DWECN Mission

The Dale Waller Early Childhood in Nature Program
at Boxerwood Nature Center & Woodland Garden

Our Mission

To ensure that young children in our community regularly have the opportunity to experience the joy and wonder of being in nature, and to reap the benefits of outdoor play.

Our Philosophy & Goals

Children who experience being in nature from the earliest years develop lifelong connections with the natural world. As they explore and play in the wild, children deepen their sensory awareness, exercise their bodies, follow their curiosity, stretch their imaginations, and learn to walk the Earth with care and confidence.

The Dale Waller Early Childhood in Nature Program at Boxerwood provides the youngest members of our community with opportunities to interact with nature and with each other in a unique outdoor environment. Our approach is to combine self-directed play experiences with a program of guided activities that foster learning and discovery.

In addition, we strive to help the adults in their lives rediscover the joy and wonder of being in nature through—and with—their children.