News Release
You are viewing ARCHIVED content published online before January 20, 2025.
Please note that this content is NOT UPDATED, and links may not work. For current information,
visit https://www.nps.gov/aboutus/news/index.htm.
NPS Photo
Subscribe
 |
What is RSS
|
Contact: Meagan Huff, Assistant Curator, (360) 816-6255
On Tuesday, August 13, 2019, kids ages 4 to 8 are invited to a special program that will teach them about the history behind the garden at Fort Vancouver National Historic Site, and will give them the opportunity to help the national park's team of volunteers harvest potatoes from the garden! This event will begin at 9:30 am and is free of charge.Participants in this program will first join the national park's assistant curator, Meagan Huff, to see archaeological artifacts related to agriculture at Fort Vancouver and read a garden-themed story. Then, children will have the opportunity to dig in the dirt and uncover two varieties of potatoes in the garden! Participants may bring some harvested potatoes home with them after the program.
"In the 1800s, the garden at Fort Vancouver was an important part of life, and provided food for the people who lived here," said Huff. "Today, the garden is an important part of our national park, and it's maintained by an amazing, dedicated group of volunteers. This program is a great, hands-on way for kids to learn about gardening and our local history."
Pre-registration for this event is required. Register by emailing Assistant Curator Meagan Huff with your child's name, the name of the parent or guardian accompanying them, and a contact phone number. Space for 15 kids is available. Adult guardians and parents must stay with their children at all times.
What: Potato harvest at the Fort Vancouver Garden
Who: This program is open to kids ages 4 to 8.
Where: The garden is located north of the reconstructed Fort Vancouver, 1001 E Fifth St., Vancouver, WA 98661
When: Tuesday, August 13, 2019, at 9:30 am. The program will last approximately 30 to 45 minutes.
Cost: Free
What to bring: This event will take place entirely outdoors. Participants should bring weather protection, including sunscreen, hats, and water bottles. Kids should come dressed in clothes that can get dirty! Because of the nature of the activity, closed-toed shoes and long pants are recommended. Child-sized work gloves are available, but participants are welcome to bring their own.
Please note that harvesting or picking fruits and vegetables in the Fort Vancouver Garden is not permitted except as part of a ranger-led program like this one. Visitors to the garden are asked not to pick fruits and vegetables growing there, as they are used in cultural demonstrations at the national park.
Last updated: August 8, 2019