In an age where screen time outpaces outdoor play, Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center is offering a refreshing – and vital – alternative for young learners. Nestled on 250 acres in the blufflands of southeastern Minnesota, Eagle Bluff’s Nature Preschool reconnects children with the natural world through experiential outdoor learning. The result? Confident, curious, and resilient preschoolers with a deep-rooted sense of wonder and environmental stewardship.
Learning in Nature, Learning from Nature
At the heart of Eagle Bluff’s philosophy is a simple yet powerful idea: children learn best by doing, especially when that “doing” happens outdoors.
“Our goal is to give children the space and freedom to explore, ask questions, and make discoveries in nature,” says Alayna Sobieniak, Nature Preschool Educator. “It activates their senses and invites curiosity in ways a traditional classroom can’t.”
Each day, children are immersed in the diverse landscapes surrounding Eagle Bluff – forests, prairies, and ponds – turning the outdoors into a living classroom. From observing migrating birds to tracking animal footprints, the natural world provides endless opportunities for exploration and learning.
Whole-Child Development in an Outdoor Setting
The benefits of outdoor, place-based education go far beyond academic growth. At Eagle Bluff, children’s cognitive, physical, emotional, and social development all flourish in nature.
“We see incredible growth in problem-solving and critical thinking when kids are allowed to lead their own discoveries,” says Sobieniak. “We serve as guides, helping them navigate safely while encouraging independence, communication, and creativity.”
Outdoor play supports physical development as well. Whether climbing over logs, balancing on rocks, or running across open fields, preschoolers are constantly building motor skills and physical confidence.
Emotionally, nature provides a calming, restorative space. “We’ve had children who struggle with confidence or social skills really come into their own here,” Sobieniak notes. “Nature encourages teamwork, empathy, and resilience.”
A Day in the Life of a Nature Preschooler
No two days at Eagle Bluff’s Nature Preschool are exactly alike – but every day is an adventure.
Mornings might begin with a forest hike to observe changing seasons or search for animal signs. Later, students could be found crouching near a pond, netting tiny aquatic creatures and studying them up close. Other days might include building forts out of sticks, storytelling circles in the tall grass, or observing cloud patterns and learning about weather.
“Children are always learning – about themselves, each other, and the world,” says Sobieniak. “And they’re doing it through play, discovery, and wonder.”
Quiet reflection is also woven into each day. Children might gather under a tree to share stories, express their thoughts, or engage in imaginative play sparked by their surroundings. In this environment, the natural world becomes more than a backdrop – it’s an active and inspiring teacher.
Expanding Access Through Community Partnership
Eagle Bluff’s commitment to accessibility is exemplified through its partnership with Fillmore County Head Start. Each school year, half of the program’s seats are reserved for children enrolled in Head Start, ensuring that nature-based early childhood education is available to families who need it most.
“This isn’t just about preschool,” Sobieniak says. “It’s about shaping the next generation – raising children who not only understand the world around them, but feel empowered to care for it and for each other.”