Cottonwood Valley Nature Preschool LLC

04/14/2026

Come join us at this fun community event for families!

We are excited to be planning for the 2026 New Ulm Community Family Fair and Baby Shower, and we would love to invite you to participate!

Location: New Ulm Civic Center

Date: Saturday, April 18, 2026

Time: 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Cost: No cost to participate!

This event continues to be a wonderful opportunity to connect with families in our community, share resources, and celebrate children and caregivers. We truly value the role our vendors play in making this event welcoming, informative, and successful.

REGISTRATION FORM link in the comments!

04/04/2026

Time in the garden gives kids so much more than fresh vegetables. It builds patience, curiosity, confidence, and a connection to the natural world that grows alongside the plants.

Whether it’s a backyard bed, a few pots on a porch, or a tiny patch of soil, gardening has a quiet way of nurturing all of us. 💚

04/03/2026

Meet Oreo, one of our two male guinea fowl—and quite possibly the loudest “employee” on the farm. Guinea fowl are…well…let’s just say they may not win a beauty contest. With their bald, pointy heads, flappy waddles, and siren-level squawks (sorry, neighbors), they turn heads wherever they go. Strange? Yes. Boring? Never.

Oreo didn’t always go by such a sweet name. Around here, he was once known as “Bully Guinea.” He strutted around like he owned the place—pecking any bird who dared cut the line at the food dish and making sure he got first dibs on everything. But over time, we realized something…Oreo isn’t a bully—he’s management. He’s the boss of the barnyard, keeping everyone in line and maintaining order in his own way.

Alongside his partner-in-noise, Foghorn, Oreo takes his job very seriously. These two are our built-in alarm system. Coyotes? Absolutely not on their watch. Birds of prey? Sound the alarm! And heaven help us all if the FedEx driver pulls in…you’d think it was a full-blown emergency!

During my time teaching on the Ojibwe Nation, I began learning how different animals carry meaning and symbolism. It opened my eyes to seeing animals in a deeper way—beyond just their quirks and chaos. And wouldn’t you know it, guinea fowl are believed to symbolize protection, community, and vigilance. They’re seen as guardians—watchful, alert, and even bringers of abundance.

Which, honestly, makes perfect sense.

Because under all that noise, sass, and questionable fashion choices…Oreo isn’t just part of the flock—he’s their protector, their leader, and their very loud reminder that on this farm, nothing sneaks by unnoticed.

04/01/2026

On our homestead, we have 25 chickens. Let me tell you, they are a full-blown soap opera with feathers...I like to call it, 'Days on the Farm'. They’re hilarious, dramatic, and wildly entertaining. Don’t worry, I won’t introduce all 25, but I will share a few of our absolute favorites.

First up: meet Gertie, my gardening sidekick and part-time infant.

Gertie is one of the sweetest hens you’ll ever meet. Her life mission? Convince every human she sees to pick her up and carry her like the royalty she clearly believes she is. And honestly…she usually succeeds.

You’ll find Gertie out in the garden helping (and by helping, I mean aggressively eating bugs and supervising). When she’s not working, she enjoys the finer things in life—like chicken treats (table scraps), riding on a human shoulder like a feathery parrot, and living her best playground life.

Yes, you read that right. Gertie has been known to swing on the playground, go down slides while sitting on someone’s lap, and dig around in the sandbox like one of the kids. At this point, we’re not entirely convinced she knows she’s a chicken.

She’s sweet, she’s sassy, she’s slightly spoiled—and she’s definitely one fun chicken.

03/31/2026

Update! Biggie found his family! We are so happy this giant snuggler could be reunited with his loved ones!!

Meet Biggie 🐾

Biggie showed up on our doorstep this winter like he had a reservation and we were just late letting him in. No note, no backstory, just positive energy and a whole lot of cat. And when we say big…we mean BIG. This guy is less “house cat” and more “small couch with whiskers.”

Quick (but important) side note: please don’t drop your pets off at our house. While Biggie has settled in like he belongs here, surprise animals can create real safety issues for both people and the critters who already live here.

Now, back to our mystery man…

Biggie is living his best farm life—lounging in the sun like it’s his full-time job, accepting pets like a celebrity on a meet-and-greet tour, and never once getting sassy about it. Truly, you could pet him all day and he’d just…exist happily. He’s also perfected the art of the piggyback ride—he’ll cruise around during chores like a giant, purring toddler who forgot how legs work.

At this point, Biggie has secured his position on the farm thanks to one very attached youngest farmhand. However…if this gentle giant happens to be your long-lost cat, feel free to come claim him.

(But be warned: you may have to negotiate with a small child and a very content, sunbathing king.)

03/29/2026

Over the next few weeks I will be posting animal introductions.

Meet Sophia Blue Pickle 🐾

Yes… Sophia. And yes… he’s a boy.

Named with great confidence by two tiny farm managers (ages 1 and 3 at the time), Sophia Blue Pickle has since chosen to keep the name—because honestly, it matches his personality perfectly.

Sophia is our feisty, long-haired, professional mouse hunter with a flair for the dramatic. In the summer, he sports his signature “lion cut” (not by choice, but because cockleburs refuse to respect personal space). The result? A slightly offended, very majestic mini-lion roaming the farm.

He’s basically a dog in a cat’s body—he’ll follow you on every adventure like your overly committed hiking buddy. Woods? He’s in. River walks? Obviously. Farm chores? He supervises.

His hobbies include:

Mousing like it’s an Olympic sport
Sunbathing like he pays the electric bill
Going on long, meaningful walks through the woods and by the river
Accepting belly rubs… but only until he suddenly decides that was enough for everyone

Sophia Blue Pickle: confusing name, strong opinions, unmatched vibes.

03/28/2026

📣 We’re looking for helping hands and materials to build cold boxes or mini greenhouses for our upcoming nature camp sessions!

As part of our commitment to sustainability, we’re moving away from plastic growing options and creating natural, long-lasting cold frames to help jump-start our plants before summer begins. 🌿

We are currently seeking:

Volunteers who enjoy building, woodworking, or simply lending a hand

Donated materials, including:

Timber: 2x6 or 2x8 cedar or pine boards (great for charring/longer life)

Corner posts: 2x2 or 2x4 lumber

Lids: old windows or salvaged storm doors

Fasteners: 3.5-inch exterior-grade deck screws

Hardware: straps/hinges

This is a meaningful way to support children, nature education, and sustainable practices in our community. Even a small contribution makes a big impact!

If you’re willing to donate materials or time, please reach out—we’d love to collaborate.

03/12/2026

Camps are full! 🥹 Please look for a confirmation email in your inbox this Sunday! If you want to be added to a wait-list for a session, please email me at [email protected] and I will get you added. 🌳

03/10/2026

WOW!🥹 I am beyond humbled and grateful to see how quickly these camps are filling up! There are only 3 spots left in Session 2: July 20-30! 🏃🏽‍♀️

I feel the support from our community, and it means the world! 💗

I can't wait to explore, learn, and create alongside your incredible learners. Thank you for making this such a memorable experience already! ☀️

03/09/2026

🌿 Summer Camp Registration is OPEN! 🌿
The day I’ve been so excited for is finally here! Registration for our 2026 Cottonwood Valley Nature Preschool Summer Camp is officially open.
Join us for a magical summer of outdoor exploration, nature play, and hands-on learning designed for children ages 3–8. Campers will spend their days discovering the woods, creating, playing, and building a connection with the natural world.

✨ Spots are limited and tend to fill quickly!

👉 Register here: https://share.google/8OueuFD8rkpX59qpk

We can’t wait for another unforgettable summer in nature!

03/08/2026

📣NATURE CAMP REGISTRATION OPENS TOMORROW!!📣

🌿🌞 NATURE CAMP 🌞🌿
Get ready for mud, magic, and memories! Our Nature Camp for young children is the perfect place for curious minds and busy hands to explore the outdoors, make new friends, and learn through joyful, hands-on play.
What to Expect:
• Outdoor exploration
• Creative play & nature-based activities
• A safe, nurturing environment for young campers

📅 Session Options:

🌼 Session 1
June 15 – June 25
Monday–Thursday | 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM

☀️ Session 2
July 20 – July 30
Monday–Thursday | 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Spots fill quickly, so don’t miss out on a summer full of sunshine, smiles, and nature fun! 🌈🌲

Registration for both camps opens March 9th!