Creating a Strong Connection to Place through Creativity, Nature Awareness and Appreciation.

In the woods, meadows, and streams of our beautiful Finger Lakes region, Earth Arts offers nature-based mentoring programs that connect children and adults to a deeper sense of self, community, and the Natural World.

Click here to learn about the Earth Arts staff.

Earth Arts Is…

Drinking fresh maple sap on an early Spring morning
Making lip balm from local plants in Summer
Building shelters with forest debris in Fall
Telling stories around afire in Winter
Playing “Hawk and Chickadee” in any weather
Digging clay from a stream bank to make pots
Weaving baskets from grapevine and bittersweet
Making stone, wood, and steel tools for our forest packs
Adding a fairy house to Fairy Village
Filling the woods with song as we journey homeward
Knowing when the Seasons are changing because the birds tell us
Observing a hawk dive for its breakfast during Morning Circle
Experiencing an ancient connection when we call to and are answered by a distant pack of coyotes
Discovering common stories of our own lives in the tracks of local animals
Knowing we have Friends and Allies in Nature
Telling a story in a clay bowl
Writing a poem during Sit Spot
Drawing a Circle of Thanks with our words at the beginning and end of each day

What Parents and Children Tell Us About Earth Arts

“Earth Arts is genuinely [my son’s] second family. He feels completely at home as a member of the Earth Arts community. Each mentor offers him their own rich experience from which to learn. When I drop him off or pick him up and observe free play time, it seems that all of the children feel connected with one another. [My son] enjoys both learning from others and sharing what he knows. The love, connection and learning that happens at Earth Arts is a heartfelt gift.” ~ Poppy, parent of 11 year old

“The earth-based community of children gives my child a playful and connected second home to relax into. The spiritually skilled and practically wise leadership of the adults allows me to relax, too; I know my son is the patient hands of child-whisperers who adore the earth. I am grateful beyond measure for the web of Earth Arts.” ~ Eric, parent of 9 year old

“Earth art is awesome because you get to get really dirty, build forts and cook our dinner over a campfire.” ~ MH age 11

“Our children have done several EA programs in Danby and on Coddington Rd at various times of year. The staff are caring, creative, knowledgeable and find ways of helping children connect with nature in meaningful and imaginative ways. When we drop them off, we know they are in good hands. We are greeted at pick up time by enthusiastic stories about the day’s adventures which have brought them in closer connection to the natural world, to others and to themselves. They are always excited to return to EA again and again.” ~ parent of a 9 year old

“I really liked making a clay elephant. The clan leaders were really nice.” ~ EM- age 6