New program to ‘sprout’ interest in nature

A new program to ‘sprout’ an interest in nature and gardening will start at Councils’ Green Space education garden next month.

Presented through the Green Space Our Place volunteer initiative, Little Sprouts is aimed at kindy-aged children and builds on the highly popular Little Taccas initiative for under 5s.

Under Little Sprouts, kids and their caregivers will spend two hours in the Green Space education garden and surrounding parklands fortnightly learning about the tropical environment through games, craft, story time and getting their hands dirty to grow seeds.

Mayor Bob Manning said Little Sprouts was a great opportunity for kids and caregivers to connect with nature and their community.

“The lush fruit and vegetable plots in the Green Space education garden are perfect for this kind of hands-on activity,” Cr Manning said.

“Kids will have the chance to search for insects and plant seeds, as well as take part in nature-based crafts such as painting and clay pottery.

“I’m sure caregivers will also pick up a growing tip or two while the kids are getting their hands dirty.”

Sessions will include a chance to explore the Nature Play playground and Centenary Lakes precinct.

The program, held in Jess Mitchell Park on Greenslopes Street (opposite Nature Play), Edge Hill, runs fortnightly on Thursdays, from 10am to noon, during the school term.

Kids can be signed up for one or all sessions. Numbers are limited, with registrations opening via Council’s website at 8.30am on Monday (26 September).

Children must have turned 4 by 30 June 2022 to be eligible for the program and be accompanied by a parent or caregiver during the session.

Little Sprouts builds on the award-winning Little Taccas program, which continues on alternate Thursdays in the Cairns Botanic Gardens for children under 5.

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