Program overview:
Get ready for hands-on, nature-filled fun for our littlest explorers! Join Riverbend educator, Felicia Acconciamessa, for a preschool-friendly, nature-based program that includes a story, art, nature activity, and a “hike” around our preserve.
Every week we’ll gather in Riverbend’s Farmhouse to begin the fun.
Program Details:
This program is designed for children ages 2-5. A caregiver must accompany each child. Siblings under 2 are welcome at no additional charge.
NEW for Spring 2026 — four class options!
Choose the day and time that fits your schedule best located at Riverbend Environmental Education Center:
- Wednesdays at 10:30 AM - starting March 18th SOLD OUT
- Thursdays at 2:00 PM - starting March 19th SOLD OUT
- Fridays at 8:30 AM - starting March 20th JUST A FEW SPOTS REMAINING
OR join us at Saunders Woods of Natural Lands - NEW this spring! Budding Naturalists is being offered at Saunders Woods, a sister location that offers the same child-led, nature-based early childhood experience — just in a different ecosystem. Same rhythm. Same philosophy. A new place to wonder!
- Fridays at 10:30 AM - starting March 20th SOLD OUT
Classes run through May 13th, May 14th and May 15th.
Please note: There will be no class on April 1st, April 2nd or April 3rd.
Inclement weather make-up dates are reserved for May 20th, May 21st and May 22nd.
Designed with our youngest explorers—and you, their amazing caregivers—in mind, Budding Naturalists is all about joyful, hands-on, nature-based learning!
This season, we’ll:
- listen for birds, look up at the trees wondering where they build their nests, and gather sticks, grass, and moss to make our own cozy bird nests
- dig in the soil and plant tiny seeds, watering them and waiting for sprouts
- visit the pond to listen for frogs, look for wiggly tadpoles and observe life in and around the pond
- visit the stream, feeling cool water and watching it move
- explore insects, worms and decompsers
- build fairy gardens with sticks, stones, petals, and imagination
- make music in our musical forest inspired by birds, frogs, wind and rain
- splash in puddles, squish mud between our fingers, and embrace the rain
- Meet animal ambassadors and so much more!
We'll wrap up the season with a cozy fire-and-s’mores celebration during Week 8!
Each week in our Blooming Spring Wonderlands is a new adventure — helping your little one grow curiosity and confidence, while you connect with other caregivers in a relaxed, supportive, and nature-filled setting.
Spots fill quickly (we do sell out!), so please secure your place early.
We can’t wait to explore, play, and celebrate growth with you and your little ones this SPRING! Program details will be provided a week prior to the start of the session.
The cost is $160 per child for each eight-week session. Space is limited as enrollment is capped at 12 participants per session. Siblings under two are free!
