Growing True Leaves Offerings
Nature Journaling is a class series offering an opportunity for children and families to spend time outside in open space in the northern central coast of California. We split the classes according to their natural ecosystems: the first class starts on the beach, the second class visits the wetlands and the third class is placed in the redwoods. We end our experience with a last and fourth class:
Our Open House, a potluck on the weekend held at the Patrick J. Filtz Educational Resource Center for families to invite relatives, view the children’s work throughout the class series, enjoy the native plant nursery and class animals as well as enjoy a craft project. Parents can choose to explore the south county of Santa Cruz or unincorporated Monterey.
Our curriculum is fluid: able to adapt to various groups: no matter whether it’s a public school group TK through 12th grade, homeschool groups or a toddler play group looking to explore together. All classes are provided a traveling library tailored to the ecosystem of the area we are experiencing.
Nature Journaling
TIME ACTIVITY
9:00–9:15 AM Welcome & Morning Circle
9:15–10:00 AM Walk through the eco system
10:00–10:30 AM Depending on age group: we stop for snack
10:30–11:15 AM Older age group comes back from hike for food and water/ youngers will begin nature journaling with parents (writing name with stencils & begin asking questions)
11:15–12:00 PM Older age groups begin nature journaling/ younger groups are read a book and taken back out to explore around the area
12:00–12:30 PM Time to visit the resource center or have a closing check- in
Sample
Nature Journaling Schedule
Time Activity
9:00–9:15 AM Welcome & Morning Circle
9:15–10:00 AM Walk through the eco system
10:00–10:30 AM Depending on age group: we stop for snack
10:30–11:15 AM Older age group comes back from hike for food and water/ youngers will begin nature journaling with parents (writing name with stencils & begin asking questions)
11:15–12:00 PM Older age groups begin nature journaling/ younger groups are read a book and taken back out to explore around the area
12:00–12:30 PM Time to visit the resource center or have a closing check- in
South County Santa Cruz & un-incorporated Monterey County
Week 1 - Salinas River State Beach, Moss Landing
Week 2 - Elkhorn Slough Reserve, Watsonville
Week 3 - Mt. Madonna County Park, Watsonville
Santa Cruz County
Week 1 - Rio Del Mar State Beach, Aptos
Week 2 - Watsonville Wetlands, Watsonville
Week 3 - Nisene Marks State Park Aptos
Locations
South County Santa Cruz & un-incorporated Monterey County
Week 1 - Salinas River State Beach, Moss Landing
Week 2 - Elkhorn Slough Reserve, Watsonville
Week 3 - Mt. Madonna County Park, Watsonville
Santa Cruz County
Week 1 - Rio Del Mar State Beach, Aptos
Week 2 - Watsonville Wetlands, Watsonville
Week 3 - Nisene Marks State Park Aptos
Sarah & Lilymae Mullnix
Nature School provides me with peace of mind, knowing my child is in a safe and nurturing environment. It expands my child’s knowledge of local plants and animals and most importantly has taught her to love and care for our natural world. Thank you Celine for creating this beautiful and important space.
I am interested in Nature Journaling
Sarah & Lilymae Mullnix
"Nature School provides me with peace of mind, knowing my child is in a safe and nurturing environment. It expands my child’s knowledge of local plants and animals and most importantly has taught her to love and care for our natural world. Thank you Celine for creating this beautiful and important space."
Growing True Leaves became more than a gardening service for schools when we did an economic analysis of sustaining gardening programs in public schools. The vision grew to helping fill disparities in our education system so nature can reach our children. We envision that school gardens across the Monterey Bay could become fully functioning systems within the school community.
With detailed analysis, financial consultations that could help hiring a regular staff gardener & teacher trainings available for all school staff - Growing True Leaves would like to help build this vision to reality. It takes a village to raise a child - and schools have become the village. GTL is offering a helping hand because there is much work to be done. Food Sovereignty will only be attained when our children are equipped to grow their own food organically.
Please, feel free to email us for a consultation.
Gardening Classes
Teacher Co-op
We are working to build a teachers co-op, where we envision teachers can work with our Director to build a roster of classes that offers supplemental education to public schools and homeschool programs.
We’ve collaborated with teachers in a variety of ways in classes for preschoolers, elementary and middle school. Classes have focused on fire making, survival building, hiking, and nature journaling.
We are looking forward to Kathleen Avalon’s first Teacher Training, in collaboration with Watsonville Wetlands Watch in the month of May 2026! We will be announcing dates on our social media accounts, News Letters and our online calendar.
If you are a teacher or homeschool parent - interested in collaborating with us, please feel free to fill out the form below and we will contact you within the week. We look forward to a teacher co-op that is able to share their various skills and shared knowledge.
Examples are, but not limited to:
-- Herbalism classes
-- DIY crafts (soaps, balms, clothes)
-- Horsemanship (equine therapy & riding)
-- Hiking (day hikes & backpacking)
-- Baking (sourdough starters, bread)
-- Food Processing (Canning, Pickling, drying, smoking)
-- Conservation classes (Roots & Shoots projects & clean ups)
-- Shelter & fire building
Apply to become a teacher co-op member
EVENTS
Surf & Stewardship Ocean Connection
Fall Equinox Celebration
A day of surfing, ceremony, and environmental learning — rooted in community.
Surf & Stewardship: Ocean Connection is an annual gathering born from the generous spirit of the Moss Landing community. Each year, a dedicated group of local surfers joins in collaboration with R.O. Indigenous Embrace to host children and their families for a day centered on connection — with the ocean, with each other, and with the land.
We open with a ceremony that creates space for grounding and intention before participants suit up. After an intro lesson on the sand, kids paddle out with experienced surf instructors guiding them every step of the way.
Because we serve a large and energetic group, the beach transforms into a hands-on learning space. Our partners at Watsonville Wetlands Watch lead engaging environmental activities that introduce children to our coastal and marine ecosystems.
Prefer a slower pace? Cozy activities are always available, including Nature Journaling and time around the warm fire pit.
We are deeply grateful to our community and sponsors — Bright Futures Solar Energy and Club Ed Surf School & Camps — for helping make this experience possible. Lunch is shared in the amphitheater, followed by a presentation from R.O. Indigenous Embrace and a closing ceremony.
The day is beautifully documented by Chloe Peña of Beaming Birth & Photography, with photos shared with participating families.
Honoring change, welcoming balance, and celebrating community.
Our Fall Equinox event holds a special place in our Director’s heart. This gathering honors the transition from the bright intensity of summer to the calm, mild beauty of autumn — a time of earlier sunsets, reflection, and renewal.
The equinox invites us to see change not as loss, but as transformation. Whether it’s teaching children about the seasons or exploring the changes we seek in our own lives, the Fall Equinox offers space for intention, gratitude, and community resilience.
We share cultural practices, stories, and traditions that honor this moment of balance. Partner organizations join us to offer children’s activities, food, storytelling, presentations, and movement.
Through Growing True Leaves, we create opportunities to connect with nature indoors or outdoors — celebrating the season with learning, dance, song, and joy. 2024 we held our first celebration at Seacliff State Beach in Aptos. It was a memorable experience, filled with food, laughter, crafts, tablescapes and more.
Personalize your Event with a Fairy Tale
Our Story...
For the past three years, founder Celine has brought “Fairy Day” to her own children (now ages 3 and 6), thoughtfully exploring how to support a child’s imagination without manipulation. This philosophy extends into every offering we create.
Celine & Isa’s wedding was a living example of this vision—celebrating the magic and beauty of nature and childhood through a Waldorf-inspired puppetry and silk performance, live acoustic music, and handmade fairies woven into the dinner tablescape.
We believe in bringing the magic of imagination to children—honoring what is unique, essential, and deeply human in their development. Through storytelling, nature-inspired magic, hands-on crafts, and meaningful art projects, we create immersive experiences where imagination is not only welcomed, but protected and nurtured.
By weaving fairy tales, the magic of nature, and creative expression into your event, magic comes alive for children and adults alike.
We specialize in personalized, all-ages-inclusive experiences that honor the culture, intention, and story of your event. Every offering is thoughtfully curated to reflect your vision while creating a gentle, imaginative environment for children.
Our offerings may include:
-- Custom fairy tales and storytelling experiences
-- Waldorf-inspired puppetry and silk performances
-- Nature-based art and craft projects
-- Live acoustic music accompaniment
-- Handmade elements woven into your event design
Perhaps your event has a story waiting to be told—we can bring it to life through a puppet show. Perhaps music or art speaks most clearly to the experience—we are happy to do the creative work to make it meaningful and memorable.
A complimentary consultation
Up to three planning meetings to thoughtfully tailor stories, projects, and performances to your event
Each collaboration is intentional, unrushed, and deeply personal.
To preserve the integrity and care of this work, availability is limited to two events per year.
If you’re seeking an experience that honors imagination, nature, and childhood—while creating something truly unforgettable for all ages—we would love to connect. Call or Email us today, so we can sprout the seed.
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