LANSING, Mich. — Fenner Conservancy has been awarded $47,000 from the Dart Foundation to retrofit the Visitor Center’s lower level to serve as the indoor classroom space for the Lansing Nature Preschool, set to open in 2020. The classroom will be named the Dart Foundation Discovery Classroom.
“The Dart Foundation is pleased to be a key financial contributor to this flagship project,” said Emily L. Matthews, Dart Foundation Manager. “There is a definite need for high-quality pre-school programs in the Mid-Michigan area, and this classroom is designed to maximize educational opportunities for these early learners while exposing them to nature and the great outdoors.”
The Lansing Nature Preschool will provide full-day early education for children ages 3-5 on Fenner Nature Center’s property with play-based, Reggio Emilia-inspired curriculum. The classroom’s 500 square feet will include nature-inspired furnishings and loose parts for creative play.
“The Lansing Nature Preschool’s guiding philosophy is that children learn best in an environment that fosters creativity, independence and a sense of connection to the natural world,” said Fenner Conservancy executive director Liz Roxberry. “The Dart Foundation Discovery Classroom will promote open-ended, child-led learning across intellectual, physical, social and emotional domains.
“Having the Dart Foundation’s support has been critical to the advancement of the Lansing Nature Preschool program. With such a trusted partner, we are able to confidently take this large step forward.”
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