Extension Communications
3614 Administrative Services Building
Ames, Iowa 50011-3614
(515) 294-9915
1/21/99
Contacts:
Eldon Everhart, Extension Commercial Horticulture, (712)
755-3104
Treva Blumenshine, Extension Communication Systems, (515)
294-5672
Horticultural Therapy Conference To Be Held
A Horticultural Therapy Conference is set for Feb. 24, at the Botanical Center in Des Moines from 8:30 a.m. until 4:45 p.m. "Interesting and useful information will be presented on a variety of topics," said Eldon Everhart, Extension commercial horticulture field specialist. "Whether you're new to the health care profession or a seasoned professional, there will be something for you."
The objectives of this conference are to reinforce the importance of plants for personal well being, to provide opportunities to network and share ideas with others in the health care profession, and to provide expertise on horticultural programs and activities for special needs populations.
Jean Larson, a consulting horticultural therapist and coordinator of the Horticultural Therapy Programs at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, will be the featured speaker. She will discuss horticulture therapy and creating special gardens for special people. She also will conduct a workshop on sensory gardens, which will include a walking tour through the Des Moines Botanical Center.
A session of "video tours" also will be included. People who attend the conference will have several unique opportunities to "tour" various agencies, programs and projects through "video" programs. One of the video tours will take participants inside the North Central Correctional Facility at Rockwell City to view the Master Gardener program "behind bars" and other therapeutic horticulture programs for the inmates, according to Everhart.
The conference will provide useful information to health care volunteers, to gardeners of all ages and to anyone who provides health care to family members or relatives. Master Gardeners as well as anyone who is interested in horticulture therapy as a career also are encouraged to attend. The conference offers professionals the opportunity to earn .6 CEU's. New employees, experienced staff, supervisors, managers and owners of health care facilities will gain valuable information, according to Everhart.
The registration fee is $50 (before Feb. 1) and includes lunch, refreshment breaks, handouts and admission to the Des Moines Botanical Center. Space is limited, so preregistration is recommended. For more information about the Horticultural Therapy Conference, contact Linda Naeve at (515) 292-7778, Eldon Everhart, Extension commercial horticulture field specialist, at (712) 755-3104 or the local ISU Extension county office.
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Extension programs are available to all without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, or disability.