By: U.S. Army Garrison Bavaria, Directorate of Public Works, Environmental Division
GRAFENWOEHR, Germany – You may head to the library to find a book, but did you know it can also be a great place to learn about the environment?
The Family and MWR libraries at Rose and Tower Barracks have partnered up with the Directorate of Public Works, Environmental Division to provide fun and educational programs focused on environmental topics.
“Our goal is to provide recurring educational programs to our Army community members, about native vegetation and wildlife, as well as local seasonal events.” said Jamie Zadar, the Rose and Tower Barracks library’s Public Services Librarian.
The next activity will take place March 14 and 15 at the Rose and Tower Barracks libraries and the topic is Seasons and the Signs of Spring. Participants will have an opportunity to make a mask and learn about some of the unique signs of spring here in Germany. They will also deep dive into learning about some species that come out during spring, to include the common grass frog and peacock butterfly.
Last month’s activity celebrated National Bird Feeding month with an activity focused on local bird species where each participant was able to make their own bird feeder.
The library and Environmental Division have teamed up in the past but starting in 2021, a consistent partnership started between the two with a joint Explore the Apple Orchard activity. Community members were invited to come and Explore the Tower Barracks Apple Orchard. They had the opportunity to do an apple craft and learn about many of the unique heritage apple varieties found here at the training area! This fall, be on the lookout for another day at the apple orchard!
Since teaming up, the library has hosted many different environmentally focused programs with the help and expertise of the Environmental Division.
These programs focus on environmental topics and are geared towards children 5 -12 years old. Topics explored include bats, pollinators, owls, trees, starting a garden and many others! The programs typically begin with a 20-minute learning session followed by a craft or hands on experience afterwards. The children and participants experience are enhanced with a hands-on learning.
While learning about trees, participants were able to feel and observe leaves from different species and do leaf rubbings to take home. After learning about bees and pollinators and why they are so important to our world, participants were able to make bug hotels to actively help bees in their personal environment. These are all unique experiences children can have right here at our garrison libraries.
“Ìt is wonderful to see the children light up and get excited about nature and the world around us,” said Grace Fitzpatrick, outreach coordinator for the DPW Environmental Division. “It is also a lot of fun to see parents and adults get excited about facts they didn´t know before!”
Similar activities happen at the Hohenfels library. Please check out your local library and ask if anything is planned soon!
For more information about future activities check out the USAG Bavaria – Environmental Division Facebook page or the USAG Bavaria Family and MWR
Social Sharing