Take Root – Forest Learning Community: Education in the Forest and by the Sea!

What We Offer

We are a Forest Learning Community

As a Forest Learning Community…

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

Take Root Forest Learning Community offers unique play and learning experiences 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*

Family Forest School, Ages 1.5-4
Options M-F
*Based on availability
*Caregiver/Parent participating and/or on premises

Age 5 and Up Offerings*

Homeschool Forest School, Ages 5+
Options M-F, September-June
*Designed for homeschooling families

Forest Camp, Ages 5+
Options M-F, June & July
*Broward Only

Teacher & Parent Offerings – Adults Only

Forest Teacher Training – Forest School Everywhere
Forest Parent Workshops – Forest School at Home

Take Root does not provide child care services. Parents/Guardians of children under age 5 remain on premises/participate during the Family Forest School programs.

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 and camps 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 follows the rhythms of the seasons and integrates what is happening that day, in that place into the daily flow. The forest children explore, play and experience their world, asking questions and building curiosity. Learning emerges from the interests and curiosities of the children.

During the Forest School Year, September-June, the Forest Learning Community Members are invited to join 3 Family Field Trips, 3 Seasonal Family Festivals, 2 Family Beach Picnics, and more. Forest Camp kids are welcome to experience forest school in the summer at the Bonnet House and Birch State Park in June & July. Parent Workshops and Trainings take place on specific dates during the forest year.

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 home-school experience. Camp takes place during the summer for children ages 5+.

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!

Take Root Mission

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 while nurturing 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

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Let Nature be Your Teacher

“Come forth into the light of things, let nature be your teacher.” William Wordsworth

Where We Are

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!

Apply, Tour & Enroll

Take Root welcomes families to participate in the Forest School programs – as part of the Forest Learning Community from September to June (based on availability). If you feel that the Homeschool Forest School (ages 5+ as of September 1) and the Family Forest School (under age 5) may be right for you and your child/children and would like to apply, give us a call (786) 490-6660 or fill out the form below.

The directors will be in touch to discuss the program and to set up a Tour & Trial. An application will be shared with you if you are interested in visiting and pursuing enrollment. This form needs to be filled out in order to schedule an Experience/Visit Day.
After speaking with the director and filling out the application, you and your children will be invited to visit Take Root for an Experience Day. This will give everyone an opportunity to see if forest school is a good fit. You will also receive the Family Handbook, please read it over to make sure you are positive this is the environment you are choosing for your child to blossom.
Take Root will contact you within a week of your tour/trial to answer any remaining questions and then either invite you to enroll or discuss any concerns that have arisen. If all spaces are full your child will be placed on a waiting list.
Once you receive the official enrollment form, it will need to be completed and returned to Take Root as soon as possible, along with payment of the non-refundable Enrollment Costs: $350 Family Membership per family + $150 Registration Fee per child + Supplies Fees per class/per child (dependent on enrollment).
Your child’s space in the class will officially be reserved as soon as this paperwork is turned in, and the payment is made.

Enrollment Costs are due once a Forest Year and allow the classes to be scheduled and planned, rosters to be set, and supplies ordered. Enrollment Costs are not part of the Class Costs and are non-refundable and non-transferable. Class Costs are paid in monthly payments from August to September, and vary per class. One month advance notice is required to leave the program, along with final payment due. Enrollment and Class Costs vary per program. Please contact with any questions.

Community Supported Education

Each family’s investment bolsters the Take Root Forest Learning Community and its commitment to revolutionizing education.

Community Supported Agriculture is a practice where the community pledges support to a farm by investing in shares before each growing season. The invested money allows the farm to do the work to grow the food. Once the harvest comes in, the farm re-distributes the shares as boxes of food.

The idea of Community Supported Education is similar…we invite you to invest in Take Root Forest Learning Community, thus enriching the lives of your children, yourselves, your community. Each day, every week – as the seasons change, Take Root will deliver nature-based, holistic, fun, and engaging educational classes. Your children will grow, feeling a strong sense of self and community, a better understanding of their surroundings, while developing a natural respect for the world.

Each of you is invited to support the community by rounding up and adding more to your Enrollment Costs or donating separately to the Take Root Family Support Fund, allowing a diversity of children to attend the program.

Enrich your children, yourself, your family & community. Support innovative and holistic education – participate in our programs and TAKE ROOT…PLANT THE SEEDS.