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Wonder Works-and Children-to Plant Organic Garden at Children's Museum
Oak Park, Illinois - May 16, 2007 -- Wonder Works, a Children's Museum in Oak Park, will plant its first organic garden on Saturday, June 2 at 9am at the museum, which is located at 6445 W. North Avenue in Oak Park. All are invited to help with the planting.
Seven Generations Ahead executive director Gary Cuneen will lead the planting. A non-profit organization based in Oak Park, Seven Generations Ahead's mission is to build ecologically sustainable and healthy communities. "Wonder Works' commitment to teaching kids about the environment really blends with our mission. This garden project is a great tool for kids to physically connect with the land and their environment," says Cuneen.
The new garden will complement the museum's Farm to Market experience, which lets kids "plant", "harvest" and "transport" fruits and vegetables in a play environment. "We promote learning through creative exploration, and by planting a real garden, kids will learn while having fun," says Wonder Works board president John Harris.
In addition to promoting creativity, Wonder Works supports the development of healthy children. "We partnered with Seven Generations Ahead to host Earth Day events the past few years, and we applaud their work to help kids learn how to eat better," says Harris. The museum's environmental commitment began with its construction in 2003; the building features low-flush toilets (to save water), low-VOC paints, environmentally friendly carpet tiles and compact fluorescent light bulbs (to save energy).
Families will tend the organic garden during the summer, followed by a harvest in the fall. All ages are invited to participate.
About Wonder Works
Wonder Works, a Children's Museum in Oak Park, provides a hands-on environment intended to strengthen the social, emotional and intellectual development of children up to age 10. The 6,400 square foot museum, located at 6445 West North Avenue in Oak Park, includes exhibits, educational programming, a retail store and a children's party room. The museum is open Wednesday thru Saturday from 10am to 5pm and Sunday noon to 5 pm. Admission is $5 per person and free for members and children under age one. For more information about field trips, birthday parties and after-hours parties call 708.383.4815 or visit www.wonder-works.org.
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