Today we’d like to introduce you to Meghan Morrow.
Hi Meghan, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start, maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers.
As a former camp counselor that led trips into the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, I witnessed the magic that took place in the lives of children while they were immersed in nature. I wanted to witness more moments like that in my child’s life, but as a full-time working mom, I felt like I was missing out on opportunities every day. Looking back, I realize it was my then 2.5yr old who inspired me to create this special place filled with wonder where Mother Nature nurtures children.”.
In the fall of 2012, with the support of my husband, Cody, I took a risk and left my job with the school district as a Sign Language Interpreter (for the Deaf) and opened Secret Forest Playschool, the first nature preschool in the Duluth area. Our program is located on 30 acres of land traditionally that of the *Ojibwe people and other indigenous nations. For nearly the past decade, every child that walks the paths of The Secret Forest or enters The Secret Garden has been permitted to feel vulnerable and take safe risks in a loving environment. These children develop trusting relationships through the seasons and a sense of ownership in the places they play. Because of these experiences, they have the opportunity to establish friendships and skills that carry them into their school years and beyond. Secret Forest Playschool wants to acknowledge that we gather on the traditional land of the Ojibwe people and other indigenous nations. We thank the land and the people who have stewarded it throughout the generations. We recognize and respect the enduring relationship between many Indigenous peoples and their traditional homelands. The State of Minnesota and the United States Government committed genocide, ethnic cleansing, and forced removal against Indigenous peoples to acquire the land we stand on. Yet, despite centuries of colonial theft and violence, this is still and always will be Indigenous land. Indigenous people are still here, demonstrating innumerable talents and gifts amid continued oppression and colonialism. Secret Forest Playschool is committed to educating our community while recognizing and celebrating our region’s and nation’s Indigenous peoples.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Like most businesses, there have been moments of challenges and growth. Still, through it, all the Secret Forest community and the larger Duluth community have not only supported our program but embraced the idea of providing more opportunities to support children through play-based learning. Over the past 10 years, not only have almost a dozen incredible private preschool programs opened in the area (and across the state- check out this map: https://naturalstart.org/map) but programs in the public schools have been created to provide FREE access to all children! With more choices becoming available to families every year, Duluth Nature Play Collaborative, and its participants celebrate the continued growth of this movement.
In addition, Dr. Julie Ernst at the University of Minnesota Duluth has been collecting and analyzing data from several local nature-based preschool programs to provide evidence that this approach has many positive benefits for children in nature. In the fall of 2022, Dr. Ernst will offer the ONLY Childhood Nature Studies. What sets this program apart from broader nature-based education programs is its unique multi-disciplinary lens that will intentionally combine children’s learning IN nature.
As you know, we’re big fans of Secret Forest Playschool. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about the brand?
“At its very best, nature play isn’t scheduled, planned, or led by adults, nor is it confined by grown-ups’ rules. Instead, it’s open-ended, free-time exploration and recreation, without close adult supervision.” – Defined by Green Hearts.
Secret Forest Playschool is a nature preschool that believes in building a community with children and their families. It instills a lifelong love for play, a strong sense of self, and a growing relationship with the natural world. Children ages 3-5yrs old attend two days a week (8-9hrs a day, most of which is spent outdoors). Although their days vary seasonally, the children can be found playing in the woods, hiking on the trails, building forest forts, gardening, snowshoeing, tapping the maple trees, napping in their hammocks, and observing the life cycles of frogs, butterflies, and ducklings. Through play, children learn to self-regulate, assess situations, solve problems and take appropriate risks. When children feel safe and comfortable, their confidence grows, and they believe in themselves and others. In Secret Forest Playschool’s loving and supportive environment will guide children in ways that encourage them to develop trust in their inner and outer worlds. And maybe most importantly, we have a community where each child has a unique story and personality. We provide a place where peace (happiness, love, and safety) grows, and the mind, body, and spirit are nurtured. In a fast-paced, ever-changing world, we recognize that to meet the needs of the whole child. We must slow down and be available to meet children where they are to support them.
When the children first enroll, they are called “Seeds” (it symbolizes spinning down from the parent trees, these winged seeds gently land on the rich soil in The Secret Forest. It is here where they will nestle in as they begin a new journey.). During the child’s second year, they are called “Sprouts” (as seeds transform into sprouts, their unique characteristics are already showing. Sprouts are small but strong and are good at finding the light that helps them grow. When the time is right, I will transplant these little sprouts into the new soil.). As the children transition beyond The Forest into grade school, they become “Saplings” and eventually “Mighty Maples.” Through these “Seasons of Change,” we recognize and honor the growth the children have gone through. Once old enough, my 11-12 yr old alums return to volunteer their time in Our Mighty Maple Mentorship Program. When connections are made, the community is strengthened, and we can take better care of yourselves and each other.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those just starting.
I would encourage others starting out to focus on providing resources to those adults in their community. Get them on board! Share with their books to read (some of my favorites are: Last Child in the Woods, There are No Such Things as Bad Weather, Balanced and Barefoot, and Beyond Ecophobia), and educate them about how they can keep their children safe and comfortable seasonally in your region (clothing is key- providing gear may make your program more inclusive/accessible for families) and do what you can to create a strong community (for yourself to go to with questions and successes and for those in your program to connect with). This is a BIG responsibility, but you will never work a day if you love what you do. I am one of the lucky few who say, in the past 10 years, I haven’t worked a day! 😉
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.secretforestplayschool.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/secretforestplayschool/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheSecretForestPlayschool
Image Credits
Secret Forest Playschool
