Youngsters to Get Up Close and Personal With Nature at “Festival of Children”

Fullerton Arboretum Will Offer Interactive Displays of Plants, Critters and Various “Smelly” Stuff

September 27, 2007

By Gail Matsunaga

Fuzzy leaves, funny-looking flowers and “smelly” plants are just a few of nature’s wonders that will engage kids’ senses during the sixth annual Festival of Children Sept. 29 and 30, from 1-4 p.m. at South Coast Plaza.

Presented by the Fullerton Arboretum as part of Cal State Fullerton’s 50th anniversary celebration, the hands-on activities, geared toward children ages three to ten years, aim to foster and promote environmental educational pursuits.

Led by arboretum staff members and volunteers, activity stations will include microscopes to explore pond life; “weird” plants and flowers that feature nontraditional surfaces and shapes; “smelling” bowls with various plant and leaf materials; leaf rubbing using crayons and special paper; and a table top exhibit with live bugs.

In addition, up to 250 Fullerton Arboretum Detective Kits — valued at $10 — will be offered each day. Children can pick up a coupon that can be redeemed at the arboretum for a kit — a package of “experiments” that kids can conduct on the grounds of the Fullerton Arboretum using a magnifying glass, thermometer, sun print kit, spray bottle, evidence bag and more.

“The activities that we will provide this weekend are snippets of programs we offer at the Fullerton Arboretum,” says Greg Dyment, director of the Fullerton Arboretum. “More importantly, however, is that these activities reflect the arboretum’s commitment to the natural world and stewarding the environment. We hope that when children participate in these activities they will take that message away and embrace it.”

Founded by Titan alumna Sandy Segerstrom Daniels (B.A. communications ’87), the monthlong Festival of Children showcases more than 60 children’s charities for support, services and volunteer opportunities. It offers children and families free access to arts, culture and educational experiences through more than 100 activities, workshops and performances.