WILD CASCARA
NATURALIST SCHOOL
Our Mission at
WILD CASCARA
We strive to create a community that nurtures and educates one another from an Earth-centered perspective, prioritizing Indigenous knowledge, promoting collaboration, and fostering a reciprocal relationship with the Earth, this land, and our more-than-human kin for people of all ages and backgrounds.
Wild Cascara aims to reimagine community building by promoting financial independence from corporate structures and systems. We aspire to support each other's financial and living needs through collective effort and envision a thriving community where each individual flourishes. We believe that strong individuals bring unique gifts to the community and that community support enables personal growth.
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Donations made to Wild Cascara go towards a variety of needs, including financial aid and scholarships, building and infrastructure, materials such as school supplies, tools, and art supplies, covering costs for guest teachers, and land restoration such as native plants, gravel, and fill dirt.
Wild Cascara Naturalist School was built with love, sweat, and donations. Please help continue this beautiful community-supported effort.
To make a donation via Paypal, please follow the yellow 'Donate' button below. If Venmo is preferred, please send donations to @wildcascara. To arrange an alternate donation method, please email Teacher Juniper. If you would like a receipt, please include your email with your donation.
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Thank you for your support!
Frequently Asked Questions about WCNS
What will my child learn at Wild Cascara?
At Wild Cascara, we believe that education is more than just acquiring knowledge from books. We prioritize teaching the basics of reading, writing, math/logical reasoning, and critical thinking while also emphasizing the development of practical social skills. We encourage students to explore their interests and curiosities because we believe deep learning happens when students are passionate about what they are learning. Our teachers act as facilitators, guiding students in their learning journey by providing opportunities for hands-on exploration and discovery. Ultimately, we aim to expose our students to the world and empower them to become lifelong learners.
How do you assess student learning at Wild Cascara?
We use multiple sources to measure what students are learning, including observations, student surveys, final projects, in-school work samples, journals, and parent/teacher/student conferences where students can demonstrate their knowledge.
Is outdoor education safe in bad weather?
At Wild Cascara, your child's safety is our top priority. Our teachers are CPR/First Aid certified and trained to assess and mitigate potential hazards like falling trees, unfavorable insects, and wildlife. We believe that there is no such thing as "bad weather," and with proper gear, students can safely enjoy the outdoors in any conditions. We encourage families to ensure that their child has adequate gear, and we have a supply of hand-me-downs for last-minute changes.
What are the classes involving 'magick', and are they part of the school's curriculum?
Classes involving magick are either intended for an adult audience (18+) or are workshops that require specific parent permission to learn about Northern European Pagan magick. Juniper Post, a certified priestess with the Golden Web Mystery School, uses magick as a lens to understand the world, the Earth, and the energy within it. Magick is present in cultures around the world and has been practiced by healers, medicine people, and herbalists in many communities. At Wild Cascara, we welcome all spiritual practices and seek to create a safe environment where all can be embraced, as the history of magick has often been suppressed.
Where is the school located?
We are located between Sandy and Estacada OR, off highway 214 up Wildcat Mountain Drive.
Our address is: 33472 SE Wildcat Mountain Dr, Eagle Creek 97022
What are the school hours and days of operation?
Our school operates from 9:15 am to 3:00 pm, Monday through Thursday. For information on our holiday schedule, please refer to our handbook, which you can access through the provided link.
What is the daily routine for students at Wild Cascara?
We start the day with a period of free play, crafts, reading or an independent activity to allow for a natural and stress-free transition into the school day. Our morning circle takes place from 10-10:20, followed by our area of study from 10:45-11:30 after snack and movement. This time can be spent inside or outside depending on the topic of study. We take a collective nature walk with nature journaling or personal exploration either during or after the study time. Lunch is followed by either delving deeper into the unit of study or small groups based on age/grade levels for focused academics. At the end of the day, we close with a circle and send off. Please refer to our handbook for our daily schedule and holiday schedule.
Where do students use the restroom?
Our school has a lovely restroom that is connected to the main building. We have a composting toilet and a sink with running water. Using this type of toilet is a great opportunity for students to learn about sustainable waste management. We provide guidance on how to use the toilet, which is easy once you get the hang of it. For students who are comfortable with using the outdoors for urination, we allow it with parental permission.
Is it possible for parents to visit and observe a typical school day?
Yes, we require parents to volunteer at least two times during the school year. This is a great opportunity to get a firsthand experience of our daily routine, gain insight into your child's education, and engage with our community.
Can I rent the schoolhouse at Wild Cascara for workshops or retreats?
Yes, the schoolhouse at Wild Cascara is available as a creative space for teaching workshops or hosting retreats. For inquiries, please fill out our Schoolhouse Rental Questionnaire or email Teacher Juniper at wildcascara@gmail.com at least two months in advance to coordinate with our calendar of events. The schoolhouse can accommodate up to 15-18 adults and includes access to our outdoor firepit and forested trails.
WCNS Handbook & Additional
RESOURCES for Reimagining Education OUTDOORS
Transformative Justice & Dismantling White Supremacy
We invite you to, download, read, and share this PDF with your community.
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