The Nature Explore Classroom at Lakeshore Kids & Company

Providing ample room for exploration, Lakeshore Kids & Company is always ready for small or large group activities.

Children have space to create dramatic play scenarios or gather for stories. Large instruments as well as hand held instruments adorn the Music and Movement Area and provide a wonderful way for children to experiment with sound and motion.

Trex wood product was used for many of the planter boxes to hold up through the foggy climate experienced in the early mornings near the coast. The plants chosen for the classroom are often ones seen growing in the community or even donated from families' yards. With the Southern California desert climate, more succulents are being explored. Plants are becoming more established through the years and are beginning to climb up trellises, as well as flowering more. With more blooms, more butterflies are visiting these plants. Hopefully, hummingbirds will come soon.

A parent donated tree stumps for seating and there is now a climbing area made from a donated local tree that was cut down. Children's art work is displayed throughout the playground. These masterpieces are hanging from tree branches, fences and trellises.

Replacing any fencing or overly weathered planters is part of annual maintenance. During Recycling Week in April, the families collected recyclable materials and with the proceeds, the center was able to purchase two picnic benches made from recycled materials.

The Lakeshore website is continually updated with specific information on the children's activities and what they are growing and harvesting. Vegetables and herbs grown in the Nature Explore Classroom are shared with families from the center. In addition, home-grown harvests are brought in to share with families as well as employees of the corporation.