Author Talk with Jill Mays — “Nurturing Nature: Gardening for Special Needs”

Please join Wilton Library on Thursday, Feb. 6, at 7 p.m. when the library along with SPED*NET will present an author talk with Jill Mays on her new book Nurturing Nature: A Guide to Gardening for Special Needs. While the guide is geared specifically toward individuals with special needs, it has much to offer gardening groups of all ages and abilities as well as anyone starting out.

“Nurturing Nature provides lots of practical, fun gardening activities for children. They will learn that nature is much more interesting than electronic devices.”— Dr. Temple Grandin

Vulnerable populations — such as neurodiverse or physically challenged individuals — are at an elevated risk of suffering from isolation and stress-related illnesses. Gardening is a good solution since it proves beneficial to physical, cognitive, and emotional health. This book gives readers all the information and resources they’ll need to get started!

Mays is the author of Your Child’s Motor Development Story, highlighting the crucial importance of sensory exploration and natural play for healthy development. An occupational therapist specializing in sensory integration for many years, she has conducted workshops in a variety of settings and provided consultation to parents, educators and health care providers. For the past 10 years she has immersed herself in gardening, working with farmers and assisting in the development of children’s garden programs. She developed and currently leads a garden group for special needs adults. Mays lives with her husband, Eric, their Portuguese water dog and a flock of chickens at the far end of Cape Cod.

SPED*NET, Special Education Network, Ltd., is a volunteer-run nonprofit educational organization dedicated to helping parents of children with special needs become their children’s best advocates throughout the special services process and the transition to college, employment or other post-secondary pursuits. The organization strives to empower parents, support families and change the lives of children with special needs.

Elm Street Books will be on site to sell copies of the book, which Mays will sign. A portion of the proceeds benefits Wilton Library.

Registration is required. To register, visit the Wilton Library website.