Take Root

We are a Forest Learning Community

As a Community…

• We Learn
  • We Play
    • We Connect…with Nature, Ourselves & Each Other

Take Root Forest Learning Community offers the unique experience of learning in an oasis of trees – in parks and natural areas, away from the fast-paced sprawl of the S. Florida urban jungle. Outdoor experience develops a sense of wonder for the natural world – creating a love and respect that will grow with each child as they grow, inspiring a healthy eco-literate culture. It is every person’s right – to find their place in nature and their sense of self.

Under Age 5 Offerings*: Little Roots Family Forest Days, Ages 1.5-3 Tuesdays or Wednesdays Tender Roots Family Forest Days, Ages 3 & 4 Options M-Th *Caregiver/Parent participating and/or on premises

Age 5 and Up Offerings*: Forest Learning Hub, Ages 5-12+ Options M-F *Designed for homeschooling families

Teacher & Parent Offerings: Forest Teacher Training Forest Parent Education

To learn more please fill out the form at the bottom of this page!

Take Root is a COMMUNITY, where children and their families come together to play and learn. In addition to the wide range of nature-based classes available to young learners, the whole family can engage through family nature field trips, seasonal festivals, as well as parenting workshops and classes. There are also opportunities for stewardship, volunteering and getting involved in the local community and environment.

Take Root is a learning community and does not act as a child-care. Take Root does not provide child care services, instructional classes are offered as support to supplement each child’s homeschool experience.

In the state of Florida, all children, age 5+, must be registered in a learning program, either as a homeschooler with the county or the state using the PEP/Step Up program (age 5+) or with an umbrella school or private school. As homeschooling families, each family is responsible for keeping their own records and directing the education of their children. Take Root acts as an enrichment to homeschool curriculum.

As a member of the Forest Learning Community, each family can expect communications and regular updates on the activities/projects/lessons happening during classes throughout the Forest Year. At the end of the year, any lesson books, nature journals and field guides will be sent home to the family for their portfolio. Take Root may provide support, guidance and resources, but does not offer umbrella school or evaluation services, nor do the classes cover a full curriculum or school schedule, each class is supplemental enrichment. The Take Root team works alongside the families to provide a network of communication. Each class teacher/nature guide will share observations of their students with the directors and families each season. Each class curriculum is unique and based on the subject and emerges from the children, their interests and their experiences.

Take Root follows the rhythms of the seasons and integrates what is happening that day, in that place into the daily flow. The seasonal, place-based classes take into consideration child development and educational standards while using methodologies inspired by various holistic pedagogies like Forest School, Waldorf, Montessori and Reggio Emilia.

During the Forest Year, enrolled families in the community are invited to join 3 Family Field Trips, 3 Seasonal Family Festivals, 2 Family Beach Picnics, and more.

PLEASE CONTACT US FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON ALL PROGRAMS

Let’s GO – ECO – Every Child Outside!

Get to know where you LIVE!

Outdoor learning inspired by nature – the forest to the sea!

Outdoor Learning in the Forest & by the Sea

Take Root’s mission is to facilitate outdoor experiences that inspire the curious mind, instill love and appreciation for nature, and nurture positive and holistic living. Encompassed in the mission is the understanding that being in and with nature encourages respect and admiration for the environment and all living things – cultivating the growth of healthy and diverse communities.

Using a whole-child learning approach, Take Root’s team tends to the ROOTS of GROWTH. Each class supports the needs of the children – leading them through a learning process that nurtures their souls, feeds their minds and strengthens their bond with the community.  Take Root nourishes the ROOTS – tilling the soil in preparation for healthy growth of body and mind – allowing space for each child to find their Sense of Place.

Education for the Whole Child: Head, Heart, and Hands

Forest Learning Community Locations in Southeast Florida – in both Broward & Dade

Take Root Forest Learning Community ~ In the forest and by the sea!

Broward – Bonnet House & Hugh Taylor Birch State Park – Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Travel to the forest by the sea…seek out history and adventure as you meander through the diverse and rich habitats hidden from view – from mangrove estuary to maritime hammock to freshwater pond to the sandy shore.  Discover Natural Florida as you explore the corners of this rich and precious oasis – tucked away amid the hustle and bustle of Fort Lauderdale Beach.  

The Bonnet House is a historic home and gardens in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, United States. It is located at 900 Birch Road.

In addition to their historic significance, the Bonnet House grounds encompass one of the last examples in South Florida of a native barrier island habitat. Five distinct ecosystems can be found on the property including the Atlantic Ocean beach and primary dune, a fresh water slough, the secondary dune which includes the house site, mangrove wetlands, and a maritime forest.

Hugh Taylor Birch State Park is a Florida State Park located in Fort Lauderdale, on East Sunrise Boulevard, between the Intracoastal Waterway and SR A1A.

Hugh Taylor Birch State Park is an oasis of the last Tropical Maritime Hammock in all of Broward County. It preserves the natural heritage of subtropical coastal habitat that once covered southeast Florida.

Dade – Greynolds Park – North Miami, Florida

Travel to the forest…seek the natural world as you hike the hammocks alive with oaks, royal palms and mangroves; explore the bends of the river estuary and the lakes within. Discover natural Florida’s abundant wildlife and the amazing bio-diversity in this verdant community park and natural space.

One of Dade County’s first public recreation areas, this 265-acre park on the banks of the Oleta River was designed by William Lyman Phillips and constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps between 1936 and 1939. The park, formerly a Seminole Indian trading post and later a rock quarry, was created in 1933 from a 110-acre donation to Dade County by A.O. Greynolds, President of the Ojus Rock Company; an additional 100 acres was donated a year later.

The beautiful, lush park has extensive hiking trails through hammock, riverside and mangroves. The hardwood hammocks are home to an enormous variety of trees, providing lush tropical forest in which to explore and play.

 Hollywood /Dania Beach – Mizell Johnson State Beach

Travel to the barrier island to explore the green sand dunes, the lively intertidal zone and the calm estuary. Discover Natural Florida as you immerse into the coastal zone.

This beachside park just south of Port Everglades is the last example of an undeveloped coastal ecosystem in Broward County. Home to one of the last natural tidal creek and mangrove estuary systems in the area, the park is full of wildlife – birds, fish, crabs, manatees, and more!