Kids learn about nature during Lanoux Youth Nature Day Camp

The Byhalia Garden Club, in conjunction with Garden Clubs of Mississippi Inc., had a great time hosting the Lanoux Youth Nature Day Camp on Thursday, June 1, at the Byhalia Walking Park with 14 participants. The day started with beautiful skies and a cool breeze.

Marti Markham, chairman of the event, welcomed everyone and spoke about the pollination process, an essential part of plant reproduction.

Buddy Martin, with Zoo Bee Honey, brought an observation hive. He talked about the honeybees and the different responsibilities each bee has. He gave everyone a honey stick to enjoy. Donna Gandy, with Mississippi Soil & Water Conservation from Holly Springs, had the children engage in a wonderful interactive game to learn about the honeybees, their responsibilities and how they make honey. Reba Wright, from Hernando, shared with the group about butterflies. She brought plants that had butterfly eggs on them and even some that had caterpillars. Everyone received a butterfly plant to take home and put in their flower bed.

A scavenger hunt and nature walk followed and kids were asked to gather items to make Nature Banners. After the nature walk the kids refueled with a delicious snack provided by Bank of Holly Springs, in Byhalia. Allison Ashmore, with Garden Clubs of Mississippi Inc., gave out paint, glue and other art supplies to make banners.

The participants had a great time creating and learning about nature.

The event supports the National Garden Clubs Inc.-the president’s theme “Plant America-Play Outdoors, the Deep South Garden Clubs Inc. -the president’s theme “Plant Deep South with a Rainbow of Color” and the Garden Clubs of Mississippi Inc. the presidents’ theme “Garden Clubs Make Things Happen