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Welcoming New ICG Board Members
Jenna Hallas
PJ Moran
Sarah Fiorello
Ithaca Children’s Garden is thrilled to officially welcome three new Board members: Jenna Hallas, PJ Moran, and Sarah Fiorello. These new members are long-time friends, partners, and supporters of ICG with backgrounds in education and interpretation. Their unique perspectives and skills have already brought renewed life and nourishment to the Garden. Each of the new members has worked and partnered with ICG for several years, supporting the site and education programs. Let's meet them together!

Jenna: As a teacher at Beverly J. Martin Elementary School, Jenna uses her passion to expose children to nature by incorporating outdoor activities, such as hikes and walks, into class. Jenna also enjoys cycling and often rides her bike to the Garden. As a Board member and Chair of the Education Committee, she is excited to support the Garden’s mission and help more kids in the community access its fantastic resources.

PJ: Currently the leader of the Kindergarten and First Grade programs at Greater Ithaca Activities Center, PJ's collaborations and outings are often at or with the Ithaca Children’s Garden. As a member of ICG's Board of Directors and Education Committee, he is excited to contribute to the growth and development of the Garden for the community's children.

Sarah: Having seen Ithaca Children's Garden's growth along with her children, Sarah is delighted to serve on its board and chair the Interpretation Committee.

The new members joined the Board of Directors this spring and have already impacted ICG's continued growth. Welcome Jenna, PJ, and Sarah!
Fresh & Local: Fridays Farmstand with the Maples
Open Fridays, 10 AM to 2 PM
The Maples Farmstand is open to the public for shopping every Friday from 10 AM to 2 PM. Treat yourself to freshly baked cookies and bread (with vegan options!), refreshing lemonade, and unique handcrafted items like tie-dyed bandannas and washcloths, candles, and herb bundles. And guess what? With every purchase, you'll receive a free ICG sticker to spice up your bike, car, water bottle, or anywhere you like to add shine.
The Friday Farmstand at Ithaca Children's Garden has become a weekly source of excitement and anticipation for the Maples campers (ages 10-12). Kenley, ICG's Youth Program Educator and the Maples camp leader, understands the value of giving them free rein, allowing the Maples to explore their entrepreneurial spirit and learn essential skills in business management. While few restrictions exist, the campers revel in this newfound freedom and use it to explore their interests. All the campers find their place and actively take on roles, from decorating the board and writing the menu to becoming advertising maestros; the Maples collaborate and collectively contribute to running the Farmstand. 

A few of the Maples had this to say about their experience interacting with customers and younger campers...read more.
What's Growing in the Garden?
In summer, the Garden comes alive: Popping colors and verdant greens, busily buzzing bees, and birds twittering in the treetops. Some of these sights persist year-round; others come only once a year. 

We asked Jason McClevish, ICG's dedicated Playful Nature Explorers teacher and Facilities Manager, about what's growing in the Garden. We hope you enjoy Jason's homage to the Garden's vibrancy and the energy, curiosity, and excitement of the folks who make it so:

When I think of the life that ICG supports, I feel humbled and deeply appreciative of its willingness to hold so much.

With linear mechanical time blasting by at a breakneck pace, we at the Garden relish in the special moments that pile up into the treasures of a day . . . read more.
At-Home Activity
Even though summer is primarily a time to play outside, some days lend themselves to indoor activities (thunderstorms, AQI alerts, etc.). However, there are plenty of ways to simulate outdoor fun indoors. Here's a way to extend Mud Day's thrilling sensory exploration inside! Find the activity here.
Did you try this activity at home? We would love to hear from you! Tag ICG in your social media posts or email your photos to communications@ithacachildrensgarden.org.
Announcing Air Quality Protocol
In early Summer, ICG canceled several Summer Camp days due to poor air quality (150+ AQI), causing understandable difficulties for families and staff. We deeply value children's access to outdoor nature experiences and, with safety in mind, have been developing an Air Quality Protocol to address this issue.

With this new protocol in place, we hope to streamline expectations, ensuring that all children in our care can have enjoyable and enriching nature connections, even during days with poor Air Quality Index (AQI) conditions. Families will gain a clear understanding of the measures in place when air quality levels exceed set thresholds. ICG is working closely with Tompkins County Whole Health and other professionals to develop this protocol, which prioritizes the health and well-being of children in our care. 

We sincerely appreciate your patience as we finalize this protocol. Once completed, we will promptly communicate it to families and share it online. 
Interested in learning more about The Hive?
Join us for The Hive Pizza Picnic on July 28
pizza on the grill
If you are interested in learning more about The Hive - ICG's monthly giving program for sweet impact - we hope you will join us for a chance to meet other Hive bees, tour Yurtle (ICG's new yurt), and enjoy a guided walkabout at the Garden with ICG Executive Director Candice Meade.

You'll get a behind-the-scenes listen of some current highlights, challenges ICG has overcome, and opportunities for growth. And most importantly, a simple dinner of pizza on the grill and garden salad will be provided for your nourishment and enjoyment. Your whole family is invited.

Know someone who loves teaching in nature? ICG wants to meet them! We're expanding the education team and seeking a
Youth Program Educator.
Inspired by ICG's work?
Ithaca Children's Garden relies on individual support to operate. Every donor, every dollar makes a difference for getting more children outdoors in nature. If you are inspired by ICG's work, consider making a monthly gift of $6 or more to keep the Garden buzzing! Your support is meaningful and appreciated.