Little Forest Friends

Little Forest Friends invites your youngest explorers to discover the wonders of nature through gentle, sensory-rich outdoor play. This free program at Blevins Gap Nature Preserve combines stories, songs, and simple art activities to help toddlers ages 18 months to 3 years build a joyful connection with the natural world. Led by naturalist Elizabeth Moats, these sessions take place on the easy Little Foot Loop trail, where little ones can touch bark, listen to birdsong, and learn about the forest creatures that call this habitat home. Older siblings are welcome to tag along, making it a relaxed outing for the whole family. The July 20 session begins at 10:00 AM at the Fanning Trailhead on Cecil Ashburn Drive. While the program itself is free, the Land Trust that manages these preserves welcomes memberships to support their work. Space is limited and reservations are required—register using one parent's information and reserve just one spot per family, not per child. There are no waitlists, but if spots open up, registration will reopen, so it's worth checking back if you miss the first round. Come prepared for an hour in the woods: closed-toe shoes are required, and long pants, bug spray, sunscreen, and water bottles are strongly recommended for everyone. Plan to stay after the program if you'd like—families are encouraged to spread out a picnic blanket and enjoy lunch among the trees, extending the morning into a full nature outing that even the littlest legs can manage.