About

Why Choose

Our Village

Where fresh air, farm friends, and real-world experiences skills shape young minds.

Hi, I’m Cassandra—mama of two wild and wonderful little ones (ages 2 and 3), accidental goat wrangler, and lifelong lover of both books and dirt. Growing up, I adored school and the outdoors, and now I’m living the dream (and chaos) of combining both. I created Our Village Forest and Farm School because I wanted to give my kids the kind of childhood I had—one filled with fresh air, freedom, and the deep, earthy lessons only a forest can teach. Turns out, a lot of other families want that too. So here we are—building a village where kids learn by doing, exploring, imagining, and getting gloriously muddy.

We are evolving into a more community-centered, family-inclusive model, where caregivers and children gather together to explore, create, and connect in nature—side by side.

About our

History

Our Village Forest and Farm School began with a simple but powerful vision: to raise children in community, in nature, and in rhythm with the seasons. What started as one mama’s dream to give her kids the kind of magical, grounded childhood she remembered—full of trees, animals, creativity, and hands-on experiences—quickly grew into something more.

Born in the heart of Columbus and Forest City, NC, Our Village is rooted in years of experience working alongside families, nature-based communities, and leaders who are reimagining how children grow and learn. Our founder, Cassandra, has spent over a decade supporting families and communities across the Pacific Northwest and beyond (even all the way to China!) to create more meaningful, local, and connected ways of living and learning. Now, that work is taking root here—where the soil is rich, the goats are friendly, the horses are charming, and families gather together on the land.

Today, Our Village is a growing community of families, guides, and little explorers who believe that real learning happens through connection, curiosity, and shared experiences—outdoors, in all weather, and with hearts wide open.

About our

Team

Cassandra Baer (Houghton)

Cassandra has spent over a decade reimagining education to be hands-on, nature-based, and rooted in community. With experience launching programs from the Pacific Northwest to China, she brings her passion and purpose home to North Carolina—where she’s raising her kids and building a village for others to grow with, too. She’s the visionary heart behind Our Village, weaving together learning, leadership, and love for the land.

Alexa Moran

Alexa found healing in the rhythm of farm life and never looked back. Her deep love for animals—especially horses—fuels her passion for creating a safe, joyful space for children to learn and connect. With years of experience managing farms and leading animal programs, Alexa is the heart of our animal care team, ensuring that everyone (two- and four-legged) is happy, safe, and having fun.

About our

Interns

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Coming Soon!

Little Learner's Coach

Support events, engage families, help lead nature play activities, and learn what it takes to grow a village. Ideal for creative leaders, aspiring teachers, or anyone who loves connecting with people and building community.

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Farm Hand

Help care for the gardens and support the flow of the land. Great for children who enjoy getting their hands dirty and learning hands-on, nature-based skills.

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Be You?

Jr Ecologist

Get hands-on with nature as you learn to care for trails, identify plants, track wildlife, and study the health of our forest. Perfect for future scientists, naturalists, or anyone who loves the outdoors and wants to protect it.

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Contact Us

Future Founder

Support events, engage families, help lead nature play activities, and learn what it takes to grow a village. Ideal for creative leaders, aspiring teachers, or anyone who loves connecting with people and building community.

About our Facilities

Baer family Farm

Natural Playground

Imagination rules the day where every rock and branch invites a new story.

Garden

A hands-on garden where families explore food from seed to plate.

Critter Corner

A nature space where children observe, discover, and connect with the land.

Gathering Space

A central gathering space for tools, materials, and hands-on experiences that support life on the land.

Forest Trails | Wander & Wonder

Winding forest trails perfect for nature walks, exploration, and quiet moments of connection under the trees.

A Gentle Rhythm of Our Day

A Day at Our Gatherings

Food Forest 

A 2-acre fenced food forest and farm in development, blending fruit trees, herbs, and native plants into a thriving edible ecosystem.

Long trails

Access to more trails than young explorers can wander, inviting adventure and discovery.

Wildlife Pond

Nature’s classroom and muddy playground. A serene pond perfect for observing wildlife and taking a walk.

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Free Play and Welcoming Circle 🕘 9:00 AM

We gather to greet friends, share plans for the day, enjoy some open play and do our first lesson to start our adventure day.

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Nature Exploration 10:00 AM

Spend time exploring the land, observing nature, and building a deeper connection with the environment around us.

Kid Holding a mango crop
Themed Activities and Projects 🎨 11:00 AM

Dive into hands-on experiences — from gardening and forest walks to art, science experiments, or farm projects. Older youth may also mentor younger participants during this time.

Kids walking in the trails
Lunch, Forest Walk & Closing Circle 🌳 12:00 PM

Share a meal, take a refreshing walk in the forest, and gather for closing reflections — building friendships and ending the day with connection.

About

Serving Polk, Rutherforton, Henderson, Other Nearby Counties. Our forest and farm programs support each stage of life with hands-on learning, leadership, and connection to community.

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Our Village Forest and Farm School, Established 2025 | Privacy Policy | Terms of USE