MHTA's 32nd Annual Conference and Workshop       March 12-13, 2010 Plant and Soil Sciences Building Michigan State University, East Lansing Download the Conference Brochure and Registration Form Annual Conference ~ Horticultural Therapy: Connecting People and Plants Friday, March 12, 2010 ~ 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. "Restoring Hope Through Horticultural Therapy" Keynote speaker: Melanie Hammer, MSW, HTA Saturday Workshop ~ Horticultural Therapy in Action March 13, 2010 ~ 8:30 p.m. - 12:30 p.m. "Top Ten Activities for Every Season" Presenter: Melanie Hammer, MSW, HTA

Seedy Character Contest Rules || Map to PSSB at MSU || TownePlace Suites Hotel

The Michigan Horticultural Therapy Association (MHTA) will hold its 32nd annual conference, "Horticultural Therapy: Connecting People & Plants," in conjunction with Agriculture and Natural Resources Week. The keynote address, "Restoring Hope through Horticultural Therapy" will be presented by Melanie Hammer, MSW, HTA, a 2005 graduate of the Horticultural Therapy Institute and Director of a horticultural therapy program, Wellstone Regional Hospital in Jeffersonville, Indiana, a 100-bed psychiatric hospital and outpatient center for children, adolescents and adults.

The MHTA conference also features informative breakout sessions, book sales, hands-on workshops, displays, refreshments, door prizes, Seedy Character contest, and optional visit to the MSU Indoor/Outdoor Children's Garden.

This event is useful to anyone interested in learning how the people-plant interaction brings therapeutic change and improves well-being in a variety of settings. Aspects of horticultural therapy can enhance occupational and recreational therapy programs, adult day services, children's programs, school gardens, community and healing gardens, corrections, hospice, medical care/mental health and rehabilitation settings.

Early Registration fee is $55 for MHTA members/$75 for non-members (postmarked by March 1). Regular registration is $65 for MHTA members/$85 for non-members. Annual membership is $20 (see website). Registration fee includes lunch (vegetarian option available). Free parking. Reasonably priced hotel rooms are reserved for Thursday and Friday nights at TownePlace Suites Hotel (use code BCMO for special rate).

The Saturday Worshop Horticultural Therapy in Action" will be held on March 13. Melanie Hammer, MSW, HTA, will present "Top Ten Activities for Every Season". Participants will also have the opportunity to complete HT activities while simulating a physical or mental challenge. Registration in $40; includes materials and refreshments. MHTA members only (join today). Space is limited. For more information, contact Cathy Flinton, HTR at 517-332-1616 x238 or Cathy@MichiganHTA.org or Kathy Carroll at Kathy@MichiganHTA.org or John Murphy at 269-345-6039.