Willowdale Monthly Newsletter
- Stephanie Watson Yaeger
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
Fifth Edition March 2026
Together in Season
Another month and another season of re-formatting our monthly newsletter, ha! We are always seeking the best way to share information so that we can impact the most families. It's not about getting everyone who follows us to register for a paid class (we can't even accommodate that). It's simply about the quality of support we can continue to offer families within our community; whether they attend our events, watch from afar or find value in the book lists we share.
I (Steph) don't really like this blog format newsletter so far to be totally honest. I think our other one was cuter but cute doesn't...compute. Next month the delivery may (likely will) be different. We're grateful for our community who *embraces* our "learning out loud" practices!
February Nature Journal
Our explorers this winter persisted through challenges, trekked through snow higher than their knees and fully embraced this season of fun! And, it's not over yet!
Willowdale Explorers were inspired to play and create by women inventors, scientists and activists.
Maria Beasley's life-raft invention led to experiments with sinking and floating, in fluffy snow and water!
Inspired by the first female African American NASA astronaut, explorers engaged in activities involving gravity and friction, such as sledding and creating "snow luges" for marbles.
We drew inspiration from Greta Thunberg to tap into our inner activists; each family decorated a yard sign inspired by causes they care about. Themes centered around protecting our forests and “don’t be a litter bug!”
From colorful concoctions and potion play to meeting new friends and connecting with OG Willowdale Explorers, our Mud Makers embraced the lack of...mud and finally found some during our last session!
March Invitation
New Hampshire Maple Weekend will be celebrated during the weekend of Spring Equinox; what perfect timing to welcome in a season of renewal! We will be celebrating this treasured tradition our final winter session with a Maple Harvest Party honoring Indigenous practices and of course tasting some yummy maple treats!
Check out all the fun NH Maple Weekend events happening near you!
First winter session of Willowdale, February 2023! Featuring a snoozing Baby Daniel at Demers Garden Center
Book Nook
Later this month we're sharing some of our favorite stories that remind us of Spring. Stay tuned, we're still curating our list!
Community Corner
Willowdale is in an intentional season of growth and there are a variety of opportunities to connect with us outside and support our mission as we head into Spring!
NH Fisher Cats game partnership!
Join us on Sunday, June 7 for an afternoon at the ballpark!
A portion of each ticket sale will be donated to Willowdale! Purchase tickets at this link and share with friends. So far, we've raised $85!
Fun Pasta Fundraiser!
Shop our exclusive links 3/1-3/31!
We are hosting our first group fundraiser and will be selling fun-shaped pasta in partnership with Pastabilities! You can shop either of the links below to help us earn up to 50% of the profits!
We have two families participating with us! We are so grateful!
Here is snapshot of our upcoming events; view all and register here!
!
Meet Our Guiding Voices
Meet Steph
Willowdale Founder
What season are you? Fall and Winter (I LOVE A SNOWSTORM!) but I love summer for the beach (ocean beach only.) I am obsessed with New England and look forward to the change of seasons equally!
What's in your adventure bag? Water, snacks, “go find it cards”
Favorite nature smell? Pine and fire smoke (always reminds reminds me of home) and the smell when you're heading over the Plum Island Drawbridge, almost to the beach.
Childhood memory in nature that stands out? We were always exploring the woods, the Willowdale Forest, surrounding our house. We would walk the trail to my grandparents, ice skate on the pond and take our dog to jump in the Ipswich River under the little bridge down the street at dusk on a hot summer night.
Check out all our resources on our website and meet us in the mud soon!
Comments