FLOWERS AND GARDENS BLOOM FROM SPECIAL HANDS
Extension Education
Kellie Chichester
EXTENSION EDUCATOR
UNIVERSITY OF WYOMING EXTENSION
Lusk
Abstract
\r\n Wyoming is blessed with a beautiful landscape, wide open spaces and friendly people. However, the long Wyoming winters and harsh climate can prove challenging for individuals with limited mobility and resources. The sparse population of the state makes services to the disadvantaged difficult to come by. Ark Regional Services is one of the few agencies which serve to enrich the lives of Wyoming’s special needs residents. The University of Wyoming Cooperative Extension educator works in conjunction with the local Albany County Master Gardeners to facilitate a horticulture therapy program with the disabled residents of the community. Ark clients start seeds in the spring and eagerly await the snow melt and warmer temperatures to move plants outside. The Ark clients select the vegetable and flower seeds and plant them in their raised-bed gardens. The vegetables are harvested and prepared using recipes that are new to them and offer healthy alternatives. The flowers are cut and enjoyed indoors. The collaboration has allowed the clients to have ownership in their gardens and beautify the grounds too. In addition, the Ark clients feel like they are making a large contribution by growing the food they are consuming.
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Poster has NOT been presented at any previous NACAA AM/PIC
This poster is being submitted for judging. It will be displayed at the AM/PIC if not selected as a State winner. The abstract will be published in the proceedings.
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Authors: K.A. Chichester, S. Dunnebecke, A.B. Jenkins
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Chichester, K. Extension Educator, University of Wyoming, Wyoming, 82070
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Dunnebecke, S. Ark Regional Services, , Wyoming, 82072
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Jenkins, A. Master Gardener, University of Wyoming Albany County, Wyoming, 82070