— CPS Special Education teacher |
Education
A trained professional in a plant-rich environment can provide an opportunity for healing, stress reduction, physical exercise, and endless learning by providing engagement with elements of the plant world in a planned, individualized and expertly directed manner. The Chicago Botanic Garden is a world-leader in providing therapeutic horticulture experiences to visitors and also at facilities throughout the Chicago area. This department also provides education regarding the multiple health benefits available in nature to students in Certificate programs, personnel from special education classrooms, healthcare providers and administrators, and landscape professionals. |
Interested in learning more about school gardening? This year's conference will provide helpful advice for the practical side of growing a successful school garden and also share activities and lessons that use the garden to teach problem solving and other thinking skills. For more information, the complete program, and registration please click here.
DIRECT SERVICES Working with staff from an agency, facility or club, our therapists design, prepare and lead a 50 minute session with up to 15 participants. Sessions are conducted in the distinguished Buehler Enabling Garden during the growing season (mid-May to mid-October) or at a location provided by the contracting agency. CONSULTATION Staff is experienced in providing professional consultation during the planning phase of a garden installation to assure maximum benefit and accessibility for the users of a specific garden. Our consultants will develop conceptual plans and provide a bridge to working with those who construct the garden. |
EDUCATION The Horticultural Therapy Certificate Program is designed to provide professionals with experience in a compatible therapeutic or educational field with the required background to utilize horticultural therapy techniques with their clients. The program is accredited through Oakton Community College and earns a total of 12 credit hours. Classes are taught on-line with the addition of 2 full-time, week long immersion experiences at the Chicago Botanic Garden. SPEAKERS Our therapists each bring a wealth of experience to share with varying audiences. Talks range from brief to multi-day on such topics as therapeutic garden design, selection of plant material, accessibility issues, use of therapeutic horticulture with specific populations (aging, PTSD, sensory spectrum disorders, stroke recovery and more). |
Horticultural Therapy is supported by an endowment from the Buehler Family Foundation. Additional support is provided by the Abra Prentice Foundation, Inc., Albers/Kuhn Family Foundation, The Blowitz-Ridgeway Foundation, The Brinson Foundation, The Helen V. Froehlich Foundation, HSBC, Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs, Kemper Educational and Charitable Trust, and the Edmond and Alice Opler Foundation, as well as endowments established by the estate of Florence Rantz, the Kenilworth Garden Club, the Julien H. Collins and Bertha M. Collins Fund, and the Helen and Maurice Weigle Fund at The Chicago Community Trust.