Tampa Bay Butterfly Foundation and The Community Foundation Tampa Bay are excited to announce its new program coming this fall, Bloom & Flutter!
Bloom & Flutter will be working with families who have children ages 10-17 who have been diagnosed with autism. Through this environmental program, we hope to create a safe place for families to gather and connect with nature while providing sensory-friendly outdoor experiences, enhancing social engagement, and increasing pollinator-friendly green spaces at senior centers and at home.
Would your family like to participate?
We’d love to have you join us for our two educational program offerings. The program will begin in February and finish prior to April 20th.
Bloom & Flutter will consist of two meetings. One will be on-site at our facility and the one will be at local senior center. We will not be able to provide transportation.
Meeting 1: Families will explore our native butterfly botanical garden, learn about pollinators and native plants, and engage in a bug hunt. They will also meet insects, reptiles, and amphibians in our exhibits, enhancing sensory experiences. While on site, families will participate in hands-on gardening. Families will have the opportunity to sow seeds and help maintaining an existing butterfly garden by watering and providing new plants.
Meeting 2: Families will work together to establish butterfly gardens at different senior facilities. At the conclusion of the plantings, families will receive butterfly garden kits to create their own pollinator habitats at home, ensuring ongoing engagement with nature and skill development.
Meeting 1 will be February 7th from 10am-12:30 pm at 4113 Henderson Blvd, Tampa, FL 33629.
Here are some key details and requirements to determine if your family will be a good candidate for this program.
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Must attend both meeting sessions
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Must have an adult parent/guardian present in all meetings
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Child must have physical capacity to participate in gardening activities (bending, lifting, digging)
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Child must have capacity to follow directions and understand verbal cues
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Must be able to be outdoors
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Must have ability to provide transportation to sites
Please submit the below form to express interest in our program.
Application window closes January 31st