News & Updates:
- Annual Report
- It’s Time To Raise the Roof!
- New Research finds being in nature improves a child’s ability to learn
Events & Programs:
- Summer Camps Continue!
- Full Moon Sunset Yoga & Sound Bath
- Music To My Ears
- Now Planning Fall/Winter Programs
Spotlight :
- 15 Common Backyard Birds to Know
- Earthtober Plastics Solutions – 2nd Community Event
- You’ve never seen LEGOs like this before! Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens
- Carilion Clinic Community Health and Outreach
- Resources
==== News & Updates ====
Annual Report 2019
Entering our 20thyear, Boxerwood’s environmental education programs and stewardship continue to carry forward the legacy of wonder and delight rooted in the horticultural passions of Dr. Munger.
By Catrien van Assendelft , Executive Director
July 1st marked the start of a new fiscal year for us. Our members and donors should receive the Boxerwood Annual Report in the mail this month to highlight our accomplishments of the year – all those things we could not do without community support! The Annual Report will tell you about the “Voices of Boxerwood” – In this small but eloquent woodland children learn, hearts heal, our souls revive, and the legacy of delighting in nature continues…
Keep an eye on our website and social media pages for an electronic version of our annual report once it is distributed to members and donors.
Raising the Roof at Boxerwood!
Thanks to the support of our donors and members, repairs will soon begin!
We anticipate that the long-awaited and much needed repairs to the Lodge roof will begin in late summer! The vagaries of weather and availability of our contractors make it difficult to predict the exact days of work, but be prepared – when you are visiting Boxerwood in the coming weeks, you may encounter a construction zone at the Lodge. Soon, we can “raise the roof” in celebration for the new roof!
New Research Shows Being In Nature Improves A Child’s Ability To Learn
Surprising Benefits of Teaching a Class Outside
Classes in nature help kids be more attentive and focused once they return indoors.
by Jill Suttie (May 14, 2018)
Add as much instructional time as you want and keep adding, but once that cup is full, it’s full. You have to find ways to give kids more capacity to take things in, and being in nature seems to increase that capacity.
The study looked at what happens after an outdoor lesson—the carryover effects. Findings show that learning outdoors is not just a fun, novel experience for kids, but it also helps them focus once they return to the classroom. Results show that when the students receive outdoor lessons, they were significantly more engaged in their next instructional period on all measures than if they’d received all lessons indoors. This held true for different teachers, different times of day, and different times of year. Being in nature seems to increase the capacity to learn. Kids need nature , maybe more than we think. Click here to read the full article.
Six Ways Nature Helps Children Learn
Spending time in nature helps kids do better in school, in a number of surprising ways.
By Ming Kuo, Ph.D., Univ. of Illinois (June 7, 2019)
Research shows that nature is not just good for kids’ health; it also improves their ability to learn. Even small doses of nature can have profound benefits. Kids are more engaged in learning not only during outdoor classes but also upon returning to their classroom afterward—even if the subject they return to is not nature-related.
Click here to read the full article.
== Events & Programs ==
What programs would you like to see? We value your input! Do you have a talent or interest you would like to share? Email info@boxerwood.org.
Summer Camps Continue
Our 2019 summer camps have been full of active children and lots of fun, adventure, and learning!
Boxerwood’s summer camps have become more and more popular each year. The children experience an active learning environment. . . and enjoy every minute!
Wild Side Arts Camp
Less Plastic – Reduce Waste
This year’s arts camp focused on ways to use less plastic and reduce waste. Campers made trash jellyfish and sea turtles out of recycled materials for the Community Festival booth to encourage folks to use less plastic and reduce waste.
Full Moon Sunset Yoga & Sound Bath
Hosted by Metta Vibrations
Tuesday, July 16, 2019, 7pm, $20
Another amazing Sound Bath event will take place at Boxerwood as we gather for the Full Moon. Join us just before sunset as we will begin with a brief Hatha Yoga set led by Joan Vannordsall.
The ceremony will conclude with about an hour of Sound Bath. On this day the Sun sets at 8:25 pm and the Moon rise begins at 8:29. The stage is set for a beautiful experience while we appreciate the dance between Earth, Sun and Moon.
Learn more and pre-register
*This event is sponsored by Metta Vibrations. A portion of proceeds from this event will be donated to Boxerwood.
Music in the Garden
July & August Updated Schedule – now five Great Performances !
The 2019 season of Music in the Garden is experiencing a fantastic group of performers!
Schedule changes:
Joanna Bening & The Stolen Moments: rescheduled for July 26.
(Zizzy D’s BBQ food truck available)
Those Guys have moved to September 13
( Zizzy D’s BBQ food truck available)
Huge thank you to our sponsors who help make this family-friendly event: Azurat Studio , BARC Connects , Computer Doctor , CornerStone Bank , Devils Backbone Brewing Company , Just Games Lexington , Kendal at Lexington , Pronto Caffé & Gelateria , Southern Inn Restaurant , & Walkabout Outfitter.
Now Planning Fall Walk & Talk and School Programs
Fall Walk & Talk Series
Boxerwood staff are planning for our Fall 2019 Walk & Talk Series with the theme: “Living Lightly: Sustainability in our Homes/Gardens.” Have ideas or recommendations for potential speakers? Want to be a speaker?
Email info@boxerwood.org.
What additional programs would you like to see… or offer?
Send in your ideas and suggestions. If there are high-interest topics, we will try to accommodate your requests! Contact: catrien@boxerwood.org
==== Spotlight ====
Spotlight focuses on items of interest to you.Send in suggestions and let us know what you want to see here!
15 CommonBackyard Birds to Know
People love watching birds – how many can you find at Boxerwood?
By Jill Staake
Article courtesy of Birds and Blooms
There are 41 million backyard birders in the United States. Learn about the most common backyard birds you’re likely to spot with tips on identifying and attracting them. Welcome to the world of birding.
Click here for the full article.
Join a brainstorming session to plan a month-long event focused on eliminating the use of plastic straws, single-use plastic bottles and plastic shopping bags.
RSVP and send questions to shenandoahgreen@gmail.com or g_kuahiwinani@yahoo.com
Preserving our environment
How do you decrease your use of plastics? What steps do you take to decrease your carbon footprint?
Click here for some easy ways to reduce your plastic waste.
Do you have information to share? Email info@boxerwood.org
Every 1st & 3rd Monday
Carilion Clinic Community Health and Outreach, and Live Healthy Rockbridge Kids.
Fun nature walks on the Chessie Trail and the River Walk in Buena Vista. Info call Holly Ostby 540-458-3595
Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens, Richmond, VA
NATURE CONNECTS®: ART WITH LEGO® BRICKS
Through September 22, 2019
Award winning exhibit of LEGO brick sculptures: – butterfly, insects, flowers, hummingbird, and more!
Learn more
FREE ADMISSION with your Boxerwood member card!
Become a member today!
America the Beautiful Passes
An affordable and convenient way to visit
The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass Program
Learn more
Parents of 4th Graders
The Department of the Interior has a program called Every Kid In A Park that allows fourth graders and their families to visit national parks for free.
Click for more info
