What is ACORNS NW?

What is ACORNS NW?

ACORNS NW is a nature and earth-based experiential learning program. We seek to help nurture and restore connection to the natural world through exploration, play, observation and community.

It is our hope that by exploring the prioritization of nature connection and relationship in the ways we learn, grow, teach, share and live, that we will create more inclusive and sustainable futures for all beings. ​

ACORNS NW Forest School was co-founded in November 2015 as a home school enrichment program by two queer folks, Heather McKenna and Kendra Obom.  Their hope and vision is to create accessible nature connection programming for the Olympia community and Thurston County. For the past two years, they have acted as the directors on a mostly volunteer basis with the hope of providing affordable programming and meaningful employment within their community. In 2016, Melissa Fassbender and Allan Davis helped in the founding of their preschool program which has grown into their most active program. The ACORNS NW community seeks cooperative and justice-based approaches to both social and environmental issues and continues to grow in its capacity to deliver alternative education and nature based community for all ages.