Saplings Forest and Farm
✨SAPLINGS OPEN HOUSE | INFO SESSION✨
AUGUST 2, 10:00am-11:00am
Meet the instructors and the very special land at Natembea Farm while learning more about this “new” program.
RSVP by sending an email to michelle@cedarrootschool.org
Saplings Forest and Farm
Nature Studies Program for 5 to 8 year olds
(and developmentally ready 4-year-olds)
We are delighted to offer a nature immersion program for the younger naturalist!
Our experienced and caring staff create an inviting space for children to explore the wonders of nature. Each class is designed to facilitate positive social interactions while children participate in adventure and play in the forest and fields of Natembea Farm. Our "core routines" give a comforting rhythm to each day, but we also provide ample opportunity for students to make their own discoveries and empower them to connect deeply with the natural world.
The Saplings program is founded on the belief that nature is our greatest teacher and includes:
Storytelling
Singing
Movement (such as yoga)
Art experiences
Nature walks
Nature journaling
Naturalist practices/Core routines (Fox walk, Owl eyes, Deer ears)
Whole body nature games and challenges
Wilderness skills
Nature and sensory awareness experiences
Activities that support knowledge of native species (plants, animals, etc.)
Community building
Support for deep care and stewarding of our earth
Program Details
Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10:00am-2:00pm
(Enroll in one or both days)
Fall Session: September 2-December 18, 2025
(Note: There will be no class on Nov 25 and 27)
Location:
Natambea Farm
(2 miles from downtown Port Townsend)
Ages:
5 to 8
Note: Although this program is intended for ages 5 to 8, we are open to developmentally ready 4-year-olds who thrive in small group environments and outdoor learning. Please contact us to explore whether this program is a good fit for your child. michelle@cedarrootschool.org
Instructors:
Michelle Fox
Melissa Kyle
Tuition:
One day-$1,125
Both days-$2,250
Supply Fee:
$75 if enrolled in one day
$125 if enrolled in both days
Maximum class size: 12
2025-2026 Youth Program Calendar
Meet the Instructors
Michelle Fox's heartwork has been with children since she was in college, culminating in the recent completion of four decades as an educator. After obtaining a B.A. in Psychology and a B.A. in Spanish at the University of California at Davis, she earned an Elementary School Teaching Credential from the Multi-cultural/Bilingual Program at Sacramento State University. She has had teaching experiences in bilingual (Spanish/English) Elementary classrooms, Spanish immersion Kindergarten, Pre-school, and Elementary school Art.
From 2013-2023, Michelle mentored children at a non-profit nature awareness organization she founded and directed in SW Washington (TreeSong). She recently felt the call to move to the Olympic Peninsula and is thrilled to have found CedarRoot and continue her work supporting people of all ages in connecting with the natural world. In addition to being the lead instructor for the Sapling program, she is CedarRoot's Program Director.
Melissa Kyle grew up on the Gulf Coast of Texas, crisscrossed the country for a BFA in New York, an early film and TV career in California, then back again to Texas for a MS in Early Childhood Education, before recently relocating to Washington.
After leaving formal classroom teaching for Texas Master Naturalist training and the naturalist life outside during the COVID pandemic, Melissa discovered her own enthusiasm for fostering a love of nature in children.
With a deep respect for the environment and cultural history of the lands we inhabit, Melissa creates immersive learning experiences that connect children with their world through sensory exploration and play. Her approach emphasizes the importance of unstructured outdoor time, allowing children to learn by exploring at their own pace while building resilience and confidence. She believes that nature is the best classroom, where children naturally develop critical thinking skills, creativity, and a sense of stewardship for their community.