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Join our Community

Discover a welcoming homeschool nature co-op in the heart of western North Carolina. Connect with other families who share your passion for outdoor learning and holistic education. Let's explore, learn, and grow together!

Explore

VISION

Our mission is to bring homeschool families together in nature, fostering a love and respect for the natural world through hands-on, nature-based learning experiences. Through weekly activities, we provide children with opportunities to explore, grow, and connect with the outdoors, building a strong foundation of curiosity, environmental stewardship, and community.

OFFERINGS

We offer a range of nature-inspired educational programs designed to spark curiosity and creativity in children. Our services include outdoor classes, nature walks, wildlife education, art in nature sessions, and collaborative learning experiences.

Classes

Outdoor classes that combine exploration, play, and learning.

Our classes are designed to encourage creativity and critical thinking.

Outdoor Workshops

Engaging workshops that focus on specific learning objectives.

Children participate in hands-on activities that deepen their understanding.

Events

Weekly adventures in nature, hikes

We host a yearly Kids Makers Market

A market where young entrepreneurs showcase and sell their handmade gifts, learning both the skill of communication, but also what it's like to have a business.

Meet the Team

Director/Founder

Erin Molina

Foothills Forest Friends started as a simple idea, inspired by my deep love for nature and a desire to connect our community with the outdoors. After growing up in Southern California, I moved to Western North Carolina and was instantly captivated by the beauty and biodiversity of the region. Not long after, I met my now best friend, Shonda, and together we saw an opportunity to create meaningful, hands-on nature experiences for kids and families. That shared vision led us to start Foothills Forest Friends—a grassroots effort to promote conservation, education, and stewardship of our local woodlands. With the support of passionate volunteers and fellow nature lovers, we've built a welcoming space where homeschool children can explore, learn, and grow through their connection with the forest.

Founder

Shonda Nelson

I grew up in the mountains of Burnsville, North Carolina, where a love for the outdoors was just part of everyday life. Now a mom of two, I found myself drawn to homeschooling as a way to create a more intentional, hands-on learning experience for my kids. Along that journey, I met my now best friend, and together we discovered a shared passion for nature, education, and community. That spark led us to create Foothills Forest Friends—a nature-based group designed to bring children and families together to learn, explore, and grow in the beauty of the natural world around us.

What Parents Say

Parents appreciate the hands-on learning approach and the strong sense of community at Foothills Forest Friends, making it a truly enriching experience for their children.

Kelsey Thomas

We have had an incredible experience with our outdoor based homeschool group, and I couldn’t be more grateful for the opportunity to be a part of it. The group fosters an environment that is both educational and enriching, combining hands-on learning with the beauty of nature. The kids engage in a variety of activities, from identifying plants and animal species, nature walks, crafts and games, all while developing meaningful connections with other homeschoolers. The social aspect is fantastic—the children are thriving in an inclusive, non-competitive setting where they can learn at their own pace, explore their interests, and build lasting friendships.

Luke Gracie

I'm impressed by the dedication of the educators and the variety of activities that engage and educate the children in a natural setting.

Michelle Bennett

Foothills Forest Friends has created a warm and inviting space that nurtures children's curiosity and love for the environment.