Natural Learning Northwest

About this program

Natural Learning Northwest is a 100% outdoor forest school located in Maple Valley, Washington, operating on nearly 20 acres of private forests and fields with over a mile of winding trails. Founded in 2020 when families were rediscovering the value of outdoor time, the program addresses a critical gap: children today spend only 4-7 minutes in unstructured outdoor play daily while averaging 7.5 hours of screen time. The school's philosophy centers on child-led, inquiry-based learning fully immersed in Northwest weather and landscapes year-round. Led by Colton Running Dragonfly, a National Geographic certified educator with over six years of forest school experience, the program creates space for children to build deep connections with natural environments through play and exploration. Natural Learning Northwest is a proud member of 1% for the Planet and actively involves students in reintroduction of native plants, fostering environmental stewardship for future generations on Coast Salish ancestral lands.