Children Gather at Eagle Tavern to Learn About Purposeful Plants

Back in the early 1800s, the Watkinsville area was considered the frontier.  It was a time when families' survival depended greatly upon their resourcefulness. 

About a half a dozen children and their parents on July 12 spent the morning at Eagle Tavern learning about some of the history surrounding those settlers, and particularly about the different ways in which they used plants in daily life.

The program was led by Amanda McMurtrey, a volunteer who helps develop curriculum and children's activities at Eagle Tavern. She drew inspiration for the "Purposeful Plants" theme from a similar program offered by The Southern Museum in Kennesaw.

During a reading of "Homeplace," a story by Anne Shelby, McMurtrey led a discussion about plants' edible and medicinal values. Next, participants painted flower pots at picnic tables on the back lawn.  While the pots were drying, everyone headed on a short nature walk to pick wildflowers for pressing, a process which takes about two weeks, McMurtrey explained.

Deena Futris said she thought the program was a nice way for her 8-year-old son Noah to connect to nature while at the same time disconnect from electronic devices.  

"Activities like this help us learn," she said. "This is such a beautiful, historical home we have in town."

The final summer session of Fun Fridays at Eagle Tavern, "Tall Tales," will take place on July 26.  The program is open to children between age three and third grade.  Cost is $5 for the first child in each family, $3 for each child thereafter, and participants are asked to preregister by contacting the Oconee County Welcome Center.