Three Poplars: Nature Nourishment
At Three Poplars: Nature Nourishment, we are deeply committed to supporting each child's innate connection with the earth. Our program is set in a fully outdoor environment—a beautiful forest farm in Old Fort, NC, with nine horses, chickens, and a creek—where children engage in nature-based learning and hands-on learning experiences.
Our outdoor education program for children ages 3-11 offers mentorship in a variety of subjects, including academics, art and handwork, storytelling, and social-emotional learning (SEL). Through our immersive, outdoor approach, children will connect, play, and explore the world around them in meaningful ways. We combine academic learning with a deep connection to the natural world, fostering curiosity, creativity, and resilience.
For children ages 3-5, our program offers the opportunity to socialize in a group setting and adjust to the structure and rhythm of a group program. For children ages 6-11, socialization, academic support, equine-assisted learning, and mentorship with caring and skilled adults serve as a complement to any homeschooling curriculum.
Why Choose Nature Nourishment?
Our mixed-age learning environment allows children to learn at their own pace while fostering collaboration, leadership, and empathy. Younger children benefit from observing and learning from older peers, while older children develop confidence and responsibility by mentoring younger ones. This dynamic setting encourages social-emotional growth, problem-solving, and adaptability—skills that are essential for lifelong learning. By engaging in diverse, real-world interactions, children build a strong sense of community and develop a deeper understanding of different perspectives.
Outdoor education supports natural development by providing hands-on, movement-rich experiences that support cognitive, physical, and emotional growth. Unlike traditional school settings that prioritize sitting still and standardized instruction, outdoor learning allows children to explore, take risks, and engage their senses in a way that enhances curiosity and retention. Time in nature has been shown to reduce stress, improve focus, and foster resilience, making it especially beneficial for young learners. By following their innate need to move, play, and discover, children develop critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and a deep connection to the world around them.
Interacting with horses provides children in our program with a unique opportunity to develop confidence, patience, and nonverbal communication skills. Through hands-on connective experiences such as grooming, leading, and observing equine behavior, they learn empathy, responsibility, and the importance of building trust. These meaningful connections with horses foster emotional resilience and self-awareness in a way that traditional learning environments cannot replicate.
Weaving academics into nature exploration makes learning more meaningful, engaging, and relevant to children's everyday experiences. When children discover math in the patterns of leaves, science in the life cycle of a frog, or literacy through storytelling under a tree, they develop a deeper understanding through real-world application. This approach speaks the language of childhood—play, curiosity, and hands-on discovery—making abstract concepts tangible and memorable. By learning in a dynamic outdoor setting, children are more likely to retain information, think critically, and develop a lifelong love of learning.
Enrollment for Spring 2025 opens 2/7/25
ENROLLMENT OPTIONS:
Ages 3-5
2 Half Days: Tuesday/Thursday 10am-1pm ($69/week)
2 Full Days: Tuesday/Thursday 10am-4pm ($138/week)
Ages 6-11
1 day: Wednesday 10am-4pm ($69/week)
2 days: Tuesday/Thursday 10am-4pm ($138/week)
3 days: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 10am-4pm ($207/week)
*We offer a 10% sibling discount for families enrolling more than one child.
ENROLLMENT INSTRUCTIONS:
Email ktaylor@threepoplarscollective.com with the following information:
Your name, number of children/ages/names, desired enrollment schedule.
Barefoot Hoof Care Clinic
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Join the Barefoot Hoof Care Clinic - Spring 2025!
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Dates and Location TBA
Are you ready to take your horse’s hoof health into your own hands? Learn to confidently trim your own horses or start your journey toward becoming a skilled barefoot hoof trimmer!
Under the expert guidance of seasoned barefoot trimmer Tom Willis , this week-long, hands-on clinic will immerse you in the transformative methods pioneered by hoof care legends Pete Ramey and Jamie Jackson .
What You’ll Learn
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Barefoot Trimming Basics
: Step-by-step instruction to read the hoof and trim with confidence.
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Advanced Hoof Care Techniques
: Deepen your understanding of hoof anatomy and function.
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Feeding the Whole Horse
: Explore holistic nutrition for hoof and overall health.
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Pasture Management
: Optimize your environment for stronger, healthier hooves.
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"Feeding the Hoof"
: Create a diet plan that promotes hoof strength and resilience.
Bring Your Demo Horse!
We’re looking for 10 demo horses for this unique learning opportunity. Contact us to discuss bringing your horse!
Details
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A list of supplies will be provided upon registration.
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Enrollment will open when dates are announced—stay tuned!
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Email us with questions or to reserve your spot early.
💌 Don’t miss this opportunity to empower yourself with the skills and knowledge to support your horses' health from the ground up.
Spring 2025 is your season to step into the world of barefoot hoof care. We can’t wait to see you there!
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Email us today to learn more and stay updated!