Terra Nova Nature School is located in beautiful Terra Nova Rural Park, in the far northwest corner of Richmond. It is operated by Thompson Community Association in partnership with the City of Richmond.
Established in 2014 as a licensed, not-for-profit preschool, TNNS has grown to offer 12 programs that serve over 180 children, ages infant to teens, per week! In addition to our morning and afternoon preschool classes — affectionately named the ‘Eagles’ and the ‘Owls’ — we offer after school, weekend, and weekday home learner classes. Prior to COVID, TNNS also offered a variety of family oriented cooking and art classes.
All of our many programs utilize the gifts of this land, whether it is produce cultivated in our 1000 square feet of garden beds; wildflowers shared with pollinators; or invasive species removed and turned into ephemeral artworks. Whatever the project, we strongly believe that hands of all sizes benefit from getting into the soil: children are more likely to eat foods that they plant, nurture, harvest and cook; youth who learn about garden ecosystems will value the insects and pollinators; adults who weave baskets with English Ivy, Himalayan Blackberry, or Flag Iris, are unlikely to plant these invasive plants in their own garden. Whatever the age, such activities support individuals mental and physical well-being, strengthen family bonds, and contribute to a life-long, loving connection with the natural world.
Visit our website to learn more about Terra Nova Nature School and follow us on Twitter for updates and photos from the garden.