Nature’s Classroom Helps Kids Build Connections With Nature

Nebraska City, Nebraska, September 26, 2005— Nature’s Classroom, the newest attraction at Arbor Day Farm’s Tree Adventure, offers children something unique: fun, interactive opportunities for visual/spatial learning. “Children can interact with nature in a hands-on way that allows them to build connections with and appreciate the miracle of nature,” said Susan Wirth, education director at Arbor Day Farm.

Children can experience the outdoors and let their imaginations come alive in Nature’s Classroom. It features a Clatter Bridge, a Tree House in which children can build their own rooms, three different learning centers where children can play with wooden blocks, create art from natural materials, and explore in a play area made up of logs, woodchips, and leaves. The classroom also offers a performance stage that allows children to make music and move to the sounds of the Meandering Marimba; a grass play area to encourage spontaneous fun; and a Gathering Place that invites families to have a picnic or just relax and enjoy nature.

The goal of Nature’s Classroom is to allow children to have an inspiring experience with nature. “Children need to love nature before we ask them to save it,” said Doug Farrar, Vice President of Arbor Day Farm. “Nature’s Classroom invites spontaneous, fun, purposeful learning, the sense of discovery that comes naturally as children are having a good time. Every area of Nature’s Classroom will encourage children to have a hands-on experience, to feel nature and appreciate its beauty.”

Nature’s Classroom will continue to add new features including a Water Wonders area, with a pond and stream. Nearly all of the classroom is ADA Accessible.

Admission to the Tree Adventure is $6 for adults and $4 for children 4-12, with toddlers free, and with a seedling tree given with each paid admission. Other popular features of the Tree Adventure include the Tree House Trail, the Canopy Tree House, Woodland Pavilion, Hero Gallery, Lied Greenhouse, and the Exploratory Tree House and Trail. The Tree Adventure is open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. every day during the fall. Information on Arbor Day Farm is available by calling (402) 873-8717 or by visiting arbordayfarm.org.

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