Join us for a memorable evening at Roots' new home at Our Savior Lutheran Church as we come together to support the future of Roots. It is time to celebrate new beginnings and the continuation of the great tradition of outdoor early learning in our community.

We will enjoy delicious appetizers and dinner by Horsewood Catering, yummy dessert from Stacey Cakes, and sip wine from Scoria Vineyards and beer from Salmon River Brewery in our new forest classroom. The night will feature live and silent auctions, all to benefit the next chapter of outdoor education at Roots.

What is Roots?

Roots Forest School is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Founded in 2015 as Idaho's first forest preschool, Roots Forest School was nestled in Ponderosa State Park for 11 years. Our preschool students spend their class time in both our forest classroom and on group hikes and field trips around our community. Whatever the venue, children at Roots learn through self-directed inquiry. With teachers as their guides, children have the time, space, and materials to find the answers to important questions that help them understand the world. We are excited to be heading into our 12th year in operation! Currently, over 180 Roots Alumni span kindergarten to sixth grade in our local school districts. Visit our website to learn more!

Why Forest School?

Forest schools provide a balance of child-led play and focused experiential learning. Students engage with their surroundings and are immersed in nature. Place-based curriculum follows the flow of the seasons with the study of local ecology and seasonal changes while students learn the importance of taking care of their environment, its creatures, and each other. Research shows that this approach encourages the development of executive functioning skills that will contribute to a student’s success in future academic and personal endeavors.

A Glimpse Inside!

2026 Evening in the Pines

Roots Forest School proudly presents our 5th Annual Evening in the Pines—a night to celebrate nature-based early childhood education, community, and the next chapter in our story!