Nearby Nature:

Nearby Nature is a non-profit education organization dedicated to fostering appreciation of nature nearby and providing tools for ecological living. In addition to teaching Network Charter School classes, its staff and volunteers lead nature walks, teach summer day camps, host school programs, sponsor special events, and work on environmental restoration projects, mainly in the Whilamut Natural Area of Alton Baker Park. The group also maintains a Learnscape Garden and Outdoor Classroom and serves as the City of Eugene’s official Alton Baker Park Host. Since 1992, Nearby Nature has served tens of thousands of children, adults, families, and teachers. The group has also worked with thousands of volunteers and numerous community organizations.

To learn more visit Nearby Nature’s website.

OUR Work with NCS:

Nearby Nature's offerings at Network Charter School integrate academics with hands-on activities, career-related skill development, field trips, and more. Our classes reflect our focus on nature and ecological sustainability, and include Life and Earth Sciences, Physical Geography, Nature Literature, Natural History, National Parks, and Outdoor Physical Education. We visit and volunteer in green spaces throughout the city of Eugene, investigate environmental health problems, and study contemporary, real world issues. Nearby Nature also teachers Math, Health, and Independent Living classes. Like other NCS partners, all of our class sizes are small, affording great opportunities for teachers and students to make connections. Nearby Nature’s classes are held both at NCS’s main site on Portland Street, and at our Learnscape yurt in Alton Baker Park, where students have an opportunity to study and explore local nature directly.