‘Nature Fair’ day of fun for kids returns to Leach Garden

INCLUDES HIGHLIGHTS VIDEO | Take a look at the new, and returning attractions at the annual ‘Nature Fair’ that engaged youngsters and parents at Leach Botanical Garden …

In the Pleasant Valley neighborhood, found strolling along the Aerial Tree Walk at Leach Botanical Garden during the Children’s Nature Fair, are visitors Bonnie and Jacob Strawn.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton

An event eagerly looked forward to by the East Portland families aware of it – and providing a new adventure for those who’ve just learned about it – was the Leach Botanical Garden Children’s Nature Fair, held this year on August 2.

The adventures at this event has continued annually to delight youngsters, this year providing learning activities, a gnome scavenger hunt, and nature-based crafts.

In the Upper Meadow, Leach Botanical Garden Program Director Jami Le Baron, along with Volunteer Manager Annie Winn and Executive Director Renee Myers, say they’re pleased that the Nature Fair is running smoothly.

Although she’s already been there for five months, this was our first opportunity to meet Leach Botanical Garden Executive Director Renee Myers in person. “I’ve been an executive director of different organizations for about 20 years, working in conservation and environmental nonprofit organizations for the last 30 years,” she introduced herself.

“Our Children’s Nature Fair is all about bringing families and community members out to celebrate nature in the garden, and nature,” Myers told East Portland News.

Here are video highlights of this year’s Children’s Nature Fair:

“It’s an opportunity for families to have fun doing arts and crafts; and I just held three fantastic ‘story times’ for kids,” Myers continued.

“It’s giving families the opportunity to see what Leach Botanical Gardens is all about,” she said.

While visiting Portland from Yakima, Braylon creates a Hobbit House in the craft tent.

“Part of what we do help kids connect with nature, so they can help understand the world about them,” Myers explained. “From learning all about bees and pollinators – to trees, to you name it – it’s all here, with the opportunity to experience it hands-on!”

Partners in the Fair set up their display tables in the Arbor.

Here providing packets of seeds to visitors is Angela Benitez, with Kindness Farm.

As we wandered through the Fair, in the Upper Meadow and Arbor, and down below at the Manor House, it was clear that all of the staff, and some 25 volunteers, were helping out with the activities to make the day a success.

“This annual ‘Nature Fair is not something that’s limited to only Leach Garden Friends members,” Myers hastened to explain. “It’s for everyone in the entire community that wants to come in and enjoy what we have to offer.

“One of our objectives is to bring in families who’ve never been to the garden before, to experience all that we have here.

“It fascinates me that there are so many people I’ve talked to that live close by, and don’t even know that Leach Botanical Garden is here! So we’re working harder to get the word out,” Myers said. “I’m so glad to see their joy when they ‘discover’ the Garden at our Fair.”

Faries Eleanor “Tatana” Johnson and Caitriona Johnston bring magical charm to the garden during the event.

What’s happening at Leach Botanical Garden this week? Well, visit their official website to find out: CLICK HERE.

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