Introducing a forthcoming exhibit Nature’s Workshop! We’ve been in cahoots with our generous sponsor, C&R Design Remodel, as we look forward to breaking ground in January 2020.
Nature’s Workshop is within Phase One of our larger Inventor’s Yard construction project to transform the Museum’s outdoor space. You can learn more about these big-picture plans here.
Nature’s Workshop will be located adjacent to our Sensory Garden and a music exploration path. This area will delight the senses, and visitors are encouraged to pick, touch, and smell the herbs we’ll be growing, while also incorporating these plants into crafts and creations that will take place inside the Nature’s Workshop structure.
“As owners of C&R Remodeling, we were delighted to participate in creating the vision and design for Nature’s Workshop,” share Andrew Lethin and Beth Rhoades. “When we began working on the project, we felt it was important to incorporate design elements from the existing structures at Gilbert House. So, we specified the materials used, the pitch of the roof, and the color scheme to be a part of the overall environment.”
Andrew and Beth (and the C&R team) are supporters of The Inventor’s Yard because they know the value of outdoor play, and the importance of sensory play that supports language development and fine motor skills.
“Opportunities for outdoor play in the winter months can be hard to find – and yet it is so important for children to experience the stimulating environment of fresh air, hands-on activities, and active play,” comments Andrew.
This portion of the outdoor playground will encourage children to use their imaginations as they interact with natural elements: mixing and manipulating plants, bringing elements into narrative play, and making their own observations through their senses. In addition to self-led play, the Museum plans to facilitate seasonal garden creations within Nature’s Workshop for visitors, such as rosemary wreaths, pressed flower bookmarks, scent sachets, etc.
Initiatives to provide increasing nature-based play opportunities at the Museum are supported by current research in child development. Children who interact with nature have been found to gain a greater ability to concentrate, have reduction in stress from life situations, and experience increased motor skill function (Louv, Wells, & Evans*). Children with access to outdoor play and contact with nature also experience lesser rates of physical and emotional illness (Louv).
Stay tuned as we continue to unveil each project initiative within The Inventor’s Yard. We are grateful for the sponsors who continue to make these goals a reality!
“The Gilbert House has long been an organization dear to our hearts, and for two generations our family has enjoyed all that Gilbert House has to offer,” shares Andrew. “It is a very special place, and we feel honored to help continue the legacy of imaginative play for future generations.”
