BLOOMINGTON, Ill. — Join us on this Therapeutic Horticulture journey by attending our Gardening is Healing Conference from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, June 9 at the Community Cancer Center in Normal. The daylong conference provides information on modifying gardening practices to include individuals with diverse needs, youth, and aging individuals. Licensed teachers will receive 5.5 hours of continuing education through ISBE.
The keynote speaker, Barbara Kreski, is Director of Horticulture Therapy Services at Chicago Botanic Garden. Kreski notes, “interest in the many ways contact with the natural world can boost our health, is on the rise.” Her hands-on session will review the history, discuss the current research that supports the therapeutic use of horticulture, and projects future trends.
The afternoon breakout sessions will provide horticulture-based workshops with therapeutic activities. Programs include Blossom Yoga, Digging into Gardening Activities for Children, Sensory Gardening, Making the Garden Accessible, Nature Journaling, and Walking the Labyrinth. The sessions will conclude with a discussion of adaptations or modifications for individual clients of different populations and diverse clinical settings.
The all-day workshop will provide educational resources for attendees with backgrounds in social work, occupational therapy, classroom teachers, activities professionals, and other clinicians, as well as parents of children with special needs, interested gardeners, and more.
The program is presented by University of Illinois Extension McLean County Master Gardeners and the hosts, the Community Cancer Center (407 East Vernon Avenue, Normal, IL). The $40 registration fee covers in-depth instruction, hands-on activities, lunch, and a light breakfast. Register at go.illinois.edu/RegisterLMW, or by calling the McLean County Extension Office at (309) 663-8306.
For additional questions or accommodations, please contact Extension Program Coordinator, Reid Young at the McLean County Extension Office or drop him an email at ryoun@illinois.edu.
University of Illinois Extension provides equal opportunities in programs and employment. If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in this program, please call 309-663-8306.
Click the link for a flyer: 2018 Therapeutic Horticulture Conference Flyer
— University of Illinois Extension
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