[Columbia, SC] - Educators planning field trips for the 2006-2007 school year have one more reason to schedule a trip to the Zoo. Riverbanks’ Educational Farm Garden located in the Botanical Garden highlights two prevalent agricultural resources for South Carolina’s economy: cotton and soybean crops.

“The Educational Farm Garden was created in an effort to further educate South Carolina’s children about our rich history and dependence on agricultural resources for our economy. In addition to visiting the Garden, educational groups can plan to walk along the historic riverbank to the old cotton mill and visit the Zoo. It provides an all day educational excursion,” said Amanda Segura, garden education coordinator.

Educators are encouraged to plan the field trip at the end of September and beginning of October to reap the full benefits of the Educational Garden. The cotton and soybeans will be ready to harvest throughout that time period.

Interested educators can schedule a tour with a staff member from the Garden or they can rent backpacks for the day stuffed with different activities. Activities available for school groups include an educational scavenger hunt and information sheets on particular areas.

The Zoo and Garden open at 9:00am. Group rates are available. Tour guides are $50 per group or $7 to rent the backpacks. To register please contact the garden education coordinator at 803.779.8717 x1799 or email asegura@riverbanks.org.