We have presentations specifically developed for our senior learners called "For the Young at Heart." The presentations are designed for participants at senior centers, adult day care centers, and assisted living facilities.
From the list provided below, you can select a topic appropriate for your group. Due to the number of requests, we ask you to electronically submit your request via the Speakers Bureau Request Form- Senior Programs at least 30-45 days prior to your event. Each request will be reviewed in the order of the date received. For our more active senior learners, we have a variety of presentations on our Adult Speakers Bureau page. Currently, senior programs are offered at no cost. However, donations are always accepted.
For the Young at Heart: Seasons
Summer
In this heartwarming summer program, seniors will cherish the vibrant beauty of the season through a creative activity by making suncatchers adorned with flowers that spark fond memories. Vintage poems and songs will be recited and sung about the flowers brought for the suncatchers. 40 minutes, hands-on, in-person
Autumn
Senior citizens will enjoy this delightful presentation that celebrates the beauty and importance of autumn! Learn how keystone plants like goldenrods, asters, and sunflowers support our local ecosystems while enjoying hands-on activities such as creating unique Jack-o-Lanterns and crafting posies to brighten your space. From sharing memories of fall traditions to bringing nature’s colors indoors, this presentation will immerse you in the rich sights, scents, and stories of the season. 40 minutes, hands-on, in-person
Winter
Coming soon!
For the Young at Heart: Accessible Gardens
The Amazing Monarch Butterfly
Senior citizens will be shown the Monarch butterfly's egg, caterpillar, chrysalis, and adult butterfly stages. The presenter will bring puppet props, live caterpillars/ chrysalids/ and adult butterflies to show the participants. If available, a chrysalis can be left for residents to observe the emerging butterfly. The presenter, if possible, will bring in a milkweed plant (and pollinator-friendly flowering plant) to plant in the facility's containers or garden bed to attract monarch butterflies. The presenter will provide soil and plants. 40 minutes, hands-on, in-person
Vegetable Container Gardening
Participants will observe how to plant tomatoes, herbs, and even milkweed plants in containers. Companion planting will be reviewed. The participants' place of residence will be provided with potted plants to allow them to reap the vegetables, herbs, and flowers that are planted that day. Pots for the plants can be provided by the place of residence or donated by the presenter. The presenter will provide soil and plants. 40 minutes, hands-on, in-person
