Wandering Roots Membership

Wandering Roots is an Anchorage-based community program offering hands-on learning experiences for kids and families through arts, science, local ecology, and community expertise. Together, we’ll weave curiosity, play, and connection into meaningful weekly adventures.

Membership Details

  • 14 field trips and 3 community celebrations

  • Additional opportunities to gather may arise, some planned by me and others initiated by the group.

  • Our first membership cycle runs for four months, ending in December. Along the way, I’ll gather feedback and field trip ideas so we can co-create the next cycle together from January to May.

  • The cost is $280 for one child, $345 for two, or $410 for three. This rate already includes flexibility, so families can miss up to three meetups  without paying extra.

  • Open to kids ages 5–8

  • Younger and older siblings are welcome. As parents, you know best whether your child is ready and excited to participate. If your child would like to fully join the activities, please register and pay for them as well. If they’d rather just tag along and not take part, there’s no need to pay.

  • Wandering Roots is designed for parents and their children to learn and experience together. Younger siblings are welcome to join, and we recognize that as a community of families there is flexibility, sometimes a parent may need to step away, and in those moments other adults can step in with support. The focus remains on shared parent–child learning, held within a culture of helping one another and embracing the spirit of ‘it takes a village.’

  • Field Trips meet on FRIDAYS from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m.

  • If we welcome more than 14 families this season, I’ll be able to add extra meetup days, giving everyone more options and variety to enjoy. Feel free to share this opportunity with your friends

Community Connection

When you join Wandering Roots, you’re welcomed into the Forest Collective, a vibrant micro-community of more than 30 families. Your membership includes:

  • A private WhatsApp group for everyday connection and support

  • Invitations to join or start special interest gatherings. (Book club, gift exchange, Saturday meetups, monthly potlucks, etc.) 

  • Opportunities to co-create meaningful experiences for both children and adults. 

This is more than just field trips—it’s about building community, sharing traditions, fostering lasting connections for children and caregivers, and creating opportunities for families to connect across generations while recognizing and sharing the talents and skills of experienced community members.

I invite your curiosity, ideas, and support as we explore what this community can become together.

Once you’ve registered and paid, I’ll send you the link to join the WhatsApp Forest Collective Community. This is where I’ll share updates, provide details about upcoming field trips, and offer a space for families to connect with one another.

My Venmo account will be given through a confirmation email after registering or you can pay cash or check on the day of the first field trip.

Families who need documentation for charter school reimbursement can indicate this on the registration form, and I will provide a receipt upon request.

Planned Field Trips


September 12
Gold Panning Adventure
Join us for a hands-on exploration of local streams as we try our luck at gold panning. Kids and adults will learn the techniques of sifting and separating, discover the history of gold in Alaska, and uncover the tiny treasures hidden in the sand. This is a fun, educational experience that connects families to local history and the natural world, giving everyone a chance to strike (even tiny!) gold while learning about the landscape around them. This is a fun kick-off field trip where families can meet each other and gather around the bonfire to roast hot dogs and s’mores.

September 19
Mushroom Exploration
Join a guided forest walk to explore and identify local mushrooms with our guest teacher. Kids and adults will learn about different species, their ecological roles, and safe foraging practices in this hands-on, educational experience. This field trip is perfect for curious minds and anyone interested in learning more about the hidden world of fungi in our local forests.

September 26
Owl Pellet Discovery
At John’s Park, we’ll explore the hidden world of birds by dissecting owl pellets to see what these night hunters have been eating. A local birder will share stories, calls, and insights, helping us notice the signs birds leave behind and discover the fascinating lives of our feathered neighbors.


October 3 - TBD

October 10
Pumpkin Fairy House Project
Bring your pumpkin and create a magical fairy house! Carve your pumpkin into a cozy little home and decorate it with natural materials like leaves, twigs, and spruce cones. This activity is fun for young and old to enjoy together, sparking creativity and imagination. Afterward, pumpkins can be taken home or donated to Boyer’s Orchard Fall Festival Celebration, where they will become part of a charming pumpkin village nestled between the orchard rows.

October 11
Boyer’s Orchard Fall Festival
Celebrate the season with a day at Boyer’s Orchard Fall Festival! Families can wander the orchard rows and enjoy seasonal activities. Children and adults will have the chance to check out the pumpkin fairy village set within the trees. Please note: This activity is not included in the Wandering Roots membership. It is a fundraiser for Boyer’s Orchard, and participation supports the orchard while allowing families to enjoy the festival.


October 17
Alaska Public Lands Information Center
We’ll visit the Alaska Public Lands Information Center, where a Park Ranger and education specialist will guide us through an afternoon of discovery. In the education room, we’ll explore educational kits and examine real animal furs and skeletons, learning how each adaptation helps creatures survive in northern landscapes. With the Ranger’s stories and expertise, the natural world of Alaska will come alive in new and exciting ways.

October 24 - TBD

October 31- TBD

November 7
Lantern Making
We will create our own lanterns using a variety of materials and techniques, tailored to different ages. This hands-on experience lets children and families explore their creativity while learning about lantern traditions from around the world, discovering how lanterns have been used to bring communities together and celebrate light across cultures. From festival celebrations to symbolic meanings, we’ll uncover the many ways lanterns have inspired communities throughout history.

November 14 - TBD

November 15
Community Lantern Walk
Join us for a magical evening as we gather to walk together with handmade lanterns, celebrating light, creativity, and community. Families will carry their lanterns through a forested or park path, sharing stories, songs, and quiet reflection along the way. This experience encourages children and adults to connect with each other, with nature, and with the rhythms of the season. Lanterns can be made in advance during a lantern-making workshop or brought from home, and together we’ll create a glowing pathway that lights up our shared journey.

November 21- TBD

December 5 - TBD

December 12 - TBD

December 19 - TBD

December 20
Community Solstice Spiral
We’ll find a hidden spot in the woods to create our solstice spiral, inspired by the Waldorf tradition.

Unplanned Field Trips Ideas:

These are tentative. I’ve reached out to several of these organizations and businesses and will add them to the finalized schedule above once the details are confirmed.

Firehouse Tour
Anchorage Performing Arts Tour
News Station Tour
Anchorage Sand and Gravel Tour
Papa Murphy’s Tour
Waste Transfer Station Tour
Pioneer School House Tour
Stone Soup Puppet Theater Gathering