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Program Overview​

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Our immersive wildlife education program is an invitation to fully step into nature. Not as an observer from a distance, but as an active participant within the living world. Through guided hikes and intentional exploration, participants learn directly from the ecosystems surrounding them. Our backyard right here in Utah becomes the classroom, offering real-time lessons about local ecosystems, native wildlife, plant communities, animal behavior, and the delicate balance that sustains life.

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​Program led by expert guide Lea Long, an ethologist with over three years of experience in outdoor education and guiding children and families through meaningful outdoor experiences. Lea is certified through the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy (ANFT) and holds certifications in Basic Wilderness First Aid as well as Adult, Child, and Infant First Aid, CPR, and AED. She is highly experienced in safely leading both young children and adults through wilderness areas. With extensive knowledge of wildlife encounters and emergency response, Lea prioritizes safety above all else on every experience, creating a welcoming and supportive environment where participants can relax and fully enjoy the restorative benefits of time in nature. Her approach to teaching blends scientific understanding with curiosity-driven exploration, creating a supportive and engaging environment where learning feels natural, inspiring, and accessible for all ages—from young children to teens and adults.

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Forest Therapy Learning Approach

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This way of learning is profoundly impactful because it mirrors how humans have learned for most of our existence—through direct relationship with the natural world. By engaging the whole body and all the senses, learning becomes lived and integrated rather than conceptual. The scent of fresh dirt, the sound of birdsong and wind through the trees, the textures of earth beneath our hands and feet—these sensory experiences ground us in the present moment. As we slow down and tune in, the nervous system begins to calm, allowing curiosity, focus, and awareness to naturally expand. Concepts such as biodiversity, interdependence, adaptation, and conservation are no longer abstract ideas; they are felt, observed, and experienced in real time.

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This approach is deeply informed by forest therapy, also known as forest bathing (Shinrin-yoku), a therapeutic practice originating in Japan and supported by extensive scientific research. Rather than hiking with a destination or agenda, forest bathing invites participants to move slowly and intentionally, immersing themselves in the natural environment and receiving it through the senses. This mindful time in nature has been shown to reduce stress and cortisol levels, support immune function, improve mood, enhance mental clarity, and regulate the nervous system—creating the internal conditions where meaningful learning can truly take place.

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When the body feels safe, regulated, and grounded, the mind becomes more open and receptive. Unlike traditional lesson planning, which often prioritizes outcomes, schedules, and cognitive effort, this therapeutic approach allows understanding to arise organically. Attention is guided by genuine curiosity rather than instruction, and insights are embodied rather than memorized. Learning becomes more meaningful, memorable, and integrated.

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By combining immersive wildlife education with the restorative benefits of forest therapy, these guided experiences nurture both knowledge and wellbeing. Participants of all ages leave with a deeper understanding of our world's ecosystems and wildlife, along with a renewed sense of belonging, responsibility, and respect for the natural world. This approach honors nature as both teacher and healer—offering a powerful pathway to learning, wellness, remembrance, and meaningful connection to the living world and to ourselves.​

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Our immersive wildlife education experiences are offered year-round, embracing the idea that there is no such thing as bad weather—only being unprepared. Each season offers unique lessons, from tracking animals in fresh snow to observing plant adaptations in summer heat or witnessing seasonal transitions in spring and fall. With the right clothing and gear, nature becomes accessible and welcoming in all conditions, allowing us to learn and connect in every season.

All gear and clothing recommendations are provided in the enrollment documents and are required for participation. For the safety and well-being of all participants, proper gear must be worn upon arrival. Participants who arrive underprepared or without the required gear will be sent home and may not participate that day.

Additionally, extreme weather policies and safety conditions—including closures due to unsafe weather events or poor air quality—are clearly outlined in the enrollment documents. On days when conditions are deemed unsafe, programs may be delayed or cancelled to ensure the health and safety of all participants.

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For the safety, privacy, and preservation of our program sites, specific hiking locations are strictly protected and are never shared publicly. Exact locations are shared only with enrolled families, parents, and designated emergency contacts.

Our program operates throughout Utah Valley, utilizing a rotating selection of canyon locations and trailheads.

Locations of operation are established and communicated during the enrollment inquiry process. If you are interested in learning more about the program, detailed documents outlining current and upcoming locations will be provided by the director upon inquiry.

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• Age Range: Children ages 4–12
• Group Size: Small groups of up to 5 participants
• Parental Attendance: Parents may attend alongside their child if they wish
• Schedule: Sessions run Monday–Friday (book day(s) that work best for your family)
• Time: 8:30 AM – 11:30 AM ( about a 3-hour immersive hike)
• Location: TO BE ANNOUNCED
• Program Length: Year round and seasonal sessions available. Book up to as many sessions a week as you'd like.

Summer fills fast!

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Daily Schedule:

8:30 AM: Parent drop-off at the trailhead

8:45 AM: Hike briefing and safety protocol huddle (prep kids for the hike)

8:50 AM: Start Hike

11:30 AM: Parent pickup at the trailhead or parking lot

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Note: Throughout the hike, we take regular, intentional breaks to conduct brief body check-ins, observe and appreciate the surrounding environment, take bathroom breaks as needed, enjoy a light snack, and stay properly hydrated. These pauses support participants’ comfort, safety, and overall well-being while enhancing their connection to nature.

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Participants may enroll for as many days, weeks, or months as they choose. Multiple days per week are welcome.

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Enrollment Fees:

• One day per week per child: $150
• Two days per week per child: $250
• Three days per week per child: $350

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A free trial day is offered for families who would like to experience the program before committing to enrollment.

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To sign up for our waitlist, please click the "Inquire Here"  button below. Our director will email you detailed program information, costs, required documents, and all policies needed to complete registration when enrollment opens in 2030.