Would you like to share a lifetime love of nature with the next generation? Here’s your chance! Half of the proceeds from the Mahtomedi Area Educational Foundation’s April 6 Spring Gala Fund a Need will go toward installation of a natural playground at the new Wildwood Elementary School. If you’d like to support children in playing and learning in the outdoors, please consider attending this year’s Gala and raising your hand for the Fund a Need. You can buy your tickets how at www.maefgives.org. We are so grateful for MAEF’s support of this project AND for the other great things they do for this community.

If you can’t attend the Gala, but still would like to support the Wildwood Playground Project, contact infomahtomedigreen.org.

Natural playgrounds have been gaining attention in recent years as a way to help children connect with nature, develop their creativity, and exercise their growing muscles – all while having a ton of fun! While traditional playgrounds mainly encourage gross motor exercise, natural playgrounds are specifically designed to support other aspects of play, such as sensory exploration, discovery, cooperation, interaction, imagination, relaxation, and daydreaming.