Nature

Sienna Ranch Nature classes offer a diverse range of activities designed to encourage students to investigate, discuss, and reflect on the natural world. During the course of a session students have the opportunity to wander local habitats, connect with animals, and create nature-based crafts while fostering self-discovery, environmental awareness, and meaningful connections with peers.

Core activities include:

• Hiking
• Wilderness skill development
• Animal interaction
• Wild tending
• Homesteading skills
• Cooking & gardening
• Nature-based crafts
• Ecology & sustainability concepts
• Unstructured exploration & social development

Learning through the seasons

Each session’s curriculum focuses on the seasonal and ecological changes on the ranch and surrounding landscapes, with activities tailored to students’ age, developmental stage, and learning styles to ensure all learners engage with key concepts.

Our inquiry-based learning approach encourages students to explore their individual interests while fostering collective discovery through observation and group activities. This process is guided by expert naturalist instructors, who support students in deepening their understanding of the natural world and developing critical thinking skills.

Exploring nature at every stage

At Sienna Ranch, students begin their journey at any age, growing and developing in an environment that fosters curiosity and a deep connection to nature. The true magic comes from the evolution of our learning path. Each class builds upon foundational concepts, deepening with students’ growth and expanding knowledge.

• Ranch Play (Ages 3-4) offers an introductory connection with adult-child groups, providing early opportunities for exploration and play.
• Junior Ranchers (PreK-1st) is an introductory program focused on developmental learning, social-emotional growth, and comfort with nature, while enhancing fine motor skills.
• Explorers (1st-6th) builds on earlier concepts with hands-on, physical learning, engaging elementary and middle school students in outdoor experiences.
• Nature Sages (7th-8th) offers a more advanced curriculum focused on outdoor leadership, environmental stewardship, and self-discovery. Pre-teens and teens engage in complex ecological studies, leadership training, and ranch service projects, preparing them to become informed environmental stewards.
• Trail Ramblers (3rd-8th) empowers students to explore diverse terrains, observe wildlife, and build resilience, body awareness, and strength through challenging hikes and outdoor adventures.