Intergenerational Nature Program
The Intergenerational Nature Program uses nature as a medium for communication and connection between the program participants, hospice residents, their families, and caretaking staff. Individuals and groups come to hospice to assist in the gardens that surround Hospicare and then visit the residents and their families, sharing the experiences, stories, and treasures that their work and nature have provided. The age of participants in the program has varied from infants of 1-2 years old to a 92-year old gentle gardener.
What we do
Participants are active in the garden and offices at Hospicare and may be found:
- Visiting residents and their families and staff
- Planting & harvesting Hospicare’s organic vegetable and fruit garden
- Watering, deadheading, caretaking of plants
- Turning compost
- Mulching and weeding grounds
- Taking nature walks
- Feeding birds and fish
- Gathering, arranging and delivering flowers
- Carving pumpkins
- Repairing and painting exterior fences, furniture etc.
- Assisting with office tasks
- Cooking, baking, and making salads
For more information, call Intergenerational Nature Program Coordinator Joe Smellow at 607.272.0212 or e-mail: info@hospicare.org
Read more about Joe and the program in our Spring 2009 newsletter.
See more photos and information in this presentation about the program.
