Nature Play: Design Build Exploration with Children as Co-creators – Fall 2015

Pam Harwood, of the Ball State University Department of Architecture, led teams of students from various majors in this Immersive Learning project designed to combine learning and playtime for Muncie children.

“Our children are the first generation to be raised without meaningful contact with the natural world,” wrote Richard Louv. This project presented a variety of small-scale design-build opportunities for interdisciplinary teams of students to develop into innovative play elements for a nature-based outdoor learning environment at Head Start’s preschool in Muncie. An integration of design, making, teaching, and learning was paramount in this elective. Whether using salvaged timbers for a series of small bridges in the wetlands, or re-harvested wood in the knowledge wall, sustainable construction and environmental education was the goal of this nature-based preschool environment. Age-appropriate activity settings were co-created with children in a user-centered manner, where the approach to learning was gently guided, open-ended explorations in sensitively constructed learning spaces and natural habitats.

MUGI Gardening Workshop

September 29, 2015 (6:00 – 7:30 pm)

The Muncie Urban Gardening Initiative is hosting another workshop at the Motive our Minds Garden (corner of Lowell & Burns). Special guest Henny Penny the chicken will educate participants on how to control pests and disease in the garden.

May 09, 2015 – Neighborhood Clean-ups

Members of the Old West End, Thomas Park/Avondale,  Whitely, and Minnetrista Neighborhood Associations partnered with the Muncie Sanitary District to help clean-up their communities. The first date of the spring clean-ups was May 2nd. Volunteers helped pick up trash and debris alongside their neighbors. Thank you to all those who helped beautify the city as part of the spring neighborhood cleanups.

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PHOTOS: May 02, 2015 – Neighborhood Clean-ups

Members of the East Central, Forest Park, Blaine, Southeast, South Central, Industry, and Pettigrew Acres Neighborhood Associations partnered with the Muncie Sanitary District to help clean-up their communities. The first date of the spring clean-ups was May 2nd. Volunteers helped pick up trash and debris alongside their neighbors. Thank you to all those who helped beautify the city as part of the spring neighborhood cleanups.

South Central CleanupBlaine/Southeast Cleanup East Central CleanupForest Park Cleanup

April 22, 2015 – MSD Free Shred Your Files Day

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The Muncie Sanitary District offered its annual Free Shred Day on Earth Day, April 22nd from 8:00 am – 1:00 pm at the MSD Sanitation Department Barn (811 E. Centennial Ave. Muncie, IN 47303).

The MSD celebrated Earth Day along with city residents by disposing of  files safely and free of charge. A certificate of destruction was provided for participants upon request.

*Limit: 50 “file” boxes per person or company.