At NWDC, we are dedicated to providing programs that are centered around the creation of a citizenry that understands, respects, enjoys and cares for themselves, their families, their community, and the natural world.

NWDC operates year-round, facilitating outdoor learning by providing instructional materials, resource rangers, special outdoor learning sites, lodging and food service for overnight/residential excursions, and for some programs management of transportation. Each of our educational programs are experiential and place-based, and aimed at allowing students the opportunity to synthesize information about themselves and their environment. Students learn a wide range of concepts through STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) activities across grades K-12, all of our educational programs are in line with Colorado’s Common Core State Standards. The primary educational programs NWDC offers throughout the school year are Earth Studies (serving Pueblo District 60 5th graders), Outdoor Explorations Program (a homeschool enrichment program), and the Earthkeepers Nature School (for preschool and kindergarten age children).

“Teaching children about the natural world should be seen as one of the most important events in their lives.” ~ Thomas Berry