The 2015 National Children & Youth Garden Symposium will take place this year in Austin, Texas from July 9 – 11.  Lisa Whittlesey and Alexandra Evans will lead off with an explication of the International Junior Master Gardener Program’s Learn, Grow, Eat, & Go curriculum and research program.  Whitney Cohen, director of the nonprofit LifeLabs, dedicated to garden based learning, will discuss ways that school garden programs are changing the nature of education.  Finally, entomologist Nate Erwin will share insights from his 20-year career as manager of the O. Orkin Insect Zoo and Butterfly Pavilion at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History in Washington, DC, which provides families with the opportunity to interact with arthropods.

Designed for educators, program coordinators, garden designers, youth group leaders, and others interested in connecting kids and plants, the NCYGS schedule also will include tours, educational sessions, and networking opportunities.  For more information visit www.ahs.org/ncygs, or call 703-768-5700, x 121.