Outdoor Exploration Reaches New Heights Up In The Trees Of Arbor Day Farm
FOR MANY OF US, OUR PASSION FOR NATURE BEGAN when we were young — fostered by hours of outdoor time spent climbing trees, making mud pies, and playing hide-and-seek. Our love of trees sprang forth from time among them.
Today, however, children are less likely to form strong connections with nature. The prevalence of digital devices, an overabundance of scheduled activities, and less focus on the importance of being outdoors mean that more and more, the future stewards of our planet are growing up without a rich wealth of experiences in the natural world.
Arbor Day Farm, located in Nebraska City, is one place that exists to help build that critical connection between children and nature. For nearly two decades, children of all ages have been welcomed to explore the trails of the Tree Adventure, play in the Nature Explore Classroom, and delight in the sights and sounds of the forest on the Discovery Ride. Last summer, Arbor Day Farm expanded this rich engagement with nature, bringing visitors right up into the treetops.
This new space is known as Treetop VillageSM, a fun-for-all-ages nature experience that allows you to explore 11 different treehouses scattered across 3 acres and connected by unique bridges and netted walkways — without ever touching the ground.
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“The addition of Treetop Village is more than just another activity for guests; it is elevating our visitors into the trees themselves,” said Adam Howard, director of Farm Operations. “I love watching children as well as adults running from treehouse to treehouse, exploring the trees around them as well as the terrain below them.”
THE FIRST OF ITS KIND IN THE U.S.
While this attraction was uniquely designed for the configuration of trees at Arbor Day Farm, it is also the first of its kind to be completed in the U.S. “This new addition fits right into our mission. We are excited to be leading the way in this type of natural enrichment,” Adam added.
In addition, the Farm is the first in North America to feature the WonderNet, a large, elevated span of netting specifically designed for jumping and playing. This trampoline-like experience is certainly unique, allowing visitors to bounce high in the branches of the trees that support the structure. And the whole thing is integrated directly into the design to allow people to move seamlessly through Treetop Village.
Also included in this attraction are six platforms, more than 800 feet of elevated walkways, a large viewing deck, a 70-foot suspension bridge, a 50-foot-long netted slide, and other playground-style slides that provide access to the ground.
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With all of this room for adventure, visitors could spend hours playing and exploring. And that is absolutely encouraged. “The most important thing is that there’s no rush to move through Treetop Village. Guests are encouraged to spend as much time as they like exploring this area,” Adam said. “Real and meaningful connections with nature shouldn’t happen on a limited schedule.”
Where else could you have this much fun, all while supporting tree planting efforts in forests and communities around the world? Find all the details about Arbor Day Farm’s Treetop Village at arbordayfarm.org/treetopvillage.
