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# Asheville Farmstead School

Teaching children about nature and themselves  through the farm and forest.

## Sitemaps

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## Posts

- [A Decade Rooted in Nature: Celebrating  Asheville Farmstead School](https://ashevillefarmstead.org/blogs/a-decade-rooted-in-nature-celebrating-asheville-farmstead-school/) - Ten years ago, a small seed was planted on 25 acres of land in Western North Carolina — a seed that has since grown into a thriving forest school community. The Asheville Farmstead began with a simple vision: to nurture children’s natural curiosity through hands-on, heart-led learning in the outdoors. After ten years of operating
- [Cultivating Gratitude in Early Childhood](https://ashevillefarmstead.org/blogs/cultivating-gratitude-in-early-childhood/) - At Asheville Farmstead School, we believe that gratitude grows just like anything else — when it’s nurtured with care, attention, and connection. Gratitude is one of the simplest and most powerful social-emotional skills we can help children develop. It teaches awareness, empathy, and joy — helping children feel connected to themselves, to others, and to
- [Why Risky Play Matters](https://ashevillefarmstead.org/uncategorized/why-risky-play-matters/) - Last week, a student carefully balanced across a fallen log while others offered supportive words. She paused at the midpoint, steadied herself, and continued with quiet determination. When she jumped down, it was clear she had discovered something powerful about her own abilities. Moments like these define Asheville Farmstead School. They are examples of risky
- [2024 Fiscal Year Annual Report](https://ashevillefarmstead.org/blogs/2024-fiscal-year-annual-report/) - Our Annual Report for the 2024 fiscal year is here! Read the full report here
- [Back-to-School Day at The Farmstead: Setting the Stage for a Wonderful Year](https://ashevillefarmstead.org/blogs/back-to-school-day-at-the-farmstead-setting-the-stage-for-a-wonderful-year/) - As summer winds down and the excitement of a new school year builds, we wanted to share about our Back-to-School Day! This special gathering happens just before the school year begins and offers families, students, and teachers the chance to reconnect, prepare, and share in the joy of the season together. At its heart, Back-to-School
- [We're Hiring: Come Grow With Us at the Farmstead 🌱](https://ashevillefarmstead.org/blogs/were-hiring-come-grow-with-us-at-the-farmstead-🌱/) - We're hiring at the Asheville Farmstead School and would love to connect with you!
- [A New Forest Classroom Rises: Honoring Legacy, Building the Future](https://ashevillefarmstead.org/blogs/a-new-forest-classroom-rises-honoring-legacy-building-the-future/) - In 2024, we were fortunate to receive a grant that allowed us to bring a dream to life: a new nature oasis classroom tucked deep in our forest school campus.
- [Keep Kids Learning and Families Thriving After Helene](https://ashevillefarmstead.org/blogs/keep-kids-learning-and-families-thriving-after-helene/) - When Hurricane Helene swept through our community, it left more than physical devastation—it disrupted lives, businesses, and livelihoods. In the wake of Hurricane Helene, families in our community are facing unimaginable challenges, and their children’s education hangs in the balance. For these families, the storm’s impact goes beyond financial loss; it disrupts the very foundation
- [Thanksgiving: A Cherokee Perspective: Green Corn Ceremony and National Day of Mourning](https://ashevillefarmstead.org/blogs/thanksgiving-a-cherokee-perspective-green-corn-ceremony-and-national-day-of-mourning/) - Thanksgiving, as traditionally celebrated in the United States, is often portrayed as a harmonious feast between Pilgrims and Native Americans, but this narrative omits the complex and painful history experienced by Indigenous peoples, including the Cherokee. To understand Thanksgiving from a Cherokee perspective, we need to consider their unique cultural traditions, history of colonization, and
- [Navigating Growth with SBA’s THRIVE: A Roadmap for the Farmstead’s Future](https://ashevillefarmstead.org/blogs/lala-completes-sbas-thrive-class/) - During the Summer of 2024 I was looking and researching leadership professional development opportunities to participate in during the Fall. Not long into my research I found a program offered by the Small Business Administration (SBA) called THRIVE Emerging Leaders. I was so excited to see that they were still taking applications for 2024, and
- [Forest School Winter Gear: Cotton, Wool, and Fleece Layering](https://ashevillefarmstead.org/blogs/forest-school-winter-gear-cotton-wool-and-fleece-layering/) - BRRR! We came back from our Winter Break to some very cold weather for us in WNC, days where the high was not above freezing and days with the wind blowing that cold air around. And I thought this created the perfect opportunity to talk about our Winter layering for students as well as talking
- [Celebrating Our Journey with The Cedarsong Way: A Look Back and Ahead!](https://ashevillefarmstead.org/blogs/cedarsongwaytrainingsalookahead/) - We want to take a moment and reflect on our incredible journey we’ve taken with The Cedarsong Way and share about the future of our trainings!
- [A Community United: Our School’s Response to Hurricane Helene](https://ashevillefarmstead.org/blogs/a-community-united-our-schools-response-to-hurricane-helene/) - When Hurricane Helene impacted our region, it quickly became clear that the days ahead would require every ounce of community spirit, resilience, and teamwork. At Asheville Farmstead School, we made it our mission to support not just our students and families but also our neighbors, friends, and community members. Here’s a look at how we
- [Supporting Young Learners After a Hurricane: Teaching Science, Resilience, and Community](https://ashevillefarmstead.org/blogs/supporting-young-learners-after-a-hurricane-teaching-science-resilience-and-community/) - In the aftermath of a destructive hurricane, families and educators find themselves not only helping children process what’s happened but also seeking ways to turn these moments into teachable opportunities. For young children between the ages of 2 and 8, navigating such events can be challenging, yet we can use this time to teach valuable
- [January 2024 Nature Notes](https://ashevillefarmstead.org/nature-notes/january-2024-nature-notes/) - Sprouts The sprouts rang in the new year with lots of ice exploration at the farmstead. Each morning they excitedly search for ice each in the pots and pans and in the creek. They have been practicing using different types of tools to chip apart the ice or smash it into small pieces. Using their
- [November Nature Notes](https://ashevillefarmstead.org/nature-notes/november-nature-notes/) - Sprouts: November has brought colder temperatures and frosty mornings at the farmstead. The sprouts have been getting lots of practice developing independence with their layers, listening to their body if they get too hot or cold. With the temperatures dropping, the sprouts have been spending more time in the chicken field running around to get
- [Explorer Nature Notes September 2023](https://ashevillefarmstead.org/nature-notes/explorer-nature-notes-september-2023/) - September was a fun month as the Explorers returned to school! We had the experience of being part of nature as the Summer ended and watching the Fall season begin. We enjoyed learning about the native plants and animals located in the heart of Western North Carolina. We took expeditions into the forest to learn
- [Sprout Nature Notes September 2023](https://ashevillefarmstead.org/nature-notes/sprout-nature-notes-september-2023/) - The new school year has been off to a great start for the Sprouts. They have quickly grown accustomed to our daily flow, developed independence with their belongings, and made lots of new friends. We have noticed all the ways that plants spread their seeds at this time of year. From the jewel weed seeds
- [April's Littlest Learners Nature Notes](https://ashevillefarmstead.org/uncategorized/aprils-littlest-learners-nature-notes-2/) - After the week we’ve had with all the rain and watching the kids play, I feel like I’ve got to write about mud! The kids have been very into playing in the mud and dirt the last couple of weeks, good thing, too, considering the rain we’ve gotten. I know my kids enjoy playing in
- [April's Sprouts Nature Notes](https://ashevillefarmstead.org/uncategorized/aprils-sprouts-nature-notes-2/) - We officially have one month of school left! This month we may have said goodbye to our tulips, but we were excited to see a tulip go from a bud to an open flower in only two hours during one of our school days. We’ve been loving how green everything has gotten and how many
- [March's Sprouts Nature Notes](https://ashevillefarmstead.org/uncategorized/marchs-sprouts-nature-notes-2/) - The first day of Spring has come and gone, and so have some of our first flowers! In March, we’ve noticed that many of our days have started cold and warmed up and even gotten pretty hot. We have been listening to our bodies and taking off layers as needed. We’ve also had mornings that
- [February's Littlest Learners Nature Notes](https://ashevillefarmstead.org/uncategorized/februarys-littlest-learners-nature-notes-2/) - February was quite a warm month on the farm! The littlest learners noticed that it felt like spring but knew it was a bit early. Lots of flowers have started growing and even blooming around the farm. We have identified tulips, daffodils, crocuses, Persian speedwell, purple dead nettle, grape hyacinth, daylilies, and even a few
- [February's Sprouts Nature Notes](https://ashevillefarmstead.org/uncategorized/februarys-sprouts-nature-notes-2/) - This February has brought us an early blooming of flowers, and that has been one of our biggest observations during Nature Notes. All of our Sprouts have noticed some sort of flowers blooming. Some Sprouts have been learning the names of several of the flowers blooming. We have had Crocus, Daffodils, Violets, and Birdseye Speedwell,
- [January's Explorers Nature Notes](https://ashevillefarmstead.org/uncategorized/januarys-explorers-nature-notes/) - Explorers ushered in the new year with enthusiasm! We were all so excited for a new month and year to write every day in our journals, to be back in our forest classroom, and most of all, to be back together with Farmstead friends after an extended break! We noticed that we had to prime
- [January's Sprouts Nature Notes](https://ashevillefarmstead.org/uncategorized/januarys-sprouts-nature-notes-2/) - January is a month of beginnings and intentions. We are so happy to be starting the second half of our year! Although we have had some of our coldest days and our first “snow day” and two-hour delay related to weather, we are already seeing signs of Spring around the corner thanks to our observation
- [January's Littlest Learners Nature Notes](https://ashevillefarmstead.org/uncategorized/januarys-littlest-learners-nature-notes-2/) - The littlest learners noted that January was full of rain! The pitter-patter of rain became a very familiar sound for us during our lessons and mealtime. With so much rainfall, it left our trails muddy and slippery. Since our classroom is up a hill, the littlest learners had to practice their balance and mindfulness each
- [December's Farmstead Explorers Nature Notes](https://ashevillefarmstead.org/uncategorized/decembers-farmstead-explorers-nature-notes/) - December is a short month for Explorers at the Farmstead. We started the month with the last full moon of the year, the Cold Moon or Quiet Moon, known locally by the Cherokee as the Snow Moon. The Cold moon symbolizes the end of the year and a time to look back on the year's
- [December's Littlest Learners Nature Notes](https://ashevillefarmstead.org/uncategorized/decembers-littlest-learners-nature-notes/) - In December, we welcomed the quiet moon. The quiet moon reminds us to “be.” Be content with this moment, be thankful, and be still. The moon tells us to find ways to maintain peace and honor the light within us. The littlest learners filled their December days with lots of mud play. It seemed like
- [December's Sprouts Nature Notes](https://ashevillefarmstead.org/uncategorized/decembers-sprouts-nature-notes/) - December is always a quick month at Farmstead with Winter Break. The theme of the month seemed to be rain and mud play. The kids love it when “Mud Mountain” gets good and muddy. They find many ways to play with the mud, whether it’s sliding down the hill, making mud balls, or mud pancakes.
- [November's Farmstead Explorers Nature Notes](https://ashevillefarmstead.org/uncategorized/novembers-farmstead-explorers-nature-notes/) - November was exciting for the Explorers as Fall officially set in! We really got a first-hand experience of the Fall transition season in our forest classroom, watching more and more leaves fall every day. We enjoyed learning about the lunar eclipse with the full Beaver Moon this year, and the wide weather swings of Fall
- [September's Farmstead Explorers Nature Notes](https://ashevillefarmstead.org/uncategorized/farmstead-explorers-september-nature-notes/) - Back to school is always an exciting time of the year, and it’s no different at the Farmstead! The Explorers group is also a brand new class for older kids this year, and we have our own new classroom space on campus so everything is interesting and different, even for our returning students who moved
- [October's Farmstead Explorers Nature Notes](https://ashevillefarmstead.org/uncategorized/octobers-farmstead-explorers-nature-notes/) - October was a peaceful month of settling in and group play for the Explorers! October was ushered in with the second full moon of our school year, the Hunter Moon. The Hunter moon is named for the time of the year when our ancestors would hunt and stock up in preparation for the coming winter.
- [November's Littlest Learners Nature Notes](https://ashevillefarmstead.org/uncategorized/novembers-littlest-learners-nature-notes/) - The biggest change the littlest learners have noticed this month is the distance we can see from our classroom. Very few leaves are left on the trees, allowing us to see almost the whole campus from our hill. The littlest learners have seen the sprouts playing in the chicken field all the way up to
- [October's Littlest Learners Nature Notes](https://ashevillefarmstead.org/uncategorized/octobers-littlest-learners-nature-notes-2/) - The littlest learners have welcomed fall with open arms! The leaves have been falling more and more. They have become a large crunchy, crinkly, warm carpet in our classroom. The fresh fallen leaves are almost like a new toy to the students. Some endless creations and games can be made! Some of the littlest learner’s
- [September's Littlest Learners Nature Notes](https://ashevillefarmstead.org/uncategorized/septembers-littlest-learners-nature-notes/) - We were welcomed into this new school year with warm sunny days, a harvest moon full of abundance, and new friends eager to explore the school. The first couple of weeks felt like summer. It was warm, plants and crops were abundant, and life was buzzing all around campus. The garden was full of delicious
- [November's Sprouts Nature Notes](https://ashevillefarmstead.org/uncategorized/novembers-sprouts-nature-notes-2/) - One of the biggest changes that the Sprouts noticed this month was the leaves changing from orange, red, and yellow to brown and falling off the trees. Several Sprouts noticed that once the leaves were brown and on the ground, they were crunchy. Kids found all sorts of ways to play with the fallen leaves.
- [October's Sprouts Nature Notes](https://ashevillefarmstead.org/uncategorized/octobers-sprouts-nature-notes-2/) - The changing of colors this month has been impressive! The kids have been noticing and pointing out how they have changed from green to yellow, melon, red, and brown. They have loved piling up the leaves and “selling” them in their shops. The Sprouts have also loved to run through the leaves and try to
- [September's Sprouts Nature Notes](https://ashevillefarmstead.org/uncategorized/septembers-sprouts-nature-notes-2/) - The new school year has started, and all of our Sprouts, new and old, are quickly getting back into the swing of things. We have some very observant, curious, and creative Sprouts this year! Several Sprouts have been noticing the change in weather and have noticed some leaves are beginning to change color, and more
- [August's Camp Farmstead Nature Notes](https://ashevillefarmstead.org/uncategorized/augusts-camp-farmstead-nature-notes/) - August is a busy month closing Camp Farmstead and preparing for the school year. We were able to enjoy the last couple of weeks of camp, and the campers shared some wonderful Nature Notes. The campers observed lots of bugs, birds, and weather changes this month. Several cicadas were spotted, along with butterflies and caterpillars.
- [July's Camp Farmstead Nature Notes](https://ashevillefarmstead.org/uncategorized/julys-camp-farmstead-nature-notes/) - July has been a month of heat and water. The two abiotic factors combine in various ways that the students at the Farmstead get to see, hear, and feel each day. We often notice dew in the cooler mornings before the heat of the day dries it up, or sometimes it lasts until we get
- [June's Camp Farmstead Nature Notes](https://ashevillefarmstead.org/uncategorized/junes-camp-farmstead-nature-notes/) - June has been a month full of new friends! Camp started and the fun began! The farmstead was full of life in the month of June! Not only human life running around, but lots of new plants thriving and so many animals and insects making appearances! Vegetables are growing in the garden and friends were
- [May's Sprouts Nature Notes](https://ashevillefarmstead.org/uncategorized/mays-sprouts-nature-notes/) - I can’t believe that the school year is wrapping up. The kids have been loving the warm weather and all the green and flowers that have been growing! The Sprouts have been making all sorts of observations during Nature Notes. They have noticed small changes and big changes, they noticed the buttercup flowers have come
- [May's Littlest Learners Nature Notes](https://ashevillefarmstead.org/uncategorized/mays-littlest-learners-nature-notes/) - Wow! I can’t believe how fast this month has gone by! We are officially experiencing summer weather! May’s moon is called strawberry moon and it is all about abundance and joy as we dive into this growing season! We are seeing lots of strawberries ripe and ready for market around the farmstead. Flowers are blooming
- [April's Sprouts Nature Notes](https://ashevillefarmstead.org/nature-notes/aprils-sprouts-nature-notes/) - Spring is in full swing and things are finally green! The Sprouts' imaginations have been in full swing this month too! They have been using creek water and rocks and walnuts to make some delicious soups, as always, they’ve opened up their pretend ice cream shops, the cold weather this winter didn’t slow down their
- [April's Littlest Learners Nature Notes](https://ashevillefarmstead.org/nature-notes/aprils-littlest-learners-nature-notes/) - April has been the month of spotting pollinators! Friends on the farmstead have been looking actively for bees and butterflies. This month we learned about our native bees and how we can help them find a home along with providing them with some native flowers for nectar. The class was even able to observe a
- [March's Sprouts Nature Notes](https://ashevillefarmstead.org/nature-notes/marchs-sprouts-nature-notes/) - Spring is in the air and this month the Sprouts have been excitedly discovering new creatures and plants as the forest begins to come back to life. We have been treated to the songs of birds above and the Sprouts drumming on logs down below. The warmer weather has also led to more time playing
- [March's Littlest Learners Nature Notes](https://ashevillefarmstead.org/uncategorized/marchs-littlest-learners-nature-notes/) - It is finally spring! I know we are all happy to feel the warmer weather arrive! Each day we spot a new plant growing and flowering! The days have been starting off pretty chilly in the early morning and by afternoon we are down to just our base layers. The kids have noticed a pattern
- [February's Sprouts Nature Notes](https://ashevillefarmstead.org/uncategorized/februarys-sprouts-nature-notes/) - February started off with strong winter weather and began to show us signs of spring as the month came to a close. The Sprouts noticed that the snow we received was still sticking around in certain spots around the Farmstead. It wasn’t sticking around everywhere, just in the places that didn’t get much sunlight like
- [February's Littlest Learners Nature Notes](https://ashevillefarmstead.org/uncategorized/februarys-littlest-learners-nature-notes/) - Worms, insects, and flowers oh my! At the beginning of the month, we still had snow on the farmstead! Days were cold and wet! Layers were especially important! Focusing on our bodies' temperatures was key to enjoying our full day of outside play! We also experienced lots of rain! By the second week of February,
- [January's Sprouts Nature Notes](https://ashevillefarmstead.org/nature-notes/januarys-sprouts-nature-notes/) - The first month of the new year has been a dazzling show of ice and snow. We were treated to two snow storms that left the Farmstead blanket with snow for weeks. This gave the Sprouts a chance to engage with water in a new way. Some of the Sprouts noticed that while some of
- [January's Littlest Learners Nature Notes](https://ashevillefarmstead.org/nature-notes/januarys-littlest-learners-nature-notes/) - January has felt like our first cold month of winter. We experienced freezing temperatures and lots of snow! Ice crystals were a very popular discovery this month! Ice crystals are called ice needles and they form from groundwater that seeps out and meets the below-freezing air. We have fun collecting these and seeing how many
- [3 Winter Crafts](https://ashevillefarmstead.org/uncategorized/3-winter-crafts-2/) - Winter break is a great time to bust out the crafts! Here are three ideas to get you and your kiddos started! Tissue Paper Snowman A quick and easy-to-setup craft that can keep your little ones occupied for quite a while! All you'll need is construction paper, glue, and tissue paper. Great for when it's
- [November's Sprouts Nature Notes](https://ashevillefarmstead.org/nature-notes/novembers-sprouts-nature-notes/) - November has been a month of big temperature swings as we have seen days starting in the thirties and peaking in the upper sixties. We have all been getting a lot of practice removing or adding layers as the temperature changes. This gives us a chance to practice our own flexibility and adaptability as the
- [October's Littlest Learners Nature Notes](https://ashevillefarmstead.org/uncategorized/octobers-littlest-learners-nature-notes/) - It was our second full month of the school year and it was much more settled in and connected to each other, to our spaces, and our rhythms. One of our repeating rhythms is Moon Club (which is from Wilderchild) and guides us through the phases of the moon, their emotional/ reflective/ growth attributes as
- [October's Sprouts Nature Notes](https://ashevillefarmstead.org/uncategorized/octobers-sprouts-nature-notes/) - The autumn leaf colors have been slow to change this October. We have been treated to a slow and gradual transition from green to yellow, orange, red, and even purple. The Sprouts noticed that some of the trees, the ones with the bright red berries, have leaves that changed from green to purple, while most
- [September's Littlest Learners Nature Notes](https://ashevillefarmstead.org/nature-notes/septembers-nature-notes/) - Harvest - Producers, Consumers, Decomposers, counting, resilience, famous failures, Penology walk/sit spot Our Littlest Learners year always starts in the month of September, and this year we welcome our largest group; some who have been in our programs before and about half who are new to the Farmstead. The month is spent getting to know
- [September's Sprouts Nature Notes](https://ashevillefarmstead.org/nature-notes/septembers-sprouts-nature-notes/) - With September came the fall. We didn't notice the signs right away, but slowly over the month, the Sprouts started to notice that some of the leaves were starting to turn brown and some were starting to turn yellow. More and more fell to the ground and began collecting on the trails. The Sprouts have
- [3 Helpful August Plants](https://ashevillefarmstead.org/uncategorized/3-helpful-august-plants/) - Kudzu (g. Pueraria) Many people are familiar with the destruction this incredibly fast-growing vine can cause, but did you know it also has beneficial uses? The strong vine can be woven into hats or baskets. The fragrant purple bloom is edible, as well as the tips of new growth at the end of each vine!
- [August's Nature Notes](https://ashevillefarmstead.org/uncategorized/augusts-nature-notes/) - August has come and gone and so has our last week of Camp Farmstead. While we still see the sights of summer, we have also started seeing signs of the approaching fall. We have still been seeing butterflies frequently but we have also been seeing pea pods ready for harvest and sunflowers bending over full
- [July's Nature Notes](https://ashevillefarmstead.org/nature-notes/julys-nature-notes/) - July around the Farmstead was filled with lots of warmth, water, and life. The weather has been warm to hot this month and the plants and animals around the Farmstead have been very active. Water has been a big part of the students' days as we try to stay hydrated and cool. The students have
- [4 Local Edible Plants](https://ashevillefarmstead.org/uncategorized/4-local-edible-plants/) - Red Clover (Trifolium pratense) Red clover is native to Europe and Asia but has been naturalized throughout the world. It has many uses. Ranchers value it for its high protein content which makes it a great feed for livestock. Farmers utilize it as a green fertilizer because it has the ability to fix nitrogen in
- [June's Nature Notes](https://ashevillefarmstead.org/nature-notes/junes-nature-notes/) - June has been the month of critters around the Farmstead. We have seen so many individual creatures, as well as many different types. We noticed early in the month that the willow tree has a couple of colonies of tent moth caterpillars. They work together to create a tent, trapping some of the leaves of
- [May's Nature Notes](https://ashevillefarmstead.org/nature-notes/mays-nature-notes/) - Growth and change were big themes around the Farmstead this month. May is the last month of Littlest Learners for the school year and we have been getting ready for all of the change that we are about to experience. That change and growth have been mirrored in the emergence of new springtime creatures as
- [January's Nature Notes](https://ashevillefarmstead.org/nature-notes/januarys-nature-notes/) - Hello all, Mr. Frank here! We have had an exciting month at the Farmstead filled with ice, snow, hail, rain, sun, wind, and much more! The students have been lots of practice making observations and predictions about the weather each day. Most days the weather in the morning has been very different than the weather
- [February's Nature Notes](https://ashevillefarmstead.org/nature-notes/februarys-nature-notes/) - We have had some wild winter weather this last month. We are currently in the Snow Moon, but it is also called Storm Moon, which may be more appropriate for what we have been experiencing. The Littlest Learners have noticed more and more critters and the Farmstead. There have been ladybird beetle, fly, bee, and
- [March's Nature Notes](https://ashevillefarmstead.org/nature-notes/marchs-nature-notes/) - March has brought a bounty of beautiful blooms and spring growth to the Farmstead. The spring growth has given the Littlest Learners opportunities to practice noticing things about the new season. From large things like how the mountains have started to have color as the trees began to grow buds, to small things like how
- [April's Nature Notes](https://ashevillefarmstead.org/nature-notes/aprils-nature-notes/) - In March we started seeing hints of the spring to come, and April was when the forest began to really put on a show. The trees are fully leafed out and green is the predominant color around the Farmstead. Yellow has also been a common color: the early blooming asters like golden ragwort and the
- [3 June Plants](https://ashevillefarmstead.org/noticing-nature/604/) - Elderberry (g. Sambucus) The berries of the Elderberry bush are widely known for their medicinal, immune-boosting properties. The small, delicate flowers of this plant are edible as well! Like the berries, the flowers should be processed in some way before consumption. Popular recipes include elderflower tea and elderflower cordial. Common Chicory (Cichorium intybus) Chicory grows
- [2 June Bugs](https://ashevillefarmstead.org/noticing-nature/594/) - Have you seen either of these two interesting six-legged friends in your area? Common Buckeye (Junonia coenia) This butterfly species has mastered both camouflage and mimicry! The spots on the adult's wings mimic the eyes of a much larger creature and can scare predators away. Their eggs are light green and blend in perfectly with
- [Welcome to the Greenhouse | Story Time](https://ashevillefarmstead.org/uncategorized/welcome-to-the-greenhouse-story-time/) - Read along with Ms. Michelle! This book is called, "Welcome to the Greenhouse" written by Jane Yolen and illustrated by Laura Regan. https://youtu.be/7-VmKMwHv3M
- [If the Shoe Fits | Story TIme](https://ashevillefarmstead.org/story-time/if-the-shoe-fits-story-time-2/) - Join Ms. Michelle as she reads, "If the Shoe Fits" written by Gary Soto and illustrated by Terry Widener. https://youtu.be/dSTfh81A2ps
- [NATURE ACTIVITIES | 3 MAY ACTIVITIES](https://ashevillefarmstead.org/nature-activities/nature-activities-3-may-activities/) - Here are 3 fun outdoor activities that you might not have used before! Sound Map Humans rely a lot on our sense of sight, but do you know what sense we use even more than sight? Hearing! We usually make maps based on what you see but you can also make them based on what
- [NOTICING NATURE | 3 MAY FLOWERS](https://ashevillefarmstead.org/noticing-nature/noticing-nature-3-may-flowers/) - It's true that April's showers bring May's Flowers! These beauties are all around us in Western North Carolina. Multiflora rose (Rosa multiflora) Multiflora rose is an invasive species from Asia that thrives in our area. It was brought to the United States in the 1860's as a valuable agricultural product. Farmers would plant the multiflora
- [The Big Honey Hunt | Story Time](https://ashevillefarmstead.org/story-time/the-big-honey-hunt-story-time/) - In this Story Time video, Ms. Michelle reads “The Big Honey Hunt“. This book was written by Stan Berenstain. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8T9VyHAy7Lo
- [NATURE ACTIVITIES | 3 SPRING EXPERIMENTS](https://ashevillefarmstead.org/nature-activities/nature-activities-3-spring-experiments/) - NATURE ACTIVITIES | 3 SPRING EXPERIMENTS Science can be fun when you can use nature as your tools. Here are 3 experiments to do this spring! Seedling Race Here's a great activity to get kids excited about growing plants and to practice close observation skills. Choose 3-6 different types of seeds, and plant them in
- [NATURE ACTIVITIES | 3 MARCH ACTIVITIES](https://ashevillefarmstead.org/nature-activities/nature-activities-3-march-activities/) - NATURE ACTIVITIES | 3 MARCH ACTIVITIES Early spring is a great time to be more active outside with activities and crafts. Try these interactive activities with your kids soon. Ice Wreaths March is here and as we see some spring color start to appear we might also have some freezing nights. This is a great
- [NOTICING NATURE | 3 TIPS FOR MARCH](https://ashevillefarmstead.org/noticing-nature/noticing-nature-3-tips-for-march/) - NOTICING NATURE | 3 TIPS FOR MARCH The snow is melting and spring is starting to show! Here are three things to find in March in Western North Carolina. Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) The Northern Cardinal is a beautiful species that is easy to spot year-round, as they do not migrate! The male is bright
- [NOTICING NATURE | 3 TIPS FOR FEBRUARY](https://ashevillefarmstead.org/noticing-nature/3-things-to-notice-about-nature-in-february/) - NOTICING NATURE | 3 TIPS FOR FEBRUARY During each month, nature changes, morphs, grows, and evolves all around you. In our Noticing Nature series, we introduce you to 3 things to notice while you and your kids are outside. Here are the three things to notice in nature this February. Wineberry (Rubus phoenicolasius)
- [NOTICING NATURE | 3 WINTER TREES](https://ashevillefarmstead.org/noticing-nature/trees-to-notice-in-january-noticing-nature/) - NOTICING NATURE | 3 WINTER TREES Identifying trees in the winter without leaves present can be very challenging! You need to use clues from the bark and stems to figure it out. One of the first clues to look for is whether the leaves have an alternate or an opposite arrangement (of course in
- [NOTICING NATURE | 3 MARCH BIRDS](https://ashevillefarmstead.org/noticing-nature/3-march-birds-noticing-nature/) - NOTICING NATURE | 3 MARCH BIRDS Wait….listen… This is the perfect time of the year to stop & listen to the bird sounds around you. Here are 3 birds to keep an eye out for this March. Red-Winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus) While the majority of bird species are socially monogamous (have one mate), the red-winged
- [NOTICING NATURE | 3 EARLY SPRING PLANTS](https://ashevillefarmstead.org/noticing-nature/noticing-nature-3-early-spring-plants/) - NOTICING NATURE | 3 EARLY SPRING PLANTS Be careful when you step outside in early spring. These plants are starting to grow right under your feet! Look around and see what you can find! Purple Deadnettle (Lamium purpureum) This plant is not as dangerous as it sounds! The name "Deadnettle" refers to the fact that
- [The Day Jimmy's Boa Ate the Wash | Story Time](https://ashevillefarmstead.org/story-time/the-day-jimmys-boa-ate-the-wash-story-time/) - Lala reads "The Day Jimmy's Boa Ate the Wash" written by Trinka Hakes Noble & illustrated by Steven Kellogg. https://youtu.be/MegcJg4rTeU
- [Loon at Northwood Lake | Story Time](https://ashevillefarmstead.org/story-time/loon/) - Mr. Frank reads "Loon at Northwood Lake", written by Elizabeth Ring & illustrated by Taylor Oughton. https://youtu.be/MZmrWclbys8
- [3 Winter "Water" Activities](https://ashevillefarmstead.org/nature-activities/3-winter/) - Winter months bring new versions of water to explore: snow and ice. Try these three fun winter water activities with us! Catch Snowflakes To catch and observe the best snowflakes, you have to plan ahead! Place a piece of black paper or thick fabric in the freezer before a big snow. When you want to
- [Winter Scavenger Hunt](https://ashevillefarmstead.org/nature-activities/winter-scavenger-hunt/) - Grab your kiddos and head outside to find these three things in nature! How many can you find? Mushrooms There may not be many leaves or flowers to look at right now, but it is a great time to look for mushrooms! With fewer leaves to hide behind mushrooms are easier to spot. Keep an
- [3 Winter Crafts](https://ashevillefarmstead.org/nature-activities/3-winter-crafts/) - We know that keeping kids engaged in nature can be a struggle in the winter months. Here are three easy winter activities that keep them learning, creating, and experimenting in the colder months. Leaf Collages Go on a nature walk to find crunchy leaves. Bring them back home to crunch them into small pieces. Draw
- [Charlotte & the Quiet Place | Story Time](https://ashevillefarmstead.org/story-time/charlotte-the-quiet-place-story-time/) - Mr. Frank reads "Charlotte and the Quiet Place" written by Deborah Sosin & illustrated by Sara Woolley. https://youtu.be/mjQfz67eFNk
- [Danny & the Dinosaur | Story Time](https://ashevillefarmstead.org/story-time/danny-the-dinosaur-story-time/) - Today, LaLa is reading "Danny & the Dinosaur" written by Syd Hoff. https://youtu.be/BRHer-g_3aA
- [If the Shoe Fits | Story Time](https://ashevillefarmstead.org/story-time/if-the-shoe-fits-story-time/) - In this Story Time video, Ms. Michelle reads "If the shoe Fits", written by Gary Soto & illustrated by Terry Widener. https://youtu.be/dSTfh81A2ps
- [A Rock is Lively | Story Time](https://ashevillefarmstead.org/story-time/hello-world/) - In this Story Time video, Mr. Frank reads “A Rock is Lively“. This book was written by Dianna Hutts Aston and illustrated by Sylvia Long. https://youtu.be/MK0dMmEmMjg

## Pages

- [Home Page](https://ashevillefarmstead.org/) - Asheville Farmstead is a nonprofit forest school offering 100% outdoor, hands-on learning in immersive nature-based education in Asheville, North Carolina.
- [Our Staff](https://ashevillefarmstead.org/our-staff/) - Meet our staff, the dedicated educators at Asheville Farmstead School! Our team brings experience in forest school learning, outdoor education, and ECE!
- [A Decade Rooted in Nature](https://ashevillefarmstead.org/support-us/a-decade-rooted-in-nature/) - A Decade Rooted in Nature 10-Year Celebration & Fundraiser - April 25th, 2026 2-6pm Join us as we celebrate a decade of outdoor learning and help us plant the seeds for the next 10 years! Your sponsorship supports campus improvements, outdoor classrooms, family gear access, and hands-on learning materials—all while keeping tuition focused on
- [Camp Farmstead](https://ashevillefarmstead.org/camp-farmstead/) - Camp Farmstead Our summer camp program runs for six, one-week themed sessions. Register for a single week, a few select weeks, or the entire summer. Registration for Camp Farmstead 2026 will open at 9:00am EST on March 1st here on our website! Camp Farmstead 2026 Registration Time: Monday-Friday 9am-3:00pm. 3:00-3:30 pickup window. 2026 Dates June
- [Family Discovery Days](https://ashevillefarmstead.org/family-discovery-days/) - Join us for Family Discovery Day at the Asheville Farmstead School! Enjoy hands-on nature play, garden activities, and outdoor learning for the whole family.
- [Blogs](https://ashevillefarmstead.org/blogs/) - Our Blogs all in one place! Enjoy the stories, insights, and happenings of the Asheville Farmstead School!
- [Cedarsong Way Trainings](https://ashevillefarmstead.org/cedarsong-way-trainings/) - Our adult education arm of our nonprofit offers Cedarsong Way Teacher Trainings hosted on our campus or on yours! Contact us for more information.
- [FAQs](https://ashevillefarmstead.org/faqs/) - Find answers to common questions about Asheville Farmstead’s forest school, programs, enrollment, daily routines, and more in our FAQ section
- [Support Us](https://ashevillefarmstead.org/support-us/) - Support us directly or via our merch store! Every dollar goes to making our forest school better for our students and more accessible to our community!
- [Contact Us & Book a Tour](https://ashevillefarmstead.org/contact-us/) - Find us and take a tour to see if our program is the right fit for your child! We are located only 20 minutes from downtown Asheville on 25 acres of forest.
- [Sprouts](https://ashevillefarmstead.org/sprouts/) - Sprouts is a forest school program for ages 3-6, fostering curiosity, confidence, and nature immersion through hands-on, child-led outdoor learning
- [Littlest Learners](https://ashevillefarmstead.org/littlest-learners/) - Littlest Learners at Asheville Farmstead offers a nature-based, play-driven program for young children to explore, grow, and thrive in an all-outdoor setting.
- [Programs Home Page](https://ashevillefarmstead.org/asheville-farmstead-school/) - Explore our forest school programs, learn about our enrollment process and tour requirements, and how to get started with our forest school education.
- [Our Story](https://ashevillefarmstead.org/about/) - The Asheville Farmstead School is a farm and forest school in Asheville, NC that strives to connect kids to nature through outdoor education
- [Rainbow Ridge Gardens](https://ashevillefarmstead.org/rainbow-ridge-gardens/) - Discover the benefits of our forest school gardening program, where kids learn life skills, sustainability, and science through hands-on gardening and nature play
- [Camp Registration](https://ashevillefarmstead.org/camp-registration/)
- [Resources](https://ashevillefarmstead.org/resources/) - Asheville Farmstead Resources Teaching children & parents about nature and themselves through the farm and forest. Blogs! Here are our bi-weekly blogs! Winter Gear- Cotton, Wool, and Fleece Layering BRRR! We came back from our Winter Break to some very cold weather for us in WNC, days where the high was not above freezing and

## Categories

- [Uncategorized](https://ashevillefarmstead.org/category/uncategorized/)
- [Story Time](https://ashevillefarmstead.org/category/story-time/)
- [Noticing Nature](https://ashevillefarmstead.org/category/noticing-nature/)
- [Nature Activities](https://ashevillefarmstead.org/category/nature-activities/)
- [Nature Notes](https://ashevillefarmstead.org/category/nature-notes/)
- [Monthly Blogs](https://ashevillefarmstead.org/category/blogs/)