New programs encourage kids to connect with nature

Just as seeds require early planting and tender care and guidance, a love and knowledge of growing begins in childhood. With that in mind, Chalet has launched a new interactive program focused on connecting children and nature, called Chalet Sprouts.

Chalet Sprouts classes are being held monthly at Chalet, 3132 Lake Avenue in Wilmette. This program is designed for children ages 5 to 12 and will be taught by one of Chalet’s horticulture experts with an early childhood education experience. The format is both educational and interactive, with a hands-on craft and activity, story time, and a discovery walk throughout Chalet’s retail space, including outdoor gardens, greenhouse and other areas.

The spring/summer Chalet Sprouts schedule is as follows:

• “Earth Day Every Day”, Saturday, April 20, 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. Just in time for Earth Day, celebrate Earth and learn the important role that trees and plants play in the natural balance of things. Children can see, touch and smell a variety of plants in the nursery, listen to a story about the earth, decorate and plant their own “grass greenhouse” and take home a packet of seeds to add to their home gardens and containers.
• “For My Special Mom”, Mother’s Day weekend activity, Saturday, May 11, 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. Create a thoughtful handmade Mother’s Day gift using natural petals and flowers pressed into clay and decorated with ribbon. Learn about shapes, patterns and colors in nature, listen to a story about spring blooms and walk Chalet’s colorful, fragrant nursery to find the flowers used in the craft.
• “Digging with Dad”, Father’s Day weekend activity, Saturday, June 15, 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. As kids grow up, they can also learn how plants grow! This Father’s Day weekend program includes a lesson in starting seeds and growing vegetables, with a roll-up-your-sleeves project on planting a mini greenhouse using recycled materials to grow beans, squash and corn from seed. Listen to a story and check out veggie plants in Chalet’s edibles garden.
• “Summer Sun”, Saturday, July 13, 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. It’s the peak of summer, and no better time to celebrate the season with outside activities in Chalet’s gardens! Kids can learn about how plants use sunlight to grow and thrive, make a suncatcher, play a game of “I-spy” in the nursery and listen to a story about the sun and moon.
• “The Buzz on Pollinators”, Saturday, August 17, 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. Discover why and how pollinators are so important in the growth of plants and in the world’s food chain. Youngsters will learn how they can support these important creatures and get started by making their own butterfly feeder to take home. Stay for story time and a stroll around the nursery to find some pollinators in action!

Each Chalet Sprouts class is $10 per child. Adults are welcome to stay for no additional charge. To register – and receive a 15%-off coupon to use at Chalet that day – visit https://chaletnursery.com/collections/chalet-sprouts.

The Chalet Sprouts program will continue when the seasons change, with classes in fall and during the holidays. For more information, please visit Chalet online at www.ChaletNursery.com, call 847-256-0561 or email Hello@ChaletNursery.com.