Where Nature Nurtures Community
About us
The Happy Place Foundation is an innovative and transformative educational initiative focused on providing children, families and communities with enriching experiences in Nature. Located in the mountains of Santa Fe, our nature-based programs are designed to immerse children and adults in the natural environment, fostering their holistic development and cultivating a lifelong connection with Northern New Mexico’s wild places. Our dedicated team of educators utilizes nature-based curriculum and imaginative and creative approaches to create meaningful learning experiences for all ages and skill levels. We believe in the power of the natural world as a dynamic classroom, where people can develop a deep sense of wholeness, connection, inspiration, resilience, creativity, wonder and stewardship towards that which we love; the land, our community and the thriving dream of our future.
Benefits of Nature-Based Education
Teaches practical life skills & problem-solving
Stimulates academic growth and love of learning
Reduces stress and enhances mental and emotional health
Keeps a child’s creative genius in tact
Increased focus and concentration
Risk assessment and management
Mind
Balances the nervous system
Increased physical strength, stamina and flexibility
Boosts self-esteem
Complete sensory experience
Improves balance, coordination and motor skills
Cultivates strong immune system
Body
Inspires creativity, confidence, curiosity and independence that allows one to truly know thyself.
Develops a deep and lasting connection to all Life
Awakens and develops the senses and intuition
Cultivates a life of awe and reverence.
Increases empathy, altruism and gratitude
Spirit
Improves behavior through conflict resolution and positive boundary-setting
Strengthens social and personal skills
Creates a greater sense of peace, connection and emotional resiliency
Secure attachment and trust
Self-sufficiency and practical life skills
Family
Inspires stewardship for the environment and place through deep love and connection
Creates a sense of belonging
Teaches teamwork and cooperation
Community
Aware of seasonal changes and a sense of rhythm of life
Biological and ecological literacy
Cultivates real and lasting relationships with plants, animals, elements and energy
Planet
Our sacred work is to let imaginations, hearts and bodies run wild! To be guides, models and cheerleaders for the unique expression of each individual; what they feel, what they create, ways they play and learn and what they love.
“An environment-based education movement - at all levels of education - will help students realize that school isn’t supposed to be a polite form of incarceration, but a portal to the wider world.’’
~Richard Louv
Last Child In The Woods
