The St. George Village Botanical Garden has appointed Saskia Corke to lead its educational programs. She has a degree in biological sciences and her interests in science ranges from physiology to ecology. She will be leading the Second Saturday workshops, which allow parents and children together to learn about the importance of the natural world around them. They are held on the second Saturdays of each month.

Saturday, Jan. 14 from 9 a.m. to noon: Second Saturday presents “Getting the Scoop on Soil.” Families can come to these interactive workshops to learn the importance of soil even though it makes up a small percent of the earth’s surface. Participants will discover where soil comes from and why it’s a lot more than just dirt and mud. They will go on a soil safari to investigate different types of soil and see what is in it. They will also get to mix two different types of soil. For ages six and older; children must be accompanied by an adult. The cost is $5 per person for SGVBG members and $8 for nonmembers.

Corke also will be coordinating the bi-monthly Story Hour for preschool and kindergarten students at the Garden. After January, Story Hour will be held the first Saturday and third Wednesday of each month.

The first Story Hour of 2012 will be held on Wednesday, Jan. 18, at 10 a.m. Ms. Cheryl Francis, the wife of the lieutenant governor, will be reading to students on the Great Lawn, under the big Kapok tree. The Florence Williams Library will also have the book mobile so that parents and children can take advantage of its resources. Admission is $1 for children and $8 for adults, but Garden members enter for free.

For more information, to register for events or to learn about the additional benefits of becoming a member, call 692-2874. www.sgvbg.org

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