Eagle-Vail Community Gardens hosts Tots in the Gardens

EAGLE-VAIL — Inspiring residents of all ages to take part in the process of growing their own food locally, the Eagle-Vail Community Gardens is excited to continue, for the third year, its Tots in the Garden program.

Open to all Vail Valley children between the ages of 3 and 7 years, the program is an opportunity for kids and their parents to get their hands dirty, have some fun and learn about where food comes from.

“The kids have a great time not only learning about how food grows, but actually growing it in their own tot garden,” said Christy Beidel, president of Eagle-Vail Community Garden. “We had a great time watching them get so into it and excited about it. I try to introduce science concepts as well as work on number and letter recognition. I’m looking forward to another great summer of connecting our little ones to fresh, healthy food in a fun way.”

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Getting kids involved

Each session runs from 10 to 11:30 a.m. and has a different theme.

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“I’ve designed a lively and age-appropriate blend of structure and free-form to help keep the kids interested and learning,” Beidel said. “Each session starts with reading some fun books related to the theme, then a short activity with a fun garden craft. Then the children tend to the Tot Garden, have a small snack and explore using magnifying glasses.”

The first session

On Tuesday, the first session will have a seeds to sprouts theme, and children will look at different seeds to learn about the plants they come from. During the second session, on June 28, children will release ladybugs as they learn about pollinator pals.

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The sessions take place on Tuesday and June 28; July 12 and July 26; and Aug. 9, and all take place at the Eagle-Vail Community Garden. Parents are required to attend with their kids, a small snack is provided and a donation of $5 per child, to cover the cost of supplies, is requested. For more information or to reserve a spot for your little gardener, please contact Christy Beidel at 970-390-0103.