By: Biol. Jesús Ángel Barajas Fragoso
This month, we concluded the ornithological and botanical activities of the Birdwatchers Club, which comprises 5th and 6th-graders from the Benito Juárez Federal Rural Elementary School, located in the communities of Las Juntas and Los Veranos, near the Vallarta Botanical Garden.
This time, we took the Natural Pigments Workshop, where the youngsters learned to paint and color beautiful portraits of native birds, using common leaves and flowers. Some of the plants they used included Jamaica (Hibiscus sabdariffa), Mucile (Justicia spicigera), and Turmeric (Curcuma longa).
They also learned a bit of experimental chemistry, discovering the color change that occurs with the addition of baking soda or lemon, which alters the pH of the pigments. You, too, can have fun like a child in your own home. Experiment with plants, try painting with their fresh leaves and flowers, bring them to a boil, and grab your paintbrushes.
This activity was inspired by the talk “The Art of Curiosity in the Garden,” given by Catherine Jones and Robin Buterbaugh of South Dakota State University, during the American Public Gardens Association’s 2025 Conference, held in Denver, Colorado, USA.
We concluded with a birdwatch and the presentation of commemorative t-shirts to celebrate the graduation of the 6th-grade class and the closing of this teaching cycle at the Club, which began in 2023. We plan to continue our activities at this beautiful school after the vacations.
