Riverbanks Volume XXVIII, Number 3 - Riverbanks Zoo and Garden

ZOOventure Programs
Early Childhood Classes
A Camping We Will Go
We will need a flashlight and sleeping bag, too,
because camping is the thing to do! What animals will
we encounter on our camping adventure? Come find
out on this cool camp class.
Ages: 2–4
Length: 45 minutes
Location: Wildlife Classroom
Cost: $9
Family On Safari
Experience the zoo that few get to see, the Zoo at
night! Riverbanks staff members are your guides on an
unforgettable night of games, activities and behind-thescenes
tours. Families should bring their own sleeping
gear, tents and sense of adventure. Price is per person
and includes light snack and continental breakfast.
Ages: 5 and up
Length: overnight – 7pm to 9am
Cost: $39 per person
Pony Pals
Meet our Shetland ponies up-close and personal! Young
pony lovers will have a chance to feed, brush and ride the
ponies. Parent participation is required for this class (one
parent per child please). Registration, dates, times and
availability online only at www.riverbanks.org
Ages: 3–4
Length: 1 hour
Cost: $16
Pony Whisperer
Come meet our Shetland ponies up-close! This class is
specifically designed for the younger pony lovers out
there. Children will learn how to feed, groom and care
for the ponies! Parent participation is required for this
class (one parent per child please). Registration, dates,
times and availability online only at www.riverbanks.org
Ages: 5–7
Length: 1 1/2 hours
Cost: $18
For many years, recycling has been available in communities
across the United States. In fact, we hear about recycling so
much that we can easily take it for granted. Is it really a
beneficial practice? Are we recycling as much as we could be?
The US EPA estimates that about 75% of the materials we use
are actually recyclable, but we recycle only about 33%.
Indeed, recycling is one of the most simple, yet effective,
things you can do to have a positive impact on the earth’s
resources. The items you recycle actually have value to the
companies that process them. By turning used items into
material that can be bought and sold, recycling actually
creates jobs. It also reduces the need for landfills and
incinerators, as well as saves energy and reduces pollution.
Many of us recycle items like paper, aluminum cans and
plastic bottles. Other commonly recycled items are newspapers,
cardboard, steel cans and glass bottles. In addition, we should
be thinking outside the box when it comes to recycling. Did
Garden Classes and Workshops for Adults
The following classes are designed for anyone age 16
and up with an interest in gardening. Each two-hour
program is held in the Botanical Garden and costs $15,
unless otherwise noted.
Container Gardening
Watch us demonstrate the basics of creating full,
invigorating containers, then make your own with our
plants. Bring your own container up to 18 inches in
diameter, and we provide the rest. Cost: $25
Cooking with Herbs
Using fresh herbs from the garden can make all
the difference in a meal. Learn some easy ways to
incorporate the fresh taste of herbs in everyday meals.
Landscape Design for Foundations
Learn the basic design principles of a good foundation
planting, and then get a one on one consultation with
your instructor. Participants should bring a sketch
of their landscape or photos with them. Each class is
limited to 10 participants. Cost: $25
Landscape Trees
We will discuss a variety of different tree species
and their landscape value. Workshop will also cover
general maintenance and care as well as inspecting
trees for insects and diseases.
Low Maintenance Plants
Whether you are limited on time, or have a difficult
space, these plants can make all the difference. Discover
the world of plants that don’t need much water,
attention, or love, but still look great all summer long.
Native Plant Gardening
Using native plants means less work for gardeners and
better habitats for animals. These plants naturally
survive Columbia’s hot summers and provide the
necessary food and shelter for wildlife. We will highlight
some of the best native plants for this area
Viburnums and Hydrangeas
As companion plants or stand alone specimens, this
workshop will cover their landscape value, different
types of each, and their cultural requirements so you
can have beautiful shrubs in your yard.
Going Green
Recycling Revealed at Riverbanks
By Jennifer Rawlings, Aquarium Supervisor
Gardinners: A Brown Bag Demo
Bring a brown bag dinner to the Botanical
Garden, meet fellow gardening enthusiasts and
enjoy informal demonstrations with professional
“green thumbs” the first Thursday of every month.
Gardinners will offer timely growing tips and
presentations on how to maintain your garden in a
relaxed but informative environment.
Ages: 16 and up
Location: Botanical Garden - Parking at West
Columbia entrance only
Dates: first Thursday of each month
Time: 6:00pm until 7:00pm - Gates open at 5:30pm
Cost: $7
Garden Programs for Kids
Caterpillar Critters
Kids ages 3 and 4 will learn about a caterpillar’s
transformation into a butterfly and plants that it likes
to eat.
Length: 45 minutes
Cost: $7
Class Registration
Preregistration is required for all activities.
Please complete the registration form.
No registrations will be accepted by phone.
Register early. Space is limited.
Upon receipt of registration and payment, a
confirmation will be mailed.
If an activity is filled, your check will be returned.
Cancellations and Refunds
Written cancellation must be received at least two
weeks before the scheduled program date in order
to receive a refund or reschedule your reservation.
No refunds will be issued for cancellations made
less than two weeks before the program date.
Riverbanks reserves the right to cancel or
reschedule any activity.
A full refund will be issued if Riverbanks cancels
any activity.
you know that many items can be hazardous when placed into
landfills because they can contaminate soil and water in the
area? Many of these items, such as batteries, electronics, compact
fluorescent light bulbs, used tires, paint and used motor oil, are
easily recyclable.
As part of a new initiative, Riverbanks is working to make
recycling easier for its 900,000 annual visitors. The staff at the
Zoo has been recycling for many years, but now you will be
able to participate as well with the new bins around the park.
So next time you visit, look for our new recycling containers
and help support recycling efforts in Columbia.
To find out more about recycling, visit the following Web sites:
www.scdhec.gov/environment/lwm/recycle/index.htm
www.Earth911.com
www.epa.gov
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