Wolbach Farm provides new stomping grounds for Boston Outdoor Preschool Network’s summer and school year programs.
Boston Outdoor Preschool Network (BOPN) has announced plans to open a nature-based toddler and preschool program at Wolbach Farm, headquarters of Sudbury Valley Trustees (SVT). BOPN will offer all-outdoor summer and school-year programs for children ages 2 through 7 years. The program will open in July 2024.
BOPN and SVT are nonprofit organizations that share a mission to connect people with nature. BOPN combines early childhood and environmental education, bringing families together in community to give children a joyfully muddy childhood under the loving guidance of dedicated teachers. BOPN’s nature-immersive programs operate entirely outdoors, and BOPN is fully responsible for managing and running programs at its host sites.
SVT conserves natural areas and farmland in 36 communities around the Sudbury, Assabet, and Concord Rivers. The organization encourages the full diversity of people in the region to enjoy its conservation areas, and it provides an array of opportunities for people of all ages to learn more about the region’s open spaces and native wildlife.
BOPN Executive Director Sarah Besse commented, “We were thrilled that SVT agreed to host our programs. Our goals are to promote children’s physical and mental health, encourage environmental stewardship, and to develop habits of mind such as curiosity, creativity, and resilience.” She continued, “Both of our organizations understand the important role that nature plays in our health and social-emotional development. This is an ideal pairing.”
Cecil Hynds-Riddle, Director of Development for SVT, added, “SVT is excited to welcome the young explorers of BOPN to Wolbach Farm. When kids explore trails, find frogs, and swing from branches they ignite their sense of wonder for nature and develop a lifelong love for wildlife and the outdoors. These kiddos will be the next generation of caretakers for our natural world.”
More information about BOPN programs—including registration information—is available at www.bopn.org.
About Boston Outdoor Preschool Network:
Boston Outdoor Preschool Network (BOPN) is a nonprofit organization focused on nature-based early education. Our school year and summer programs in Boston, Milton, Malden, Sherborn, and Sudbury combine early childhood and environmental education. Our goals are to promote children’s physical and mental health, encourage environmental stewardship, and to develop habits of mind such as curiosity, initiative, persistence, creativity, problem-solving, and responsibility. We are committed to increasing equitable access to nature by accepting vouchers, offering financial aid to currently 39% of families, and offering equity-focused programs.
About Sudbury Valley Trustees:
SVT is a nonprofit land trust that protects natural areas and farmland for wildlife and people in the 36 communities that surround the Sudbury, Assabet, and Concord Rivers. Working in collaboration with local, state, and federal partners, SVT protects land from development, restores essential wildlife habitats, maintains hiking trails, and sponsors recreational and educational programs. Since its founding in 1953, SVT has helped to conserve more than 8000 acres and 70 miles of trails. www.svtweb.org
