Botanical Bash at Fairchild showcases students’ green designs
Nearly 200 students wore imaginative fashions, performed on organic band instruments or modeled unique animal masks in the recent Botanical Bash at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden in Coral Gables.
The students, who participate in the Fairchild Challenge educational outreach program, descended the majestic “Stairway of Style” at the Visitors Center before hundreds of relatives, teachers, environmental supporters and community members. Environmentalist Hunter Reno of South Miami emceed the Dec. 15 event.
Whether performing in a botanical band, participating in the Parade of Animals or modeling fashion creations, students used natural, plant or recycled materials in their creations. Students from 13 high schools, 27 middle schools and 30 elementary schools participated.
Established in 2002, the Fairchild Challenge is a multidisciplinary, environmental education outreach program that encourages students — pre-k through 12th grade — to appreciate the beauty and value of nature. Some 120,000 students and teachers in South Florida schools participate.
