The Nature Explore Classroom at The Home Depot Foundation Community Garden in New York CityYou don’t need a large area of land, or even a choice piece of property, to build a Nature Explore Classroom. A Nature Explore Classroom can transform any property into a wonderland of learning for young children. 
The New York Restoration Project transformed an abandoned alley between two buildings into a beautiful area where children can interact with nature. Need proof? Just check out the new certified Nature Explore Classroom at The Home Depot Foundation Community Garden in New York City. The New York Restoration Project, a nonprofit organization dedicated to developing and revitalizing public spaces in the city, took an alley way between two apartment buildings in an East Harlem neighborhood and turned it into a place where children can interact with nature on a daily basis. The garden includes an elaborate metal entryway. Heavy timbers help clearly delineate the 10 specific areas included for unstructured play and activities. Wooden furniture, large trees, topiary and flowers in raised beds are also included in the design of the area. Crushed and inland stone are used for pathways, and plant materials were chosen for shade tolerance and hardiness. The certified Nature Explore Classroom at the community garden will be used by children in the neighborhood as well as students at New York City Public School 155. 
Children can create structures with natural wood blocks in a Nature Explore Classroom. Photos © Jared Vazales, NYRP 
Children can touch many different natural textures as they learn in a Nature Explore Classroom. 
An inviting, scenic pathway greets children as they enter the first certified Nature Explore Classroom in New York City. |