The Girl Scouts of Nassau County recently visited Old Westbury Gardens to learn lessons that spanned from landscape design to soil chemistry. The Scouts—ages 9 to 11—had the opportunity to work alongside experts to find out what it takes to become a horticulturalist. The Scouts toured the gardener’s shed and learned the purpose of each tool, and how they are used during the process of landscape design.
Experts from the Old Westbury Gardens then taught the girls the science of soil. They learned how soil chemistry affects plant growth, which plants are hardiest and how to plant for sustainability. The event culminated when each budding gardener received a bulb to plant in their own backyard.
The visit to Old Westbury Gardens was part of the Girl Scouts of Nassau County’s ongoing initiative to provide Scouts with a wide variety of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) activities and experiences. The STEM program was created in an effort to encourage young girls to form an interest in science and technology, and inspire critical thinking, while also opening their eyes to the many future STEM-related job opportunities. The Girl Scouts of Nassau County offers multiple STEM initiatives per month and throughout the year.
Girl Scouts of Nassau County is 23,000 strong—made of girls and adults who believe every girl from Nassau County can change the world. It began more than 100 years ago with one woman, Juliette Gordon “Daisy” Low, who believed in the power of every girl. Today, her vision of building girls of courage, confidence and character who make the world a better place by helping them discover their inner strength, passion and talents continues. And with programs in Nassau County, across Long Island and throughout the United States, there’s a chance for every girl to do something amazing.
To volunteer, reconnect, donate or join, visit www.gsnc.org or contact Donna Rivera-Downey at 516-741-2550.
