids were able to see plants in the forest and the three library gardens (vegetable, pollinator, and rain). At the end, kids got the chance to partake in a food chain scavenger hunt for both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Around 30-35 kids attended this event. Matthaei Botanical Gardens is located East of US-23 off of Dixboro Road and has events year-round. Feel free to visit their website to learn more!
Kim, from Matthei, leading a discussion about food webs in ecosystems.
Elizabeth, from Matthaei, showing plants to kids during the garden walk.
Pollinators with the Interns and Insect Netting with Washtenaw County Parks:
YDL-Whittaker also hosted an insect netting activity with the Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation Department, along with a pollinator learning and craft activity. For one part of the activity, families got to see an insect netting demonstration. Participants also learned how to identify insects using Seek by iNaturalist. For the other part of the activity, kids got to learn about the types and purpose of pollinators, along with their mutualistic relationship with plants. Then, participants were able to create their own flower or butterfly using the given instructions and craft supplies. While waiting for the art designs to dry, kids were also able to complete a scavenger hunt and fill-in-the-blank word activity.
It was a warm, humid day and the event finished just in time before the rain. Around 35-40 kids were in attendance! To learn more about the Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation Department, click the button below. Feel free to check out how to use Seek by iNaturalist as well.
Shawn and Bob, from the Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation Department, with program participants during the insect netting event.
Pollinator craft activity!