Teen Environmentalist Exploring Nature

Conservation & Research @ the Garden

2012-01-31T07:42:00.000-08:00

I want to share with you the Garden’s new video on sustainability, presented in conjunction with the Design for a Living World exhibit and sponsored by First Solar. The first video of the series features Dr. Kimberlie McCue and Brandi Eide talking about some of the ways our research staff supports conservation efforts.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B0lxu0snaQY&list=UUEgNHJaQRJJd9vDO9FZoGgw&index=1&feature=plcp

Enjoy!

Guest Greeters & Counters needed

2012-01-25T15:33:00.000-08:00

TEENs 16 years old and older can welcome and count guests as they enter and exit the new Design for a Living World Exhibit here at the Garden. TEENs will be asked to provide basic Garden information like locations of restrooms, the cafe, and directions within the Garden.

Shifts are available all Saturday and Sundays now through April 1st. Shift times are 9:45am-12:45pm and 12:15-3:15pm. Please contact me to sign up or to answer any questions!

USDA Releases 2012 Hardiness Zone Map

2012-01-25T15:29:00.000-08:00

This tool, jointly developed by USDA's Agricultural Research Services and Oregon State University's PRISM Climate Group, provides greater accuracy and detail than the 1990 version.

It is now available online: www.planthardiness.ars.usda.gov.

A BIG Lumi Thank You!

2012-01-03T08:36:00.001-08:00

Thank you to all the TEENs that volunteered during Las Noches de las Luminarias this season including Erica, Bomi, Matthew, Kaija, Paula, Maddie, Julia, CJ M., CJ H., Kris, Patrick, Jessica, Christina and Kaitlyn.

We really appreciate your help and enthusiasm!

Student Leader Program / Bank of America 2012 Neighborhood Excellence Initiative

2011-12-27T14:09:00.000-08:00

The Bank of America Charitable Foundation’s Student Leaders® Program is accepting applications for the 2012 program.

Since its inception in 2004, the Bank of America Student Leaders Program has recognized more than 1,600 exemplary high school juniors and seniors with a passion for improving their communities. The program helps students gain a greater understanding of how nonprofits create impact in the community and helps develop them as the next generation of community leaders through two components:

· A summer 2012 eight-week paid internship with selected nonprofit organizations designed to provide opportunities for the students to develop and apply leadership skills through hands-on work experience, while raising their awareness of community issues addressed by their Host Organization.

· A week-long all-expense paid Student Leadership Summit in Washington, D.C., July 15-20. Conducted in partnership with the Close Up Foundation, the Summit introduces students to aspects of civic, social and business leadership and provides them with knowledge and skills they will use throughout their life to create positive community change.

Please note the application deadline of January 25, 2012

For more information on the Bank of America Charitable Foundation, please visit the website at http://www.bankofamerica.com/foundation/

Weather at the Garden

2011-12-16T11:24:00.000-08:00

There is a new weather camera at the Garden.

http://www.aws.com/camera.asp?id=PHDBG

You can also get up to date weather info before your volunteer shifts!

Gardening Dec 11th

2011-12-16T11:05:00.000-08:00

Thank you to all the TEENs who gardened last Sunday - Raven, Jeni, Tom, Kolby, Kenzie, Marcus, Isaih, Taylor, Alexander, Christina, Malavika, Kate, Miette, Pooja, and Maddy - THANK YOU!! The worm composter is doing great and enjoying it's new home inside! I’m looking forward to transplanting the herbs & veggies this Sunday after we finish constructing the spiral garden!

Monarch Larva Monitoring Project - update!

2011-12-16T10:45:00.001-08:00

Our MLMP Trainer Gail notified me this morning that a wild monarch she tagged in her yard was documented in Kino Bay Mexico! That's over 400 miles!

Keyhole Gardens - Similar to Spiral

2011-12-15T14:43:00.000-08:00

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/7432972.stm

Here is the information on a type of keyhole garden in Africa. They have height like our spiral garden, making it easier for people to tend to their plants but this also has a composting section in the center.

A Brief Overview of Soil

2011-12-06T12:30:00.000-08:00

Have you ever wanted to know how to explain carbon storage in soil better? Do you now?

http://soilquality.org/home.html

This site contains current (sustainable) soil information of agricultural lands. Even though we are in an urban area, most of the info is still useful.

Additional soil projects and info can be found on the USDA soil site.

http://soils.usda.gov/sqi/assessment/test_kit.html

Enjoy!

Lumi Path Guide Training

2011-12-06T12:25:00.000-08:00

Thank you to Aline, Brenda, Londy, Destiny, Kaitlyn, Maddy, Jessica, CJ & CJ for a great afternoon of lighting lumi candles and training to be a path guide.

Jeff thanks you as well and says that TEENs "do MUCH better at crouching down with hand lighters than us old folks."

Pam, Jeff and I appreciate your hard work, especially fighting the cold, wind and rain!

If you would still like to sign up for shifts, please email or call me to schedule.

Stay warm!

Pumpkin Patch Garden Update

2011-11-29T14:02:00.001-08:00

The veggies, fruit and flowers are doing great!

Thank you to all the TEENs that have tending the Pumpkin Patch Garden this season!

The climbing white flowers are snow peas; leafy greens in middle are celery stalks; yellow and red marigolds and bushy carrot leafs in the back! (carrots are currently about the size of my pinky fingers.)

There is red cabbage up front, leafy spinach in the middle, ripe strawberries, and tall broccoli and cauliflower in the back.

The herb bed has large basil plants in the front and back, with marigolds and nasturtiums blooming throughout. The mint has taken over and the lemon verbena and sage are smelling wonderful!

Upgraded TEEN Patio!

2011-11-23T14:27:00.000-08:00

Thank you to Izador, Abby, Rachel, Julia, Mathew, Kenzie, and Aline for your hard work and enthusiasm during Saturday's gardening event!

TEENs transplanted desert plants into half of the back bed to open up space for veggie gardening and digging for young kids, turned the chiminea into a planter, removed 4 jojobas and pruned them, painted rocks to form a snake bench for preschoolers, turned wagons into planters, spread wildflower seeds and more! It was a large task and you should all feel very accomplished!

Thank you!

Big Bug Brunch - Thank you!

2011-11-09T10:39:00.000-08:00

Thank you to Meaghan, Emily, Maddy, Bomi, Brandon, Erica, CJ, & Korrina for a great weekend of insect crafts!

The Herbarium and its Digitization

2011-11-04T14:01:00.000-07:00

For all you plant fanatics...

This is a good article the digitization project the Garden's Herbarium is doing by photographing and georeferencing the specimens. Hopefully, this project will allow the specimen information to be available to more than just researchers!

http://www.popsci.com/science/article/2011-10/pressed-plants-are-data-too

Dia de los Muertos - Thank you!

2011-11-01T15:10:00.001-07:00

A BIG thank you goes out to Kaela, Julia, Joab, Kenzie, Ely and shown below, Alexander, Marcus and CJ with their new friends. You did a wonderful job at the craft area during the Day of the Dead celebration at the Garden.

Your hand-made papel picado flags looked amazing!

Thank you!

Big Bug Brunch

2011-11-01T15:05:00.000-07:00

Shifts are available for TEENs to host the craft area this Saturday and Sunday's Big Bug Brunch from 9:15am to 12:30pm. Please conatct me to sign up for a shift! dbg.org/shop/events-exhibits/bug-brunch-11-6-11

A Great Pumpkin Thank You!

2011-10-26T11:16:00.000-07:00

23 TEENs volunteered over 95 hours at the Pumpkin Festival last weekend - AMAZING!

Nancy, Pam, and Judy in Volunteer Services have all spoken very highly of your great enthusiasm, flexibility and customer service! Thank you!

BioBlitz 2011

2011-10-26T10:42:00.000-07:00

TEENs did a wonderful job tracking signs of life near Javalina Trail in the Rincon Mountains during National Geographic's BioBlitz 2011.

Pumpkins are Native to the Southwest!

2011-10-20T09:21:00.001-07:00

Enjoy this quick article about Pumpkins & Pollinators by The Xerces Society and get ready for fall!

Join the Pumpkin Festivities!

2011-10-20T08:41:00.000-07:00

TEENS -

There are open shifts for the Pumpkin Festival this Saturday & Sunday from 8:15-11:30am and 11:00am - 3:30pm.

Come enjoy the fall season and celebrate this wonderful children's festival by hosting craft stations, carnival games, and more!

Don't miss the Pumpkin Patch Garden that is on display and looking very green!

Contact me to sign up!

Want to get involved?

2011-10-20T08:34:00.000-07:00

TEENs & Parents or Grandparents:

Want to get involved in the Garden's community?

Attend the Parent/Grandparent & Teen Intergenerational Workshop on Sunday, November 20th from noon - 2:30pm. It is free of charge and a complementary lunch is included!

Contact Susan Shattuck for details at sshattuck@dbg.org or 480 941.3507

Fall Plant Sale

2011-10-13T12:49:00.001-07:00

The weather has been cooling down (for the most part) which means that it's time for the

Desert Botanical Garden's Fall Plant Sale!

TEENs have already volunteered to place price tags and have singed up for over 15 shifts during this 3 day event!

The Garden's Fall Plant Sale is this Saturday and Sunday, October 15 & 16 with a member preview tomorrow.

dbg.org/events-exhibitions/fall-plant-sale

The Garden's Research Department

2011-10-06T08:36:00.000-07:00

TEEN Volutneers Joab, Aline, Alexander, Maddy, Julia and Miette were able to tour the seed vault, herbarium and grow houses of the Garden's Research Department. While Alexander thinks he could never work with the numerous small seed specimens in the seed vault, Julia is ready to apply for a position, any position! Teen Contact Jeff was amazed to learn that the Garden's conservation greenhouse can also be home to confiscated plants from the police department. I'm glad you enjoyed learning about this part of the Garden and their important work!

Papel Picado Powwows

2011-10-03T13:27:00.000-07:00

TEENs have been getting crafty to provide Dia de los Muertos celebration decorations.

Hand crafted Papel Picado flags will hang from Dorrance Hall as the Garden celebrates this festival. TEENs have been using different methods as those traditionally used, but the results have been wonderful!

Thanks TEENs!!

Monarch Larva Monitoring Project

2011-10-03T13:17:00.001-07:00

TEENs attending the MLMP Training on Sun, Sept 25th and were excited to find many monarch eggs and some larva!

Here is a link of the new monarch life-cycle video, which has updated migration maps and great info!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o5yVeLfhce8&feature=player_detailpage

Join us for future shifts to gain experience in making observations and recording data in the field! Contact me to sign up for shifts or if you'd like to join the MLMP TEEN Team!

College Reporter on Big Bugs

2011-09-16T08:53:00.000-07:00

TEENs, for great information about the Garden's newest exhibit, read this online article by former TEEN Volunteer Jessica B.

http://downtowndevil.com/2011/09/15/13108/desert-botanical-garden-big-bugs/

The author was a part of the TEEN program from 2006-2011 and is now attending ASU.

Wonderful article Jessica!!

REMINDER

2011-09-08T15:09:00.000-07:00

TEENs - your 2011-12 Volunteer/Parent Commitment forms are due on Saturday, September 17th. Please let me know if you need a copy of the form or an extension on the deadline.

I'm looking forward to anther wonderful year!

Monsoon Gardening

2011-08-24T14:43:00.000-07:00

Thank you to all the TEENs who helped tend the Pumpkin Patch Garden!

Kaela, Katie, Miette, Julia, Raven, Marcus, Alexander S., Tom, Erica, Taylor, Maddy S., Izzy L., Kaija, Tyler, and Beto!

You did a wonderful job and the Garden is looking great! I went out to the patch this morning and there are squash seedlings, healthy corn, and tons of mung bean sprouts! The irrigation is working well too!

Enjoy the photos and thank you again!

The Watermelon & Removing Compost Adventure

2011-08-18T07:34:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday, TEENs Kaela, Julia, Kaija, Marcus, Katie, and Alexander removed years worth of failed compost from behind the classrooms and built their own, desert adapted composter.

TEENs also explored the pumpkin patch garden and picked a watermelon, only to find it already belonged in the new composter.

Each of these TEENs will be here this weekend, along with others to tend the pumpkin patch garden and get it ready for this fall's Great Pumpkin Festival.

Excellent work TEENs!

Facebook Group

2011-07-21T08:55:00.000-07:00

The Facebook page will be closing because we've started the Desert Botanical Garden TEEN Volunteers group.

Join us!

http://www.facebook.com/groups/TEENVolunteers

This is a "closed" group so only TEENs and TEEN parents will be accepted into the group. You're welcome to post comments, photos or videos relating to the TEEN Volunteer Program.

I look forward to hearing from you all!

Watermelon!

2011-07-11T12:31:00.000-07:00

The pumpkin patch garden is growing!

Check out the photo including our first watermelon!

Pumpkin Patch Garden update

2011-06-13T09:16:00.000-07:00

The summer crops are going strong! Here are some photos of your hard work growing!

Summer Seed Challenge - Update!

2011-06-10T11:21:00.001-07:00

Hi TEENs,

How are your seeds doing?

TEEN Kaela wrote, "My pumpkin plants (Big Max) are doing fine. Both seeds sprouted in the same pot, and both are about 9 inches wide/ 5-6 inches tall. I transplanted them on Monday because they stopped growing for a while."

Great job Kaela!

Free Admission Days!

2011-06-08T15:21:00.000-07:00

Join us at the Garden on the 2nd Tuesday of every month for free admission into the Garden after 1pm.

The next free day is June 14th, Flag Day!

TEEN Flashlight Tour Training

2011-06-08T15:15:00.000-07:00

Thank you to all the TEENs that attended the Flashlight Tour Training! I hope you had as much fun as I did seeing you untangle yourselves from the knotted rope!

Don't forget to contact Pam for upcoming Flashlight Tour shifts!

May TEEN Meeting

2011-05-09T14:12:00.000-07:00

Thank you to all the TEENs that attended the TEEN Meeting & Gardening shifts on Saturday. The gardeners transplanted squash, melons, cucumbers, peppers, and herbs at the Pumpkin Patch Garden. They also fortified the existing fencing with additional bird netting.

Ready, set, grow!

2011-05-09T13:33:00.000-07:00

Summer Seed Challenge!

TEENs - enter this challenge and you could win a $40 gift card to the place of your choice.

The challenge is for TEENs to successfully germinate and grow pumpkin, squash, gourd or melon seeds. The young plants will be transplanted into the Pumpkin Patch or TEEN Garden later in the summer. So here's where part of the challenge comes in... TEENs must tend to their seed or plant twice a week, measuring the amount of water they use, the location the plant is kept, and its size. These recorded observations will be used to assist TEENs in determining the best gardening practices for future planting seasons.

To enter, contact Jeni for supplies including the entry and data sheet, seeds, soil, and a container.

Remember, Jeni will be available throughout the challenge to "plant sit," answer questions or clarify rules.

Good Luck!

National Public Gardens Day 2011!

2011-05-06T11:49:00.000-07:00

Bust out your sun hats, water bottles and sneakers and visit the Garden!

Today is National Public Gardens Day and admission is free to the Garden

and the Spring Butterfly Exhibit.

National Public Gardens Day

If you can't join us today, there is free admission to the Garden

every second Tuesday of the month after 1pm.

Gardening this Saturday!

2011-05-05T09:56:00.001-07:00

TEENs, join us on Saturday before the TEEN Meeting to tend the Pumpkin Patch Garden. The beds need additional bird netting, new transplants and seeds so there is plenty of work to be done! Contact Jeni to sign up.

It looks like a watermelon plant that Ernesto transplanted is doing well!

Adopt-a-Park 2

2011-04-27T09:47:00.000-07:00

Thank you to the TEENs that participated in the Second Adopt-a-Park clean-up! We found a lot of trash, pulled weeds and thinned out plants around a shade structure. Excellent work team! I also had fun exploring the algae and critters in the pond.

Pictured: Taylor, Alexander & Marcus

Audubon Arizona’s Teen Leaders in Conservation

2011-04-18T12:40:00.000-07:00

TEENs, looking for information on a career in science? Visit Audubon Arizona's Teen Leaders in Conservation speaker series. This year's topics include fire science, hydrology, wildlife biology, wildlife veterinary practice, forestry management, solar energy and urban farming. For more information, visit their link. http://az.audubon.org/Education.html

Teen Garden Spring Update

2011-04-18T10:59:00.001-07:00

The echinopsis is blooming, the sunflowers are taking off and the Learning Lab kids are still enjoying the strawberries!

TEEN Strawberries

2011-04-15T12:51:00.000-07:00

TEENs - Learning Lab students were very excited to find a few strawberries in your transplants from the Pumpkin Patch Garden on Tuesday when they were taking time to water the plants.

VIG Celebration!

2011-03-24T12:38:00.000-07:00

Please RSVP to me by April 1st if you plan on attending the Volunteers in the Garden (VIG) Celebration for 2010. There will be a slide show, awards and dinner. The event is located in Dorrance Center from 3-6pm on Sunday, April 10.

If you have not already visited the Ottosen Gallery, be sure to stop by and view the photographs of John Schaefer now until May 27th.

Spring Butterfly Pavilion Shifts

2011-03-16T14:05:00.000-07:00

Don't forget that if you are trained in for the Spring Butterfly Pavilion, you can now sign-up for shifts online!

https://www.volgistics.com/ex/portal.dll/?FROM=17771

Follow this link and sign-in using your email address and volunteer number on the back of your volunteer badge.

AYUSA World Leaders

2011-03-16T08:20:00.000-07:00

TEENs - are you a future world leader?

Check out this unique opportunity for teens to attend a camp this summer on Environmental Leadership where you will listen to renowned guest speakers, participate in class discussions and relevant field trips, and explore 3 important topics affecting the environment today: Climate Change, Environmental Design, and Human Population. There is even scholarship opportunities available.

www.ayusaworldleaders.org

Breakfast with the Butterflies

2011-03-14T13:12:00.000-07:00

Thank you to Julia, Bryan, Kaela, Adam, Ernesto, Diego, Monica, Lia, Mara, Kris, and Taylor for an awesome job with the Breakfast with the Butterflies craft stations!

Spring Plant Sale 2011

2011-03-07T11:50:00.000-08:00

The Desert Botanical Garden's semi-annual Plant Sale is March 18-20. Stop by and see unique desert plants - several TEENs have already signed up to volunteer during the event!

Pumpkin Patch Garden update

2011-03-07T09:40:00.000-08:00

Thank you to all the TEENs that volunteered over the weekend to plant transplants and sew seeds for the Pumpkin Patch Garden! Hopefully we will have a great spring and summer garden in preparation for the Great Pumpkin Festival!

Wonderful work!

Spring TEEN Meeting

2011-03-03T07:15:00.000-08:00

Thank you to all the TEENs that attended the meeting. I hope the Teenage Mutant Ninja Tamarisks, Green Eggs and Spiny Hackberries, and Cheshire Caterpillarweeds had fun and enjoyed the scavenger hunt (and maybe learned a few things about the Garden along the way!)

Big Thank You!

2011-02-22T12:28:00.000-08:00

Thank you to all 10 TEENs that attended the Butterfly Pavilion Training this past Saturday! I hope to see you all in yellow shirts soon!

Also, thank you to Aija, Monica, Diego, Alexander and Marcus for volunteering at the Butterfly Exploration Station this past weekend. There was rain, wind and flying canopies but you did a wonderful job!

The Spring Butterfly Pavilion opens Saturday, March 5th!

Congrats Anna!

2011-02-22T11:44:00.001-08:00

The winner of the free Teen Glass Class ticket is Anna M. Thank you again, to all the TEENs that took the online survey. This survey provides essential data for evaluation and analysis of the TEEN Volunteer Program at the Desert Botanical Garden. Your responses also help us adequately document our program’s impact with teens and in the community for donor reports and future funding requests.

Hello!

2011-02-15T11:01:00.000-08:00

Welcome new TEEN Volunteers! TEENs - please make sure to say hi if you see them around the Garden volunteering.

Adopt-a-Park TEEN video blog

2011-02-07T10:36:00.000-08:00

Saturday, February 5th

Service Learning Project

2011-02-07T08:35:00.001-08:00

Thank you to Alexander, Maddie, Taylor, Matt, and Marcus that participated at last Saturday's adopt-a-park Service Learning Project. You did a great job filling in holes, picking up trash, raking, weeding, rescuing lizards, and having fun! You really made a positive difference for everyone that uses the trail.

Please look for future adopt-a-park events this year!

So many choices!

2011-02-04T13:59:00.001-08:00

Let's decide what to plant in the Pumpkin Patch Garden.

You can email Jeni with any requests or to view the discussion already in progress, please follow this link to the TEEN's facebook page.

www.facebook.com/topic.php?topic=266&uid=115731175116673

Weather Alert!

2011-02-02T08:47:00.000-08:00

TEENs - curious about the Garden's current weather?

Check out the current conditions before you start your shift or just for fun.

http://www.aws.com/full.asp?id=PHDBG

Feeling artistic?

2011-02-01T14:24:00.000-08:00

TEENs - join the competition and create a Doodle 4 Google and enter in the chance to have your drawing on Google's homepage for a day!

This year's theme is "What I'd like to do someday..."

For more details or to register, follow this link! http://www.google.com/doodle4google/

Good luck!

Adopt-a-Park

2011-02-01T10:50:00.000-08:00

The 1st Service Learning Project for the TEEN's adopt-a-park is coming up!

If you are a TEEN with more than 25 service hours, contact Jeni for details or to sign up.

Gardening in January

2011-02-01T09:38:00.000-08:00

Thank you to Monica, Ernesto, Diego, Taylor, Alexander, Marcus, and Alejandra for all of your hard work tending the Pumpkin Patch Garden last Sunday!

You did an amazing job and the beds are ready for a Spring planting! The transplants are doing well and enjoying the shade in the TEEN Garden.

Watch out for gardening shifts this Spring!

TEEN Survey!

2011-01-26T13:38:00.000-08:00

TEENs,

Want to win a ticket to the Teen Glass Class on Saturday, February 26^th from 10am to noon?

Contact Jeni for the password to take the survey and follow the instructions to enter the contest.

Click here to take survey

Thank you & good luck!

Teen Glass Class

2011-01-25T10:45:00.000-08:00

TEENs, want something fun to do at the Garden beyond volunteering? If you're between 13-17 years of age, join us on Saturday, Feb 26th for the TEEN Glass Class!

The guys from Highway Hotshop will ooo and awe you with molten glass and answer all of your burning questions about glass blowing during this teens only demonstration! Highlights will include a glass bowl that can pop popcorn kernels.

Tickets are $10 for the general public and $8 for Members.

Snacks & Drinks will be provided.

Visit the link for more details or to purchase a ticket!

www.dbg.org/shop/courses/teen-glass-class-2-26

Don't forget, your parents can always enjoy a stroll in the Garden while you attend the Teen Glass Class!

Las Noches de las Luminaria

2011-01-12T12:52:00.001-08:00

Thank you to all the TEENs that helped with the 2010 Luminaria by waking up early to replace candles (even when they were full of rain water) or by being path guides during those cold nights in December!

Chihuly's Desert Towers

2011-01-05T08:20:00.001-08:00

We did it!

The campaign to purchase Chihuly's Desert Towers is complete and they have become a permanent installation at the Desert Botanical Garden!

These blown glass towers are located in front of admissions. What a wonderful way to welcome Garden guests!

Current Art Exhibit

2011-01-05T06:43:00.000-08:00

TEENs - Don't forget to check out the art exhibit on the Wildflower Trail. Sculptural artist Ludvic has ten Steel Jam Session sculptures dispersed throughout the trail through the month of May.

Adopt-a-Park

2010-12-30T08:09:00.000-08:00

The TEENs are adopting part of the Indian Bend Wash Habitat for clean-ups and special projects. Follow this link to learn more about this City of Tempe park.

www.tempe.gov/maps/StandardDetails.aspx?LocationID=28a978e5-a7eb-4017-85d2-9720bacd3e97

First Place - Non-profit category!

2010-12-14T07:57:00.000-08:00

First Place - Non-profit category!

2010-12-09T07:31:00.001-08:00

Thank you and Congratulations to all the TEENs that helped work on this year's Fiesta of Lights Electric Light Parade!

You helped earn the Garden 1st Place in the non-profit category!

Excellent work!

Recording your hours

2010-12-09T07:27:00.001-08:00

TEENs - Please remember to record your hours properly. If you have any problems or errors in your records, let me know and I can fix them.

2010 volunteer hours are to be recorded by Jan 10th at the latest.

To record your hours from home or your smart phone please follow this link. https://www.volgistics.com/ex/portal.dll/?FROM=17771

Good luck with finals!

High School Juniors & Seniors

2010-11-19T10:29:00.000-08:00

Interested in leadership opportunities?

Check out the link below for complete details of a great opportunity offered by Bank of America.

http://www.bankofamerica.com/neistudentleaders

Chilies & Chocolate Festival

2010-11-13T14:29:00.000-08:00

Come join us at the Desert Botanical Garden tomorrow for the last day of Chilies & Chocolate from 10am to 5pm!

Thank you to all the TEENs that volunteered today and will volunteer tomorrow!

Paper Mache & other recent events!

2010-11-12T10:16:00.003-08:00

Thanks to all the TEENs that participated in the Dia de los Muertos Festival and the Fall Frenzy! The kid's crafts at the Festival looked awesome. The Garden's float in the Electric Light Parade is going to have an amazing "rock garden." Great work!

Great Pumpkin Fest 2010

2010-11-02T13:37:00.000-07:00

Thank you to all the TEEN volunteers that participated in this year's festival. From kid's crafts, to carnival games and hay ride line entertainment, you were amazing!

The Great Pumpkin Festival

2010-10-19T10:42:00.000-07:00

There are no more volunteer shifts available for this week's Great Pumpkin Festival. If you are already signed up for a shift, please sign-in outside of the Marely Education building and on the TEEN clipboard located on the TEEN bulletin board for your job assignments.

I look forward to seeing everyone this weekend!

Casa Grande Ruins Service Learning Trip

2010-10-11T13:25:00.000-07:00

Thanks again to all the TEENs that went to the Casa Grande Ruins for the National Public Lands Day. I think the burrowing owls will really benefit from everyone's hard work. Here is a message from some of our TEEN Volunteers about the day's activities.

Fall Plant Sale

2010-10-11T09:58:00.001-07:00

The Desert Botanical Garden's Fall Plant Sale is this weekend!

October 16-17: Saturday 7am-5pm & Sunday 9am-5pm

Garden volunteers and horticulturists are on hand to answer questions, offer advice and assist in plant selections. TEEN volunteers will also be seen helping at the check out!

No admission charge to enter the Fall Plant Sale.

2010-10-06T11:26:00.000-07:00

Thank you to all the TEENs that helped out at the Pumpkin Patch Garden last Saturday!

The fences look amazing and the plants have survived the storms. Kate and I went out there this morning to check on them.

Great work TEENs!

Great Pumpkin Festival

2010-09-29T12:24:00.000-07:00

TEENs - it's almost time for the Great Pumpkin Festival, that means that it's time to tend the garden! Join us Saturday, Oct 2nd from 7:30/8 to 11am to help tend the Pumpkin Patch Garden. We will be amending the soil, building fences, touching up paint, laying down mulch and planting crops! Please contact Jeni to sign up for the event.

Reminder

2010-09-29T12:21:00.000-07:00

Hi TEENs! Please remember that all required forms are due Friday, Oct 1st. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Jeni.

Also, if you are planning on leaving the TEEN Volunteer program, please send a written statement to Jeni.

Butterfly Training

2010-09-08T09:52:00.000-07:00

TEENs!

Join us on Saturday, Sept. 25th for the Butterfly Pavilion Training.

Please contact Jeni for more details or to sign up for this training.

TEENs present at Youth Voices Conference

2010-08-30T10:44:00.000-07:00

TEENs, if you would like to participate in the annual Youth Voices Conference presentation on Oct 2nd or creating the presentation about the Pumpkin Patch Garden, please email Jeni.

Update: Pumpkin Patch Garden

2010-08-10T10:41:00.000-07:00

Wow!

After 2 days of work, the Pumpkin Patch Garden has upgraded from 2 in-ground beds to planter boxes in order to protect the plants aginst hungry critters. After our soil delivery, we were able to plant young corn and pepers as well as sew sunflowers, gourds, winter squash, and of course, pumpkins! It was a lot of hard, hot work so a big thank you goes out to Alexander, Pat, Marcus and all the other TEENs that have worked at the Pumpkin Patch Garden this spring & fall. Hopefully all the hard work will be seen at the Great Pumpkin Festival this October. Amazing work, TEENs!

If you would like to sign up for shifts to tend the Garden or work the festival, please contact Jeni.

Plants for the Planet

2010-08-02T12:05:00.000-07:00

Please consider adding your support to the Plants for the Planet campaign. Follow the link to sign your name and where you're from. Every name helps!

www.plantsfortheplanet.com

Tucson Adventure!

2010-06-21T11:52:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday, the TEENs explored Tucson and brought back some amazing memories! We visited the Sonoran Desert Museum and the University of Arizona Herbarium. At the Desert Museum, we found snakes, birds and so much more! It was hot outside, but the TEENs did let it stop them from investigating tortis shells and crested saguaros. On the UofA campus, the TEENs successfully navigated their way to the student union for lunch and later, with Jeni's help, they found the herbarium. The TEENs ventured into the stacks and enjoyed hearing stories about the Poison Control assistance the herbarium provides. By the end of the day, most of the TEENs enjoyed nap time as our adventure came to an end.

Thanks for the great adventure, TEENs!

Flashlight Tours!

2010-06-15T13:20:00.000-07:00

We had another awesome turnout by the TEENs for the final Flashlight Tour Training this season! Come join us Thursday and Saturday evening at the DBG! For more information, please visit http://dbg.org/index.php/plan/calendar/eventdisplay?evt=summerflashlighttours

Hope to see you there!

Gardening Party

2010-05-26T16:18:00.001-07:00

"It may not be the kind of party that traditionally comes to mind. Here at DBG, we party by planting and cultivating! On Saturday, May 22nd a group of TEENs went out to the Summer Camp Garden to weed the area and plant several melon, bean, squash, and corn plants. The TEENs also built enclosures around the plant beds to keep pests out. The summer camp kids will reap the benefits of the TEENs’ hard work. They even left their mark in the form of paint hand prints around a raised bed. Back in the TEEN Garden, the saguaro cross sections were moved to a more permanent location and the new composter got up and running. The TEENs also tidied up the potted plants in the garden. With all the hard work done what else is left to do? Eat! The rest of the morning was spent eating and having a good time."

-written by Matt B.

Garden Party Anyone?

2010-05-10T14:22:00.001-07:00

Come celebrate the end of the school year by doing some gardening at the Summer Camp & Teen Gardens.

Saturday, May 22nd from 8:30-11am.

Please RSVP to Jeni if you would like to attend.

Earth Day Celebration & Scavenger Hunt Recap!!

2010-04-28T10:12:00.000-07:00

Is there any better way to celebrate Earth Day than spending it outside on a beautiful Saturday morning?

That is exactly what a group of the TEEN’s did this weekend. Jeni organized a very garden themed scavenger hunt for the people attending. There was a group of 6 who split into three teams of two. Alexander and Patrick were the Bodacious Boojums, Nick and Sydney were the Rad Wrens, and Matt and Marcus were the Sweet Mesquites. Each group received a puzzle piece that had a clue leading them to the next puzzle piece. Tina even had a role in the whole hunt too! Upon obtaining all 6 puzzle pieces there was a riddle made up of all the pieces leading to the destination. Patrick and Alexander came in first followed by Nick and Sydney with Matt and Marcus finishing in third place. The rest of the morning was spent eating some fruit and scones on the patio.

-written by Matt

TEENs are now on Facebook!

2010-04-14T11:19:00.001-07:00

If you would like to join us, please search for "DBG Teen Volunteers." This will be a site where teens (and their parents) can be updated on TEEN news and events, similar to this Blog.

I hope to see you there!

Hello!

2010-04-08T16:24:00.001-07:00

As the new Teen Coordinator, I would like to remind everyone that there are volunteer shifts available for Kid's Corner, Garden Aid, and the Girl Scouts Environmental Fair (on May 1st.) Please contact me at teenvol@dbg.org if you're interested in a volunteer shift or have any questions or concerns.

I look forward to working with all of you!

Jeni Troutman

First 2010 TEEN meeting!

2010-01-23T10:40:00.000-08:00

Sunday, February 21st 2-4 p.m.

We will talk about updates to the TEEN program, meet new faces, and discuss volunteer opportunities for this spring. Hope you can make it!

RSVP to Katy if you are able to be there!

Recycling at it's best!

2009-12-14T08:40:00.000-08:00

After the A.S.U. tour the teens came back to the DBG to make candles from the leftover votive candles that we use in our Luminaria bags. The teens were taught the special techniques of candle making in preformed molds and in boxes filled with sand that they could make their own molds in....we had many shapes and sizes! This was a great project that the teens can't wait to do again. We are thrilled to be recycling the wax instead of throwing it into the landfill.

A.S.U. Arboretum Tour for the TEENs

2009-12-14T08:31:00.000-08:00

This past Saturday Dec. 12th the TEENs toured the A.S.U. Campus and learned about the many different kinds of plants that are on the campus. They sampled herbs from the herb garden, got tricked into eating sour oranges and picked lemonquates. They toured the secret garden...which I can't really tell you about because...it's a secret. A highlight of the tour was seeing a 20 foot tall banana tree (really an herb not a true "tree") with bananas forming on the flower stalk. Again, another great day.

More Service Work from the TEENs!

2009-12-14T08:17:00.000-08:00

Last Sunday the TEEN group volunteered five hours at the Sonoran Desert National Monument, near Goodyear, AZ picking up trash and removing existing roads. The land has been closed to the public for over a year now, so that it can be healed from overuse and returned to a pristine state. It was a beautiful morning as it had rained the night before. We had 15 teens attend and really made some good progress. We encourage anyone to visit the Monument once it re-opens to the public next year.

Chiles and Chocolates

2009-11-20T12:58:00.000-08:00

Today, (last weekend!) the TEENs did a variety of jobs from making tootsie roll necklaces to painting our TEEN garden wagons. Sammy Saguaro also made a guest apperance, and even though he was armless he still made the kids and adults smile. There was plenty of chilie inspired treats to try and of course..... chocolate! Overall, it was a good day and we got alot accomplished.

Rafting the Salt! 11/7/09

2009-11-09T12:01:00.000-08:00

This past Saturday 13 of our TEEN volunteers enjoyed a beautiful day floating down the Salt River. This was just a fun day trip to get together and enjoy some amazing Arizona scenery. The weather was great, the water was pretty warm, and the views were amazing.

Dia de los Muertos! Whoo!

2009-10-31T13:57:00.001-07:00

Today was an awesome day for the TEENs! We had Matt, Hailey, Nick, Sydney, and a bunch of new TEENs that helped out today. The day involved lots and lots of crafts - And kids. We had some cultural music to rock out to and tons of people in masks and costumes. There were kids dressed up in costumes with their faces painted and the day went by smoothly. The altar looked beautiful (Look at the picture above! Taken by Syd. ) and it was a wonderful day all together. Next Saturday is the rafting trip and we hope to see everyone there!

TEENs in Training....& a little work!

2009-10-17T09:43:00.000-07:00

October has been a busy month for the TEENS. We've had about 15 new teens join the group which means training, mentoring, and showing them the "ropes". It's great to have more teen volunteers especially with our busy month ahead filled with festivals and other activites. In additon to training the new teens, we've also worked on Lumi bag set up for a Garden wedding and made some really cute pumpkin Lumi jars for the October Festivals. The Desert Vista Key Club helped us with this craft as well and did an outstanding job!

Scavenger Hunt - TEEN Meeting & Party

2009-09-21T15:48:00.000-07:00

We had a great day this past Sunday planning our fall activites, eating candy, and then having out 1st annual Scavenger Hunt! The winning team recieved a dancing gopher trophy...what more could they want? The teams had to take photos of various activites in the Garden, such as playing ring around the rosie, wearing aprons and big hats, cartwheels in the bus loading zone as well as taking photos of certain plants in the Garden. It was a good day!