PROVIDENCE, R.I. – December 20, 2011 — The Outreach Center at the University of Rhode Island will offer a series of workshops and events centered on wellness and nature, including yoga, herbal remedies and birding, beginning in January. The events will all take place at the Roger Williams Park Botanical Center in Providence.
“The lush, tropical environment of the Botanical Center is the perfect place to get people to focus on the health of their mind and body during the long winter months,” said Sejal Lanterman, coordinator of the Winter Wellness Series.
Yoga will be the focus of three programs in the series, beginning Jan. 21 at 9 a.m. with Yoga for Kids, open to children ages 3 to 6. Yoga poses are introduced through games that increase body awareness and encourage children’s curiosity about movement. At 10 a.m., the Outreach Center will host Yoga for Babies. It is open to mothers and infants four weeks after delivery or six weeks after caesarian. Yoga by Nature will be held Feb. 18 at 10 a.m. The program is open to adults with a focus on flexibility, structured workouts and breathing practices.
Those who register for the yoga programs are encouraged to bring a mat.
Holistic Approaches to a Natural Immunity, a workshop March 10 at 9 a.m., will feature discussions about healing and supporting the immune system with herbs, food and holistic practices. It will include samplings of teas, tinctures and syrups and how to properly prepare and administer them. Bring a mug for your tea!
Other programs on the schedule include:
• Botanical Illustrations for Kids on Jan. 7 from 9 to 11 a.m. during which children ages 8 to 12 are invited to learn how to identify key characteristics of plants and their habitat through colorful art. The Outreach Center will waive the fee for a limited number of Providence students. Call Samantha Richards at (401) 785-9540 ext. 250 for information.
• Winter Birding for Beginners is an introductory program being held Feb. 4 from 9 to 11 a.m. Participants will learn basic birding techniques, including how to use a field guide and binoculars.
• Two tours will be held March 17 at 10 a.m. Ecosystems and Adaptations: A Family Tour of the Botanical Center, is aimed at families including small children and the other, Botanically Speaking: A Tour of the Botanical Center, is aimed at adults and children over the age of 14.
For more information or to register for any of these programs, visit www.uri.edu/cels/ceoc/ or contact Sejal Lanterman at 401-874-4453 or sejal@uri.edu.