Wright-Locke Farm

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Mission and Principles

Forest Friends Mission:

Through our nature-immersive, play-based program, Forest Friends fosters a love of exploratory learning, educates the whole child, and cultivates a genuine connection to the natural world. In these ways, we aim to create lifelong learners, engaged and empathetic citizens, and compassionate environmental stewards.

Our Guiding Principles:

  • Early learning should help children develop holistically: academically, socially, and emotionally
  • Fostering a connection to nature teaches empathy, lays the foundation for environmental literacy, builds respect for nature, and develops a sense of place in the outdoors
  • Measured risk-taking builds resilience, self-esteem, and good judgment
  • Nurturing one’s innate curiosity and a desire to explore and discover establishes a love of learning
  • Outdoor play is important for healthy development in children, improving balance, strength, motor skills, and immune function
  • Children thrive in communities where they feel empowered, respected, and supported
  • Lesson topics are most impactful when they are emergent and based on student interest
  • Understanding and being involved in food production contributes to an interest in eating healthy and making healthy lifestyle choices
  • All children, regardless of circumstances, deserve quality early education

Why a forest-based program?

Education is a key aspect of Wright-Locke Farm Conservancy’s mission. Having a nature-immersive, forest-based program offers our students an incredible opportunity to begin their formal education with holistic development and an emphasis on connecting with the outdoors. Research shows that outdoor, nature- and forest-based learning in early years:

  • Leads to better academic outcomes than traditional educational settings (Kuo et al., 2019)
  • Contributes to emotional learning and wellbeing (Cutting & Sherwin, 2017)
  • Lays a foundation for environmental stewardship (University of Colorado at Denver, 2007)
  • Boosts confidence, social skills, motivation and concentration (O’Brien & Murray, 2007)
  • Has positive impacts on children’s resilience, problem-solving, confidence, independence, social and cognitive competence, and overall wellbeing (Blackwell, 2015)
  • Improves concentration, executive function, creativity, and resilience to stress and adversity (University of Colorado at Denver, 2007)
  • Improves motor skills, such as balance and coordination (Fjørtoft, 2001)
  • Has a significant, positive effect on children’s learning outcomes, especially improving creativity, empathy, cooperation, and sociability (Hattie, 2009)
  • Leads to improved outcomes regarding leadership, self-concept, personality, and interpersonal relationships (Hattie, 2009)
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Inclusion Policy

Wright-Locke Farm Conservancy Is Dedicated To Providing An Inclusive And Welcoming Environment To All, Regardless Of And Not Limited To Race, Religion, Color, Age, National Origin, Military Service, Physical Appearance, Gender Identity Or Gender Expression, Sex Or Sexual Orientation, Or Physical Or Mental Ability Or Disability. We Do Not Tolerate Harassment In Any Form. Please Join Us In Respecting Everyone.