Education
Summer 2009—Early Childhood
Registration has begun for summer programs at the Garden, Shaw Nature Reserve, the Butterfly House, and EarthWays Center. MBG Members will receive program discounts.
Download a printable registration form.
 Little Sprouts (ages 2–3)
Join us with your child or grandchild to learn about plants and the Garden. Each session includes indoor, hands-on activities, songs, stories, snacks and a walk in the Garden. We will explore a new Garden habitat each week. Children will learn about what plants and animals make native forests, ponds, and prairies so special. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Registered participants only, please.
Registration and payment must be done prior to day of the class. Please call (314)577-9506 with questions.
Wednesday series begins June 3, 2009 full
Thursday series begins June 4, 2009 full
10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Instructor: Jessica Kester
Four week series:
$64 members / $72 non-members
Gotta Grow (ages 4–5) (a Camp MBG class)
Do you know what plants need to grow? Do they need water or sunlight? What will happen if plants don’t have what they need?
Join us as we learn about all of the things that help plants grow. You will enjoy garden-inspired art projects, meet new friends, and
learn how to care for your very own plant.
August 4–6, 2009
10 a.m. to Noon
Instructors: Jessica Kester and Kelly Wehrheim
Download a registration form, view registration information or view FAQs.
Three-day class:
$48 members / $54 non-members
Pitzman Nature Study Program (ages 4–6)
The Pitzman classes offer a delightful way to introduce your child to the wonders of nature under the guidance of experienced
preschool teachers. Pam Wentworth and Jan Erdman of the Lab School in Kirkwood, and Cathy Edmond of the Special School District in Parkway are the experienced teachers for
these programs. The classes have been developed for one adult and one child age 4–6 years old. The child must be 4 years old prior to attendance in a class. Child-centered, hands-on activities are designed to awaken the child’s delight in nature while allowing the adult to support these discoveries. Classes are designed to give you special time with your child or grandchild as she or he explores the natural world.
To ensure the highest quality experience for all participants, each child must be accompanied by an adult, and children under the age limit will not be admitted. Class size is limited to 15 children and their accompanying adults, so only those registered may attend. No younger siblings, please; they tend to detract from your child’s special time with you.
Each class will explore a different area of the Garden and includes time outdoors, classroom discussion, a craft, and a snack. Some
classes also include a story.
Mondays or Tuesdays: Monday and Tuesday classes are repeats.
Saturdays: Morning and afternoon sessions are repeats.
Individual classes:
$16 members / $18 non-members
Hidden Treasures of the Woodland Garden
Saturday, June 13, 10:30 a.m. to noon
OR
Saturday, June 13, 1 to 2:30 p.m. CANCELLED
This cool, dark, shadowy, garden is filled with wonderful surprises. The plants living here have learned how to adapt to this special
habitat. Please join us as we explore this world and then return to the classroom to make your own woodsy world in the shoe box
you bring from home.
Exploring Bridges
Monday, June 15, 10:30 a.m. to noon CANCELLED OR
Tuesday, June 16,
10:30 a.m. to noon
Bridges help us get from here to there and you will be amazed at just how many can be found right here in the MBG. After noticing
how they are made and the many different materials used we will get a chance to build some of our own. Each of you will have at
least one to take home with you.
Wonderful, Wiggly, Worms
Saturday, June 20, 10:30 a.m. to noon
OR
Saturday, June 20, 1 to 2:30 p.m. CANCELLED
Let’s explore the world beneath our feet! Using magnifying glasses, we will discover some wiggly friends and learn about their lives. You will make a worm jar to take home with you. Please bring a clear plastic jar, about quart size, to class with you.
Flowers and Pollination
Monday, June 22, 10:30 a.m. to noon CANCELLED OR
Tuesday, June 23, 10:30 a.m. to noon
Learning how seeds are made will be the topic of the day. The birds, moths, butterflies, and the wind usually help it happen. Today,
you will get to help, as well. After a story and snack you will go home with a flowering treasure of your own.
Angels, Birds, and a Brass Unicorn
Saturday, June 27
10:30 a.m. to noon OR 1 to 2:30 p.m. CANCELLED
These are a small sampling of the sculptures scattered throughout the Garden which enhance our enjoyment of Natures’ treasures.
After enjoying a few we will return to the classroom and create our own unique sculpture as a reminder of our day together.
The Secret Garden
Monday, June 29, 10:30 a.m. to noon OR
Tuesday, June 30, 10:30 a.m. to noon CANCELLED
This tiny treasure tucked away in a corner of the Kemper Center will be our destination. After discovering its secrets we will return
to the classroom, share a story and snack and then repot a plant to take home.
Pondering the Perfect Pond 
Monday, July 6 OR Tuesday, July 7
10:30 a.m. to noon
As you and your child explore this ecosystem you will discover just how many living things share this special environment, both
plants and animals. When we return to the classroom you will make your own mini pond to take home. Please bring a transparent
plastic jar with a lid, something about the size of a large peanut butter jar works well.
Two in One, A Japanese Duo, Koi and Lotus
Saturday, July 11, 10:30 a.m. to noon
OR
Saturday, July 11, 1 to 2:30 p.m. CANCELLED
This class will include two of our favorite topics both of which can be found in the Japanese Garden. The koi which are natures trash
collectors, and the lovely lotus which are often included in stories, myths, and the art work that comes from Japan are the subjects
of today’s class. We will make our own Koi kites to take home as our time together ends.
Painting in the Chinese Garden
Monday, July 13, 10:30 a.m. to noon
OR
Tuesday, July 14,
10:30 a.m. to noon CANCELLED
You and your child will have a chance to express your creative side as you use water colors to capture what your eyes see in this
delightful, ethnic garden. On our return to the classroom you will each be able to matte your art to take home. As always, we will
share a snack and story.
Create a Container Garden
Monday, July 20 OR Tuesday, July 21
10:30 a.m. to noon
After exploring some of the garden spaces planted by the staff here, you will have the opportunity to plan and then plant your own
tiny garden to take home. We will have some unusual containers for you to use.
Roses—Pretty and Prickly
Saturday, July 25,
10:30 a.m. to noon
OR
Saturday, July 25, 1 to 2:30 p.m. CANCELLED
Did you know that roses not only have thorns, and produce some of our most beautiful flowers, but are also important because of
their hips? After visiting one of the rose gardens and exploring the unique qualities of the plants we call roses we will make a
“special rosy” art project for you to take home.
Bugs
Monday, July 27 OR Tuesday July 28
10:30 a.m. to noon
Lady Bugs to be exact, will be the main focus of our discoveries today. We will talk about their importance in a healthy garden and
will take a few home in their very own special ”Bug Jar.” Please bring an empty transparent milk jug to class.
Amazing Fountains
Saturday August 1
10:30 a.m. to noon OR 1 to 2:30 p.m.
Noise, water, and children, what a combination. We will investigate several of the garden fountains and look to see what makes
each one unique and fascinating. Please join us for this wet adventure. Dress appropriately since you just might get wet. For
safety’s sake, shoes must be worn at all times!
Pitzman at Shaw Nature Reserve (ages 4–6)
Classes are designed to give you special time with your child or grandchild as she or he explores the natural world. To ensure the
highest quality experience for all participants, each child must be accompanied by an adult, and children under the age limit will not
be admitted. Space is limited, so only those registered may attend. No younger siblings, please; they tend to detract from your
child’s special time with you.
Classes will include a craft and a snack. Class content is geared toward the preschool level. Price includes one adult and one child
per two-hour session. Please check in at the Shaw Nature Reserve Visitor Center.
Individual classes:
$16 members / $18 non-members
Now You See Me, Now You Don’t
Monday, June 8 CANCELLED
9:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Come join us as we learn about how animals use camouflage so they are not seen. We will try to find some animals that are blending
in with their surroundings.
Teddy Bear Picnic
Wednesday, June 10 CANCELLED
9:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Come learn about bears in Missouri. Bring your favorite bear and share his or her story. Enjoy hands-on activities, and make your
own Teddy Bear picnic lunch.
Creek Stomp
Friday, June 12 CANCELLED
9:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Grab your creek shoes and come and explore Brush Creek with us. We will see what kind of critters we can find living in the creek. If
water level is high we will explore one of our ponds.
 Camp Bugaloo: Nature’s Recycled Alphabet (ages 2–3 & 4–5)
The Butterfly House’s preschool program, Camp Bugaloo, is designed for kids ages 2 to 3 years or 4 to 5 years with a parent or guardian. Each ninety minute, nature-themed program is packed with science, math, plants, insects, and other animals. Each program is presented twice: on Friday and again on Sunday. Call (636)530-0076 if you have questions about Camp Bugaloo.
Location: Butterfly House.
Instructor: Donna Dupske
Date/Time:
ages 2 and 3:
Friday, August 21, 9:30 to 11 a.m. OR Sunday, August 23, 12:30 to 2 p.m.
Friday, August 28, 9:30 to 11 a.m. OR Sunday, August 30, 12:30 to 2 p.m.
ages 4 and 5:
Friday, June 5, 9:30 to 11 a.m. OR Sunday, June 7, 12:30 to 2 p.m.
Friday, June 12, 9:30 to 11 a.m. OR Sunday, June 14, 12:30 to 2 p.m.
Individual class:
$12 member / $15 non-member
Two-class series:
$19 member / $25 non-member
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