Basics Nature Trail Grand Opening Celebrates Community Partnership and Early Learning
Marietta,Georgia– The Basics Nature Trail is a collaborative effort between The Basics Cobb County, the Emily Lembeck Early Learning Center, and The City of Marietta. This environmental project is designed to promote early childhood development through the five core principles of The Basics:
- Maximize Love, Manage Stress
- Count, Group and Compare
- Talk, Sing and Point
- Explore through Movement and play
- Read and Discuss Stories
The trail features five interactive signs strategically placed throughout Henry Memorial Park, each dedicated to a different principle. They include questions, nature activities, and ideas to guide families through an enriching learning experience, fostering connection and growth. Research from The Harvard University Center on the Developing Child emphasizes that early childhood development is crucial for cognitive,
emotional, and social growth. The cognitive-linguistic capacities that emerge in the early years lay a foundation for success in school, work, and the community.
A Community Effort:
The ribbon-cutting ceremony was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the collaborative spirit of this project. Collaborative staff members were joined by many community members and partners, including children, parents, and staff from the Emily Lembeck Early Learning Center (ELC) and Marietta City Schools, representatives from The City of Marietta, Cobb County Public Library System, Wellstar, and Marietta Ward 5 Councilman M. Carlyle Kent.
“The Basics takes a holistic approach to early learning,” explained Leslie Danford, Literacy Coordinator at The Basics Cobb County, “We want to reach families that we aren’t reaching yet. This is one way we can do that, so that as families are out in the community and around town, they experience the Basics as well”.
Building on their commitment to literacy through supporting initiatives like “Marietta Reads”, The City of Marietta is excited to see The Basics Nature Trail provide another avenue for promoting literacy in a new and engaging way. The Director of Parks and Recreational Facilities, Rich Buss said, “It’s only fitting that this happens at the park”, and referenced the National Recreation and Park Association’s motto, “It’s essential to learn in life’s outdoor classroom”.
The children from the Emily Lembeck Learning Center assisted Executive Director of Cobb Collaborative, Irene Barton, and Director of the ELC, Christine Ramirez, in the cutting of the ribbon. Afterwards, the students and their teachers embarked on a nature trail adventure, exploring each of the signs. They had a great time completing activities, like creating imaginative stories and comparing the textures of natural objects.
The Basics Nature Trail is a testament to the power of community partnerships. The Collaborative extends its sincere gratitude to everyone who contributed to this project, including the staff at Marietta City Schools, the Emily Lembeck Learning Center, The City of Marietta, and The Basics Cobb County.
About The Basics Cobb County-A Program of Cobb Collaborative
The Basics Cobb County’s Vision is a Cobb County where all children, regardless of background, are on track to reach their full potential. By fostering healthy brain development, resilience, learning, and joy, The Basics supports parents and caregivers in their children’s early years. Rooted in the Achievement Gap Initiative at Harvard University, The Basics’ five core principles provide a framework for community-level family engagement. Through collaborative efforts with local organizations, The Basics Cobb County offers interactive programs like Playground Paloozas, which bring families together for 30-minute sessions focused on specific principles. These sessions encourage fun, learning, and skill-building for children, while providing parents with valuable information and activities to continue the learning at home.
For more caregiver tips, visit www.basicscobbcounty.org