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At Snails & Turkey Tails Nature School, nature is our classroom and curiosity leads the way. Our nature-based, early childhood program for children ages 2-4, invites young learners to observe, discover, and adventure at their own pace. Each day is filled with rich sensory experiences, hands-on exploration, shared laughter, and quiet moments of awareness and connection.

 

Children take part in scavenger hunts to gather materials for crafting, as well as repurpose items that might otherwise end up in the landfill. Creativity is always unfolding, and students surprise us daily with their imaginative ideas and unique creations. They try new challenges like balancing on a slackline, build skills like working with hammers and handsaws, make blackberry paint with a mortar and pestle, and prepare imaginative dishes in the mud kitchen.

 

Mornings are spent exploring the creek and trails—following animal tracks, climbing logs, splashing in puddles, and creating with natural materials. We read stories, ride bikes, trikes, and scooters, observe seasonal changes, and learn through play guided by imagination, collaboration, and a sense of adventure. 

 

 

How Our Program Works

Our nature preschool class is offered -

9AM–12PM

Ages 2-4

Classes Offered: Monday through Friday

 

Join our founding class this Spring! We will be meeting for 6 weeks in April and May. Classes pick up again in September, after our summer camp season, and will be offered on a semester basis. We intentionally keep our group small—up to 6 children per session—to foster strong relationships, meaningful play, and a calm, connected learning environment. Each full session has a 1:3 teacher/student ratio. Advance registration is required.

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Semester 1: September - December

Semester 2: January - May

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T/TH Schedule: $600/month 

M/W/F Schedule: $900/month 

Monday through Friday Schedule: $1,500/month 

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Location

Join us at beautiful Stolte Grove in Mill Valley. Stolte Grove is a serene, shady redwood sanctuary located in Homestead Valley, featuring towering redwood trees, oaks, and a small creek. This "hidden gem" offers a natural, quiet escape with hiking trails, local wildlife like hummingbirds and hawks, and, in early summer, wild plums. 

 

Key natural features and aspects of Stolte Grove include:

• Flora: The grove is dominated by coast redwoods, alongside oaks and other lush, shaded vegetation.

• Wildlife: Visitors may spot local wildlife, including red-tailed hawks and hummingbirds.

• Water Feature: A small creek runs through the area.

• Trails & Environment: We explore woodsy trails, gentle hills.

• Seasonal Features: Wild plums are known to grow in the area during the summer.

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It is often described as a "secret garden" or a smaller, more intimate alternative to the nearby Muir Woods. 

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Learning Through Play & Connection

Learning at nature preschool happens organically. Children practice early literacy and language skills through storytelling and conversation, explore math by counting treasures and measuring sticks, and build science knowledge by watching bugs, tracking weather, and noticing how the world changes through the seasons. Just as importantly, they learn how to take turns, solve problems together, regulate emotions, and care for one another and the land.

 

Our program is a wonderful complement to a preschool or homeschool schedule, offering rich outdoor experiences and small-group learning. Sessions run from September through May. We offer summer camps from June-August, as well as seasonal camps throughout the year.

 

 

Community & Care

We value connection—with children, families, and the natural world. For the comfort and safety of all families, we follow the same well child policy as local schools. After registration, we’ll reach out to schedule a short intake call, giving us a chance to learn about your child, answer questions, and ensure a smooth, joyful start.

 

Come wander, wonder, and grow with us. Join Snails & Turkey Tails Nature School—where curious kids learn by getting a little wild.