“The children naturally named the places we explored (the faraway place, the stick spot, the ducky place, etc.) and created maps without modeling from adults. They noticed whether water was frozen or not, what plants started to grow in the spring, what changes were happening in the fall. We became aware of the animals and birds that call this forest home, and sought to find red-tailed hawks, blue jays, cardinals, and more. They learned the chickadee calls, the difference between squirrel and rabbit tracks, and observed deer paths.”

- Amber Malek, Outdoor Educator & Director