Heartfelt Goodbyes, Warm Welcomes

Lauren and Leigh from Ithaca Children's Garden stroll through the Garden together.

With deep gratitude, we announce the departure of Education Director Lauren Salzman, who has been an integral part of the Garden's growth and a ray of sunshine for both Garden education staff and children over her eight years with ICG.

Lauren has nurtured our community with dedication, compassion, and a joy for learning and nature connection that is nothing short of inspiring. While we will deeply miss her presence, the seeds of kindness and educational roots she has planted will continue to flourish in every child's laugh and each new sprout in the Garden.

Please join us in expressing our profound gratitude and in wishing Lauren the very best on her next adventure at Cornell Botanic Gardens. She will always be a vibrant part of the Ithaca Children's Garden legacy.

In the interim, please welcome Leigh MacDonald-Rizzo. Leigh was the previous Education Director at ICG and is stepping in this winter to support garden educators and programs during staff transitions.

Staff shared this about their experiences with Lauren:

"Dear radiant sunshine person, sharing your love of life: We will miss having your care and kindness around the Garden on the daily. You help things grow and make their beauty shine."

"Your kindness, compassion, and positivity make you such an incredible leader and mentor."

"It has been my absolute joy to witness your growth as ICG's Education Director and to see you spread your wings even further with your next move. I wish you nothing but the absolute best and take comfort in knowing the education team has been able to learn from and alongside you."

From everyone at ICG, farewell Lauren and welcome Leigh!

Lauren and Leigh wander through Ithaca Children's Garden, reminiscing about their shared adventures at ICG.

Leigh sits with a group of kids outdoors on Gaia the Turtle Giantess

From a cool spring day in 2016: Former ICG Education Director Leigh MacDonald-Rizzo sits and chats with children atop Gaia the Turtle Giantess.

Save the Date!

Summer Camp Lottery coming up this February

Get ready for outdoor summer fun!

Summer camp kids built a dam in the sandbox at Ithaca Children's Garden

To keep camps accessible, ICG will be running its Summer Camp Lottery. If you're interested in camp this year, save the lottery dates for February 12 through February 18. The camps are scheduled to begin on July 1st.

ICG staff member Annika joins summer camper in nature photography at ICG

Detailed information on lottery instructions will be available soon. Keep an eye on our website for the latest updates and to access to the lottery form once it goes live February 12th.

Find the Summer Camp page here

Summer Camp page

Add this to your calendar!

Feb 03

Festival of Fire & Ice

Join us for the enchanting Festival of Fire & Ice at Ithaca Children's Garden!

Celebrate the winter season on February 3rd, 2024, from 3 to 6 PM, with a magical blend of fire performances, storytelling, and interactive snow activities. Delight in our hot chocolate cauldron and enjoy educational activities put on by ICG's partners. This family-friendly event promises warmth, wonder, and winter fun for all!

Free

Visit the event page

Ithaca Children's Garden | (607) 319-4203 | 1013 W State St. Ithaca, NY 14850 | www.ithacachildrensgarden.org

Heartfelt Goodbyes, Warm Welcomes

Summer Camp Lottery coming up this February

Get ready for outdoor summer fun!﻿

Add this to your calendar!

Festival of Fire & Ice

Get ready for outdoor summer fun!