Register HERE for our Fall 2026 Educational Program! Scholarships available!
Nurtured Roots offers holistic outdoor education that deepens children’s connection to nature, one another, and themselves. Children ages 4-10 learn through play, creative problem-solving, and discovering the beauty and mystery of the natural world. Guided by experienced educators, children build strong academic foundations while developing socially, emotionally, and physically. Located in Borland Garden, our nature-rich environment provides meaningful opportunities for children to learn, explore, build confidence, and grow through hands-on experiences.
Our mixed-age classes meet in a lush urban garden. Children spend their days outdoors in all kinds of weather, experiencing the changing seasons and learning through direct engagement with the natural world.
Areas of study include:
- Social-emotional learning
- Nature & ecology
- Art & creativity
- Literacy & storytelling
- Math through nature-based exploration
- Music & movement
- Practical life skills
Who: Children ages 4-10
WHEN: Tuesdays and Thursdays (September 15th-December 17th) 9:00 am-2:00 pm. Spring 2027 session begins in January.
Where: Borland Garden, 527 North Beatty Street, East Liberty
Cost: $1,500 for September 15-December 17. Scholarships available!
Lead Teachers: Jodi Iddings and Mai Nguyen
Art in the Garden believes that every child deserves the opportunity to experience the wonder, freedom, and belonging that come from spending time in nature. When children have regular opportunities to explore and build relationships with the natural world, they develop not only ecological knowledge, but also a sense of connection, responsibility, and care. Through Nurtured Roots, children learn to see themselves as part of the living world—and as people who can help care for it. Our vision is that every child who is part of Nurtured Roots develops a deeper sense of belonging: to themselves, to their community, and to the Earth.
We also believe that access to outdoor education should not depend on a family’s income. We are working with funders and foundations to make sliding-scale tuition possible so that more families can participate regardless of their financial circumstances. This is part of Art in the Garden’s commitment to economic justice and equitable access to nature, and we welcome support from those who share this vision.
If you are interested in supporting Nurtured Roots, please check out our “Donations” page or consider making a donation HERE. Contact us at artinthegardenpgh@gmail.com for more information.
Partners include: Tree Pittsburgh, Youth Enrichment Services (YES), Learn & Earn, inclement weather support from East Liberty Presbyterian Church, outdoor wear support from Patagonia
Art in the Garden 