Preschoolers learn about potatoes

By JESSICA HARKER

jharker@vindy.com

The MetroParks Farms had an event for preschoolers to learn about potatoes on Sept. 25.

Naturalists Brenda Markley and Lynn Zocolo ran the event, where they taught preschoolers about the differences between potatoes and what you can make from them.

“It’s a fun way for kids to learn about what we grow at the farms,” Markley said.

During the event children went out to the garden where Zocolo dug up potatoes the farms grew that year.

Children were encouraged to point out the differences between types of potatoes, and talk about the traits and taste of different potato products.

“We grew potatoes at the parks this year, which we don’t always do,” Markley said. “Its great to show kids in real life what we do here at the farm.”

Children colored pictures during the event.

They were also allowed to mash their own potatoes and taste tested various potato products including chips and mashed potatoes.

Zocolo, a horticulturist who works at Fellows Riverside Garden, discussed with children how potatoes grow.

“A lot of people don’t know that potatoes grow in different sizes and different colors,” Markley said during the event.

The event was offered, according to Markley, as a way for students who have not started school yet to socialize. It also provides socialization for parents and grandparents of young children to meet other people with children of the same age.

For more information about upcoming MetroParks events, go to www.millcreekmetroparks.org.