Memphis, TN – Memphis Botanic Garden (MBG) is pleased to announce the introduction of a Storybook Trail in the Urban Home Garden beginning this September. The Storybook Trail features “Lola Plants a Garden” by Anna McQuinn on child-height panels, and families are encouraged to engage with the text through reading tips as they stroll the short path and read along together. The Storybook Trail was made possible by a grant from the Governor’s Early Literacy Foundation with a mission to strengthen early literacy in Tennessee.

A family-friendly opening event on September 28 from 10 am-12 pm will include a ribbon cutting, hands-on activities, storytime, and a child-friendly tour of our Urban Home Garden. The event is free with Garden admission, and no reservation is necessary. Attendees are encouraged to bring a picnic lunch and stay after the program to continue the adventure on their own.

“I am so excited for the Memphis Botanic Garden to have its first Storybook Trail. The book, Lola Plants a Garden by Anna McQuinn, comes to life when read among the flowers and trees that surround the trail,” said Brianna Helms, Membership and Volunteer Manager. “Mastering reading is an absolutely critical skill that begins in early childhood, and I feel honored we can be a small part of a child’s literacy journey.”

“Our mission is to strengthen early literacy in Tennessee by equipping children with books and innovative literacy tools that foster lifelong learning,” said James Pond, GELF President and CEO. “The Storybook Trail program creates an enriching learning experience by combining literacy with physical activity, allowing children to connect with books while exploring the outdoors. We are deeply grateful to the Memphis Botanic Garden for their partnership in bringing a Storybook Trail to their community. Together, we’re expanding opportunities for children across the state to get outside, get active, and get reading!”

The Storybook Trail program was launched in July 2018 through a partnership between Governor’s Early Literacy Foundation and Tennessee State Parks Conservancy. The first Storybook Trail at a Tennessee State Park was developed and executed at Long Hunter State Park, with the debut of the “Reading Ranger Trail” in 2016. With that inspiration, Governor’s Early Literacy Foundation has been able to expand the program across the state, in partnership with parks at all levels. The Storybook Trail program now includes 51 trails across Tennessee. The trail at the Memphis Botanic Garden will be the second in the Memphis Metropolitan Area, joining T.O. Fuller State Park.

More information about the Storybook Trail Program, including a state-wide map can be found at https://governorsfoundation.org/programs/storybook-trails/.