The Fort Smith National Historic Site proudly announces the First Bloom project in Fort Smith, Arkansas. The First Bloom project is a grant made possible by the National Park Foundation. First Bloom connects underserved urban youth to their National Parks through native plantings and gardens. The Fort Smith National Historic Site has partnered with the local youth organization Girls Incorporated of Fort Smith. Girls Incorporated participated in a 2009 summer program involving the Heritage Garden at the site. The participants planted heirloom seeds and plants while learning about a child’s role in gardening during the 1860s.
There are 30 young ladies signed up for the upcoming 2009 – 2010 program. Over the next year the participants will learn about plants native to Arkansas and the frontier culture related to Fort Smith. First Bloom nurtures stewardship, concern for the environment, and instills conservation values. The program will have an impact on the participants as well as having a positive impact on the Historic Site and the City of Fort Smith.
On October 10, 2009 from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m., the Fort Smith National Historic Site will introduce First Bloom to the public. There will be ongoing hands on programs to the public. The program will begin with an opening speech from the Mayor of Fort Smith welcoming First Bloom to the site and the area. The participants of First Bloom will be recognized at this time. There will be free hot dogs and cokes provided by Girls Incorporated of Fort Smith. Attached is a list of the activities that will take place.
First Bloom Curriculum
Seed Balls
Eco Cups
Tissue Paper Flowers
Historical Side
Seed Board
Sing a Longs and Stories
Hopscotch, Jacks, and Marbles
Cooking Tools and Washer Woman
Spinning Wheel and Weaving
Looms and Quilting
Historic Trees and Tools at 12:00 p.m. in the Visitor Center
Community Side
Sebastian County Cooperative 4-H
Dale Bumpers Agricultural Research Farm with Native Grasses of Arkansas
Pine Cone Bird Feeder activities by River Valley Master Gardeners
University of Arkansas Fort Smith Urban Forrester Alison Litchy
Each program will be hands on and geared towards children of all ages. Each visitor will have the opportunity to learn about the upcoming First Bloom program and the plans to increase the garden area within the next year.
To learn more about this event contact Fort Smith NHS at 479-783-3961 or visit us online at www.nps.gov/fosm. The park is located in downtown Fort Smith, Arkansas at the corner of 3rd Street and Parker Avenue. Hours of operation are daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. CST except December 25 and January 1 when the visitor center is closed.
