Fall 2025

"Each one of us matters, has a role to play, and makes a difference. Each one of us must take responsibility for our own lives, and above all, show respect and love for living things around us, especially each other."



— Dr. Jane Goodall

Welcome to Fall in the Wauhatchie Forest

Happy October Wauhatchie community!

As we welcomed the autumnal equinox last week, we stood in a moment of perfect balance—equal parts day and night—reminding us of the harmony found in nature and within ourselves. Now, as goldenrod blooms and leaves turn radiant shades of red, gold, and orange, our forest classrooms are transforming with the season.

This fall is especially meaningful as we begin our tenth year of nature-immersive learning at Wauhatchie Forest School. What began with a handful of preschoolers chasing autumn leaves has grown into a vibrant, thriving elementary school community grounded in kindness, joy, discovery, and deep connection to nature, others, and ourselves.

Like the changing seasons, we mark this moment with gratitude—for our shared growth, our milestones, and the joyful learning that continues each day. We remain committed to our values:

• Whole-child Focus: We nurture the emotional, social, physical, and intellectual growth of each student to build confident, resilient, capable, and independent learners.
• Child-led, Nature-Immersive Learning: Through play, exploration, and immersion in nature, children lead their own learning. Forest preschool is rooted in play and nature exploration, while K–5 students experience a thoughtful balance of nature play & standards-aligned academic learning.
• Caring, Skilled Educators: Our dedicated teachers provide individual attention, encourage safe risk-taking, and foster a warm, engaging environment where children feel seen, supported, and inspired.
• Strong Community Connections: We partner closely with families and the wider community to create a collaborative, supportive space where everyone contributes to children’s growth and learning.
• Nature Stewardship & Lifelong Habits: By building a deep connection to the natural world, children develop environmental awareness, healthy habits, and a lasting sense of responsibility—to themselves, others, and the earth.

Just as squirrels gather acorns and birds prepare to migrate, we too are gathering strength for the season ahead. Autumn invites us to embrace both light and shadow, movement and stillness. We’re filled with excitement for all of the learning and growth this season will bring—and deeply grateful to the families, students, and partners who continue to walk this journey with us!

What's Your Wauhatchie Story?

As we mark a decade of fostering curiosity, nature connection, and learning in the great outdoors, we want to hear from YOU—our students, families, teachers, graduates, partners, and supporters! Your stories and experiences are at the heart of what makes this forest school so special. This collection of stories will make a difference in how we continue to inspire, engage, and grow our forest school community for the next 10 years and beyond!

Enrichment at Wauhatchie School

Art and STEAM further enrich the daily nature-immersive learning experience for K-5 students

STEAM in the Forest

This year, the focus is on Atmosphere, a theme that guides the curriculum and supports a pending grant application to further enhance our STEAM program. Thanks to Mr. Bob’s leadership, Wauhatchie has benefited from competitive grants and he also spearheads an after-school Lego FIRST League, with proceeds supporting our school and teachers.

We’re so grateful for the impact Mr. Bob has made, not only in the classroom but in fostering a love for discovery and learning in our students. Thank you, Mr. Bob, for everything you do!

Art in the Wauhatchie Woods

Ms. Brit, Wauhatchie’s beloved art teacher, guides most of our elementary students in creative exploration that connects them with nature and each other. This year in art class, Ms. Brit is focusing on cultivating awareness and creativity through nature journaling—a beautiful practice that combines observation, written reflection, and artistic expression.

So far this school year, art students have been using watercolor to capture the beauty of our surroundings, from trees and leaves to the invisible feelings we experience. Watercolor work, though challenging, has encouraged patience and intention as students practice to master its flow and technique. Younger students have been exploring mandalas and dots, while older students have ventured into more abstract expressions.

Several of our art classes at Reflection Riding recently wrapped up a hands-on, multidisciplinary project where they learned to create their own watercolor paints using goldenrod flowers!

Along the way, they explored a wide range of skills: practicing watercolor techniques, learning how to responsibly forage for the bright yellow blooms, researching and writing about reciprocity in nature, measuring and mixing to achieve the perfect pH balance, and experimenting with color and texture.

This one single project touched on literacy, math, biology, art, chemistry, language—and so much more. And the best part? We’re just getting the school year started!

Thank you Ms. Brit for fostering such a dynamic and meaningful artistic journey for our students. You’re simply the best!

Wauhatchie Partners' Corner

Forest Substitutes Wanted

If you know someone who is great with children, loves being outdoors, and has a flexible schedule, we'd love to add their name to our school substitute list. Requirements: must enjoy fresh air, play time, nature, and the occasional mud puddle!

To apply, email a resume and a few sentences about yourself to substitute@wauhatchie.org or give us a call at (423) 242-3099.