Outdoor School Programs: Experiential Learning in the Blue Ridge Mountains
Environmental Education Classes
Our Environmental Education Curriculum adheres to the standard course of study requirements for 4th-7th grade in North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee and can easily adapt to fulfill other grade and state requirements. Our courses allow students to experience first-hand the interactions of their environment.
Forest Ecology: Explore our beautiful, temperate rainforest here in the Appalachian mountains! Discover the secret lives of trees, the beauty in biodiversity, and the interconnectedness of the forest ecosystem, all in our favorite classroom: the forest itself.
Mountain Ecology: Connect with the oldest mountain range in the world! Take a hike to a breathtaking viewpoint and witness the unique geological processes and ecosystems that make the Blue Ridge Mountains a biodiversity hotspot like no other.
Animal Ecology: Discover the native animals of our region like never before. This class combines field observation, like hunting for tracks, with exciting role-play games and a special opportunity to meet and interact with our animal ambassadors in our Nature Center.
Aquatic Ecology: Get up close and personal with the wildlife in our campus ponds and streams! Learn to safely collect and identify aquatic macroinvertebrates, investigate underwater habitats, and measure the health of our water systems.
Geology: This class ROCKS! Explore rock types, the rock cycle, and learn about the geologic history of the Blue Ridge Mountains. From ancient volcanoes to gravel with a backstory, surprises await!
Bog Ecology: Explore our very own, very rare Southern Appalachian Mountain Bog! Travel through several wetland ecosystems along the way and learn about their importance in our day-to-day lives. Get a close look at rare plants, animals, and the work of our resident “ecosystem engineers”
Web Of Life: Get caught up in the interconnectedness of everything around us in this interactive class. Learn about Biotic and Abiotic factors, as well as the impact of environmental stressors. Web of Life is a wonderful way to tie our curriculum together!
Sustainable Futures: Creating a better future starts with knowledge! Learn about the ways that human activity affects the world while exploring creative solutions to common modern problems like waste, energy use and more.
Regenerative Food Systems: Explore our permaculture garden and think like a regenerative farmer! This class covers crops, soil health, compost, and resource management with real life experience.
Adventure and Team Building
Get ready for a challenge! Our adventure and teambuilding experiences are designed to push boundaries, build confidence, and deepen connections. Through exciting activities, students have the opportunity to challenge assumptions, discover new strengths, and develop useful skills.