As part of the 2016 Atlanta Science Festival UGA Extension is hosting five program events around metro Atlanta. Won’t you join us?
Which Plant is Which?
Saturday, March 19th 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Atlanta History Center
Did you know that there are more than 250,000 kinds of plants in the world? There are 50,000 tree species alone! And every year scientists discover new plants. How do people tell the differences between them? Every plant has leaves, flowers, bark, and other characteristics that make it unique. Come to this plant classification event to see how it feels to be the scientists! At the end of this activity you will be able to use your new scientific skills to classify plants in your yard. To register contact Ashley Wadley at Fulton County Extension about this free event.
A Bluebird Trail to Population Recovery
Saturday, March 19th 10:00 a.m. – noon Green Meadows Preserve Park
Habitat loss, competition from non-native house sparrows and starlings, and other pressures have led to a decline in Georgia’s population of Eastern Bluebirds. The good news is that people who care enough to re-create favorable conditions in their yards and parks can help turn this decline around! Join Cobb County Master Gardener Jim Bearden, who established the Bluebird Trail at Green Meadows, for a “Walk and Talk” on the Bluebird Trail. The walk is 2.3 miles and Jim will explain the history of the trail’s establishment and purpose, how it is maintained, how the nesting boxes are managed, and how the trail has contributed to the recovery of the Eastern Bluebird population in Cobb County. In the 2015 nesting season, 210 baby bluebirds fledged from the park’s nesting boxes. Come away with the information you need to attract bluebirds to your yard! Contact Amy Whitney at Cobb Extension to register for this free event.
Plant-Based Medical Practices of the Cherokee
Saturday, March 19th 1:30 – 3:00 p.m. Green Meadows Preserve Park
First Nations people were treating illnesses and injuries with plant-based medicines long before Europeans arrived at this part of North America. Cobb County Master Gardener Tony Harris, who is also a member of the Cherokee Nation, will show and tell about traditional uses of plants in Cherokee medicine. Tony created a Cherokee Garden that has been named an official interpretive site on the Trail of Tears National Historic Trail. The garden features more than 100 plants that are culturally significant to the Cherokee. The event will focus on traditional Cherokee medical practices and many of the spring ephemeral plants will be up and bloom at event time. Contact Amy Whitney at Cobb County Extension to register for this free event.
Canning for Kids! Make Your Own Strawberry Jam
Tuesday, March 22nd 4:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. North Fulton Govt. Annex
Learn the science behind food safety and food preservation while preparing your own jam that you can take home! Join us as we teach children – and parents – how easy preserving food can be. The science behind food safety will be emphasized. You don’t want to miss this hands-on experience; it will be JAM-packed with fun! Contact Kristen Sumpter at Fulton County Extension to register. There is a $3.00 fee for supplies.
Family Science Night with Cobb 4-H
Tuesday, March 22nd 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. UGA Cobb County Extension Office
Bring the whole family for a night of hands-on science experiments. Life, physical, and earth science stations will be set-up. This activities will engage the entire family. Contact Kathleen McElroy at Cobb County Extension to register for this free event.