About
RSVP to Schedule Learning Garden Opportunities for Fall Term by Friday October 2nd
Greetings Faculty, Staff, Resource Center Coordinators, and Student Leaders,
Welcome back to another academic year! For those of you who don't know me, my name is Jolie Donohue and I am the Cascade Learning Garden Coordinator. Many of you may be wondering how the learning garden stays relevant during remote operations and classes. I am happy to inform you the cascade learning garden has been maintained throughout the summer term and there are many meaningful ways for your class, staff group, or student group to virtually interact with the learning garden.
During these ongoing unprecedented challenging times nature and nature-based activity is more important than ever! Did you know that time spent in nature can reduce blood pressure, heart rate, and muscle tension? Time spent in nature supports recovery from stress as shown in enhanced parasympathetic activity (Magdalena, M. 2015) Even passive views of nature, say looking out a window, can have positive effects on health and wellness (Ulrich, R. 1984)
Numerous studies have shown contact in nature has positive effects on mood, self-esteem, can help recovery from stress and attention fatigue, and boost creativity (Opezzo, M. 2014) Taking even a short break in nature improves cognitive performance and completion of tasks that require sustained focus. (Berman, M., Jonides, J. and Kaplan, S. 2008)
Garden-based learning can be an excellent way to integrate classroom learning into the real world for your class or group. Whether you teach science, math, health, arts, creative writing, physical education or any subject the learning garden offers an extension for learning. And, we can still collaborate together virtually in our remote world.
Fall 2020 Virtual Opportunities:
- Community Based Learning Activity (Here are some excellent examples from faculty Taryn Oakley)
- Virtual Learning Garden Tour
- Gardening Webinar Customized for Your Class or Group
- Weekly Learning Garden Lunch Bunch