Friday, the Access Event Centre was host to vendors, conservationists, and information booths, all with a focus on plants, animals, and local ecosystems.

Over 180 grade 5, and 50 grade 8 students were invited to attend Morden's first Nature and Garden Expo. Clare Agnew, Community Services & Events Manager, says the expo was created from a desire to engage the local youth and public more.

"One of the things Communities in Bloom is looking for is how we are sharing our information with the students and how we share information with the public about gardening, nature, and the environment."

Louise Penner (left) with co-owner Barbara Froese.

Students were encouraged to visit the numerous booths for a scavenger hunt, learning about the local plant and animal life, and conservation efforts in the area. In addition to attending the booths, Agnew says the grade 8's were assigned science projects to display at the expo.

Louise Penner, an owner of Prairie Belle Greenhouse, says it was a great experience to teach the kids about plants, particularly annuals. Penner adds some kids had a green thumb.

"I asked them if they were planting any flowers themselves and some of them are, that's good to see because some of them are the future of our greenhouse industry."

The event was an experiment in finding the best way to engage the public in the matters of plants, nature, and green initiatives. Agnew says there is potential merit to this event, and an idea they might debate bringing back in the future.