On May 30, we welcomed a wonderful group of young explorers and their families to the Garden Club of Jacksonville for our Budding Gardeners: Beach Life program! Children ages 3–12 joined us for a fun morning of hands-on activities focused on the fascinating world of coastal ecology.
Led by Sarah Tomlinson, Master Gardener Coordinator with UF/IFAS Extension St. Johns County, participants learned about the plants, animals, and ecosystems that make Florida’s beaches and coastlines so unique. Through interactive activities and discussions, children discovered how coastal habitats support wildlife and why protecting these environments is important for future generations.
The morning was filled with curiosity, learning, and plenty of excitement as young gardeners explored the natural wonders of Florida’s coastline. Families enjoyed spending time together while gaining a greater appreciation for the beaches and coastal ecosystems that are such an important part of life in Northeast Florida.
A special thank you to Sarah Tomlinson for sharing her knowledge and enthusiasm with our young gardeners, and to the Watsonia Garden Club for sponsoring this Budding Gardeners program. We loved seeing so many smiling faces and look forward to welcoming everyone back for future Budding Gardeners adventures!