EdenAcres Environmental Education
Education · Environment · Community
440-479-4813
Welcome to EdenAcres
​At EdenAcres, we're dedicated to fostering environmental stewardship, advancing equitable education, and building resilient communities through nature-based learning. Our programs are designed to connect people with the natural world, empower marginalized communities, and create lasting positive impacts on both individuals and the environment.
Our Mission
At EdenAcres, we create inclusive, nature-based educational experiences that center equity, diversity, and inclusion while fostering a deep connection to the natural world. We build resilient communities by providing hands-on learning opportunities, empowering underserved populations, and promoting environmental stewardship.
Our Vision
We envision a world that cares for the Earth and its people, one that is equitable and exists within the limits of the ecosystems that sustain us. At EdenAcres, we believe fostering environmental literacy and a deep connection to place are key components to building resilient, inclusive communities and creating a sustainable future for all. Through nature-based education, we aim to empower individuals—especially those from historically marginalized communities—to lead in the stewardship of their natural surroundings. Education is our focal point because it is the means by which we pass culture, knowledge, and stewardship from one generation to the next.
EdenAcres
Nature School
At EdenAcres Nature School, we're on a mission to create curious, confident, and compassionate young learners. Our nature-centered philosophy encourages children to explore, inquire, and discover the wonders of the world around them. With experienced educators who share a deep love for nature, we provide a nurturing space where children flourish.
Nature Is Our Classroom
Fostering the development of the whole child through emergent and child-centered learning, play, exploration, and discovery in the natural world.
At EdenAcres, we empower learners through experiential and
environmental education.
We envision a world that cares for the Earth and its people, is equitable, and exists within the limits of the ecosystems that provide for our needs. We understand that fostering environmental literacy will help us to realize that vision. Ecological literacy and having a connection to place will be key components to creating a sustainable future for all. There are many access points to addressing a changing climate, to increasing academic achievement, and improving the lives of children and families. We have chosen education as our focal point because we believe that education is the means by which we pass culture from one generation to the next.
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Nature Preschool for children ages 3 - 5
We believe that nature is the best classroom. Our nature preschool provides a unique and enriching learning experience for young children, allowing them to connect with the world around them in a meaningful way. Through a blend of outdoor exploration, hands-on activities, and a nurturing environment, we foster a lifelong love of learning and a deep appreciation for the natural world.
Our curriculum is rooted in nature and guided by the principles of play-based learning. We weave science, math, literacy, and art into our outdoor adventures, allowing children to develop a holistic understanding of the world around them. Our experienced teachers observe each child's interests and adapt the curriculum to meet their unique needs.
Whether it's a nature hike, a hands-on science experiment, or an art project inspired by the changing seasons, our preschoolers are always active participants in their own learning journey. We offer flexible scheduling options to accommodate the needs of your family.
Our sister school in Portland's Washington Park
At our forest preschool, we embrace nature as the ultimate classroom. Our fully outdoor program provides young children with a unique and enriching educational experience, fostering a meaningful connection with the world around them. Through a blend of outdoor exploration, hands-on activities, and a nurturing environment, we cultivate a lifelong love of learning and a deep appreciation for the natural world.
Our curriculum is rooted in nature and guided by play-based learning principles. We seamlessly weave science, math, literacy, and art into our outdoor adventures, allowing children to develop a holistic understanding of their environment. Our experienced teachers observe each child's interests and adapt the curriculum to meet their unique needs.
Whether it's a nature hike, a hands-on science experiment, or an art project inspired by the changing seasons, our preschoolers are always active participants in their own learning journey.
We prioritize the social and emotional development of each child. By engaging in cooperative play and group activities, children build essential social skills, such as communication, teamwork, and empathy. The natural setting provides countless opportunities for children to learn about resilience, problem-solving, and environmental stewardship. Our goal is to create a supportive community where every child feels valued and inspired to explore their potential.
Forest School for children ages 5 - 7
Children are intrinsically motivated to learn. They do so though play and exploring the world around them. At EdenAcres, we foster a child’s natural sense of wonder as we gently move between instructor-led and child-driven play and activities. We celebrate that children learn through hands-on and minds-on experiences. Each day our educators provide opportunities for your child to select, explore, and practice skills. Academic concepts of numeracy, literacy, culture, and science are seamlessly integrated into our daily rhythms. Through a balance of play, exploration, and instructor-led games and activities, children develop problem-solving skills, self-regulation, social-emotional and motor skills.
Forest School for children 8-12
A holistic learning community using 40 acres of native forest land as our classroom. Each day children move between instructor-directed activities and self-directed play and exploration, both of which contribute to the holistic development of a child’s hands, heart, and mind. Our place-based and seasonal curriculum integrates reading, writing, math, social studies, and the arts through hands-on projects, games, and activities. We have chosen the forest as our classroom because research shows that experiences in nature are essential for the healthy growth and development of children. Abundant time in natural settings yields long term benefits in children’s cognitive, emotional, and social development. On top of all that, nature is the perfect place to learn about the world we live in. The natural world provides the living context in which to learn about cycles, interdependence, energy and resources, scale and limits, diversity, succession, sustainability, and community.
Farm Explorers for children 5-7
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Farm School for children 8-12
A holistic learning experience using a permaculture subsistence farm as our classroom. Each day children move between instructor-directed activities and self-directed play and exploration, both of which contribute to the holistic development of a child’s hands, heart, and mind. Our place-based and seasonal curriculum integrates reading, writing, math, social studies, and the arts through hands-on projects, games, and activities. We have chosen the forest as our classroom because research shows that experiences in nature are essential for the healthy growth and development of children. Abundant time in natural settings yields long term benefits in children’s cognitive, emotional, and social development. On top of all that, nature is the perfect place to learn about the world we live in. The natural world provides the living context in which to learn about cycles, interdependence, energy and resources, scale and limits, diversity, succession, sustainability, and community.
For teens and tweens 12-15
Venture into the mythical world of Hollowcroft Nest with the Forest Keepers Guilds! Embark on a thrilling adventure where you create your character and choose your path—become a Mage, Adventurer, or Creator. Unite with fellow guild members, guided by skilled Guild Masters, as you explore enchanted forests, craft magical tools, and solve the mysteries of this magical realm. Level up by mastering real outdoor skills like wilderness survival, animal tracking, herbal crafting, and woodworking. Discover new powers, grow your talents, and face fantastic challenges as you journey through Hollowcroft Nest and beyond!
At the Forest Keepers Guild, students dive into specialized skills and hands-on projects led by experienced Guild Masters. Each guild offers a unique path of exploration, discovery, and mastery!
Connect with Us
We're always eager to connect with parents and prospective families who share our enthusiasm for nature-based education. If you have questions or would like to learn more about EdenAcres Nature School, please reach out. We look forward to welcoming you to our nature-loving community.
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440-479-4813
EdenAcres Land Acknowledgment
At EdenAcres, we honor the land upon which we gather, learn, and grow. We acknowledge that this land is the ancestral territory of the Tualatin Kalapuya people, who were the original stewards of this place for countless generations. Following the Willamette Valley Treaty of 1855, the Tualatin Kalapuya were forcibly removed to the Grand Ronde Reservation, where their descendants remain as part of the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde.
We recognize their enduring connection to this land and the resilience of Indigenous communities across the region. As we work in nature-based education and restoration, we are reminded of the deep and reciprocal relationship between people and the earth.
In our commitment to fostering curious, confident, and compassionate young learners, we strive to honor Indigenous ways of knowing and to engage in practices that restore and sustain the land. We invite our community to join us in this effort by listening, learning, and respecting the stories and stewardship of those who came before us.
We give thanks to the Tualatin Kalapuya and all Indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest, whose traditions and care for the land inspire our work toward a more equitable and sustainable future.
