Environmental Education

The Farm

Environmental Learning Through Hands On Participation

St. Croix Montessori's 18 acre campus hosts more then scenic trails and meadows. The farm is located on the East side of our property and is home to 3 alpaca, 2 miniature donkeys, 2 curious goats, and a flock of hens. Our students take a lead role in caring for our farm and animals year round. From collecting eggs to cleaning out the animal pens, students are able to learn how to care for these animals by doing it themselves. St. Croix Montessori focuses on developing ecological literacy in our students, as children need to have the ability to learn from and respond to nature. The child experiences nature as part of themselves.

Children are able to experience our trails, meadow and forest. They can identify trees and native plants, go forging, track wildlife in the snow, and plant gardens.

To honor the farm history of our area and to provide the children with the opportunity to care for other living things, the children do the "farm chores" daily throughout the seasons. Gathering eggs for classroom cooking projects and selling them to our community to support our Elementary micro-economy. Our expansive pavilion provides a place for community gatherings in the fall and spring, and host our 3-9 year old Camp during the summer.

Each classroom has an outdoor environment with many opportunities for purposeful outdoor work. As it becomes even more difficult for societies to connect with nature, we are excited about offering these wonderful opportunities to our children daily.

MN DNR School Forest

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