About
The NatureHoods Program introduces children to “Nearby Nature” in their schoolyard through a series of structured lessons. Each lesson includes a fun activity or game to get kids moving while they learn. Lessons cover concepts such as adaptations, basic needs of survival, pollination, and seed dispersal, and they build observation skills and sensory awareness throughout all sessions.
• Ages: 5–8 years old
• Schedule: Four, one-hour lessons
• Price: The NatureHoods Program offers free science curriculum for K-2 students across Central Oregon.
The curriculum consists of four, one-hour lessons for each grade level, and each grade has its own age-appropriate nature theme with four unique lessons. Lessons align with Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). During the spring session of 2019, the program visited 30 classes at 12 schools, reaching about 600 students in Bend, Redmond, Sunriver, Prineville, Culver, Metolius, and Madras.
NatureConnect Central Oregon, formerly known as the Children’s Forest of Central Oregon, began in May of 2011. The organization’s mission is “Uniting our community to inspire lifelong connections to nature for each child.” It is a network of 30+ partners representing education, health care, public lands, recreation, and conservation, working together to connect kids to nature through learning, exploration, and play. In 2014, The Children’s Forest of Central Oregon was awarded the U.S. Forest Service Chief’s Award for Youth Engagement.
The NatureHoods Program curriculum was written by Cara Gates, NatureHoods Coordinator and AmeriCorps Member (Notre Dame Mission Volunteers of Bend). The leadership team includes Katie Chipko, Executive Director; Molly Alles, NatureHoods Coordinator; Eduardo Romero, Vámonos Outside Community Engagement Specialist; Wesley Heredia, Vámonos Outside Teen Program Manager; and Veronica Vega, Vámonos Outside Youth Program Manager.
Parent- and student-shared feedback includes comments such as, “Thank you for teaching me about nature. You have made me love it more. I play outside more than I ever have,” from a 2nd grader at Buff Elementary in Madras. A 1st grader from Tom McCall Elementary “loves all animals…especially birds…especially Osprey,” and another 1st grader from the same school described themself as a “Nature Superhero,” a description agreed upon with the NatureHoods Coordinator.
Last updated August 1, 2026.
• Ages: 5–8 years old
• Schedule: Four, one-hour lessons
• Price: The NatureHoods Program offers free science curriculum for K-2 students across Central Oregon.
The curriculum consists of four, one-hour lessons for each grade level, and each grade has its own age-appropriate nature theme with four unique lessons. Lessons align with Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). During the spring session of 2019, the program visited 30 classes at 12 schools, reaching about 600 students in Bend, Redmond, Sunriver, Prineville, Culver, Metolius, and Madras.
NatureConnect Central Oregon, formerly known as the Children’s Forest of Central Oregon, began in May of 2011. The organization’s mission is “Uniting our community to inspire lifelong connections to nature for each child.” It is a network of 30+ partners representing education, health care, public lands, recreation, and conservation, working together to connect kids to nature through learning, exploration, and play. In 2014, The Children’s Forest of Central Oregon was awarded the U.S. Forest Service Chief’s Award for Youth Engagement.
The NatureHoods Program curriculum was written by Cara Gates, NatureHoods Coordinator and AmeriCorps Member (Notre Dame Mission Volunteers of Bend). The leadership team includes Katie Chipko, Executive Director; Molly Alles, NatureHoods Coordinator; Eduardo Romero, Vámonos Outside Community Engagement Specialist; Wesley Heredia, Vámonos Outside Teen Program Manager; and Veronica Vega, Vámonos Outside Youth Program Manager.
Parent- and student-shared feedback includes comments such as, “Thank you for teaching me about nature. You have made me love it more. I play outside more than I ever have,” from a 2nd grader at Buff Elementary in Madras. A 1st grader from Tom McCall Elementary “loves all animals…especially birds…especially Osprey,” and another 1st grader from the same school described themself as a “Nature Superhero,” a description agreed upon with the NatureHoods Coordinator.
Last updated August 1, 2026.
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