Blossom & Wood hosts socially-distanced event to educate people about nature, provides learning opportunities during COVID-19

Juli Oberlander • September 30, 2021

Blossom & Wood hosts socially-distanced event to educate people about nature, provides learning opportunities during COVID-19

Photos from Meghan McLarney and the Blossom & Wood Facebook page

Local nonprofit Blossom & Wood has a mission to empower people and groups to engage their minds with discovery and nature.

Despite the difficulties brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, vice president and treasurer Meghan McLarney says the nonprofit has continued to further its mission, providing opportunities for the community to receive nourishment and fulfillment during challenging times.

"At Blossom & Wood, we engage the community in the wonder of food and nature discovery," McLarney says. "We have worked throughout 2021 to empower people to discover health, joy and purpose through food and nature."

When the pandemic hit, McLarney says the team adjusted by moving its events online, holding virtual gatherings on platforms such as Zoom in order to keep the community safe.

"The COVID-19 pandemic has certainly created challenges in connecting with the public, so we’ve had to work hard to establish an online presence and educate from a safe distance," she says.

As COVID-19 restrictions eased in spring 2021, McLarney says the nonprofit hosted its inaugural Blossom & Woodstock event. Held in May 2021, the socially-distanced event brought the public together for a family-friendly celebration at Blossom & Wood's partner urban farm, Benson Food Forest.

McLarney says events and activities included zero waste art therapy, vermicomposting education (learning about worms), planting of food-producing trees and plants and foraged dandelion cooking demos at Blossom & Wood's Harvest Hut, an outdoor education kitchen completed in April. A culinary expert and registered dietitian, McLarney led the dandelion cooking demos, teaching the nutrition of dandelions and how to incorporate them into a meal.

In addition, she says the team offered socially-distanced guided group meditation in the peaceful setting of the farm. Johnathan Woodside, executive director of Mindfulness Outreach Initiative, also led meditations for both children and adults.

Throughout the event, attendees had the opportunity to plant edible trees, plants, and bushes, participate in arts and crafts and bid on silent auction items. McLarney says the gathering allowed people to learn about nature and nutrition in a safe environment, as social distancing and masks were required.

She says the event was just one way Blossom & Wood has worked to provide education opportunities while maintaining the health and safety of the public.

"While it’s been a challenging year," McLarney says, "we’ve been able to find new ways to support the community’s needs and work toward our goals of creating opportunities to gather, play, learn, grow, eat and discover."

To learn more about Blossom & Wood, visit the website and Facebook page.

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