For the past 10 years, Roots has been fortunate to call the forests, marshes, and lakeshore of Ponderosa State Park our home. It’s been a magical setting for outdoor learning, exploration, and growth. Looking forward, we’re dreaming bigger than ever as we embark on our biggest adventure yet: finding a new location and creating a permanent home where Roots can continue to grow, thrive, and inspire future generations.

Let's plant seeds for the future!

Join us for a memorable evening beneath the Ponderosa Pines as we come together to support the future of Roots Forest School. Together, we can turn our vision into reality and ensure that Roots continues to inspire and empower young learners in our community for generations to come.

Enjoy a delicious dinner from Horsewood Catering and sweet treats from Stacey Cakes, sip wine from Scoria Vineyards and beer from Salmon River Brewery at our hosted bar, and sway to the sounds of live jazz.

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 is nestled in Ponderosa State Park. Our preschool students spend their class time in both our forest classroom and on group hikes around Ponderosa Park. 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 10th year in operation! Currently, over 160 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!

2025 Evening in the Pines

Roots Forest School proudly presents our 4th Annual Evening in the Pines—a night to celebrate nature-based early childhood education, community, and the next chapter in our story.