Upcoming program at Berkshire Botanical Garden
STOCKBRIDGE – Berkshire Botanical Garden presents the following upcoming program: Saturday, Nov. 16, 2 to 4 p.m., “Crafting a Holiday Wreath from Fresh and Dried Botanicles.” This two hour program will combine a classroom introduction with guided hands-on practice using 14″ balsam wreath forms, after which you will take home your own decorated holiday wreath. Chris Ferrero will lead this class, starting with a slide program introducing principles, techniques, and creative ideas. Then participants will be assigned workstations in the same studio used by BBG’s own wreath designers, several of whom will be on hand to help you select materials and practice optimal construction skills. Experience with a hot glue gun is recommended. Completion of this program will prepare you to become a BBG Wreath Designer. Cost $75 members, $90 nonmembers. To register or for more information, visit www.berkshirebotanical.org. Berkshire Botanical Garden is located at 5 West Stockbridge Road.
2025 Smokey Bear and Woodsy Owl Poster contest
SPRINGFIELD – The Garden Club Federation of Massachusetts together with the USDA, Forest Service and National Garden Clubs, Inc., are giving students the opportunity to demonstrate their understanding of wildfire prevention and basic environmental conservation principles through original drawings of Smokey Bear or Woodsy Owl.
Children from first through fifth grade are invited to participate in this annual drawing contest featuring conservation icons Smokey Bear and Woodsy Owl. Individual children can enter but groups, clubs and schools are encouraged to use this as an opportunity to impress upon their members or students the importance of taking a personal role in preventing wildfires or conserving natural resources.
Posters are to be completed by individual students, have correct spelling and all posters must feature Smokey Bear or Woodsy Owl. Smokey Bear posters must include Smokey’s wildfire prevention message: Only You Can Prevent Wildfires! Woodsy Owl posters must include Woodsy’s conservation messages: Give-A-Hoot, Don’t Pollute or Lend a Hand – Care for the Land. Complete rules including size requirements, allowed materials and other important contest rules can be found on the GCFM website at www.gcfm.org/ngc-youth-contests.
Being a member of a garden club is not a requirement, but all contest entrants must be sponsored by a GCFM recognized local garden club. Entries must be submitted to the sponsoring club by Jan. 10, 2025. For more information or to connect with a recognized garden club contact Mary Bandouveres at gcfmyouthcontests@gmail.com.
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