About
Where Nature, Creativity, and Community Meet
Welcome to Woodson Branch Nature School (WBNS)—a K–8, nonprofit, nature-based school nestled in the heart of Madison County, NC. Just ten minutes from Hot Springs, where the Appalachian Trail meets the French Broad River, our school is rooted in place and purpose.
At WBNS, we believe that children thrive when immersed in nature, surrounded by community, and inspired to learn in meaningful, respectful ways. Our mission is simple but powerful:
To raise confident, intelligent, peaceful, and creative leaders who are deeply connected to themselves, each other, and the Earth.
Our Story
Deep Roots, Growing Branches
Our journey began in 2008 with the creation of the Hot Springs Community Learning Center, which offered preschool, transitional kindergarten, after-school programs, homeschool support, and summer camps. Guided by a love for learning and community, we earned and maintained a five-star rating from the state while growing from just 10 children to serving more than 100 students annually.
In 2016, thanks to a generous gift from the Cato Foundation, we planted new roots on a beautiful 30-acre campus in Marshall, NC. This space became the home of Madison County Community Learning Center’s K-8 Woodson Branch Nature School, and with it, we expanded to serve elementary and middle school students with a unique blend of academics, agriculture, outdoor education, and the arts.
Today, our students learn on a thriving landscape filled with:
Rolling hills and pasture
A blueberry orchard and apple trees
Indoor classrooms and a restored 1800 sq. ft. tobacco barn
Forest trails, three creeks, and waterfalls—bordering national forest land
It’s a classroom unlike any other.
Our Approach
Learning Through Nature, Art, and Community
WBNS follows evidence-based, developmentally appropriate teaching practices designed to engage the whole child—physically, emotionally, socially, and intellectually. We blend academic rigor with outdoor exploration and creative expression through a three-part educational model:
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Our agriculture program teaches students to grow, eat, and share whole, healthy foods. Children care for plants and animals, learning responsibility, sustainability, and a deep appreciation for the cycles of nature.
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Our outdoor education program takes students into the woods, creeks, and trails to engage in scientific inquiry, environmental stewardship, and real-world problem-solving. Lessons in chemistry, biology, and math come to life in hands-on ways.
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Art is not just a subject—it’s a mindset. Creativity is woven through all areas of learning, from visual arts to design thinking. We encourage imagination, innovation, and emotional expression as essential parts of the educational journey.
Why Nature Based Learning?
There is growing evidence that outdoor learning increases academic performance, social-emotional development, and physical well-being. Studies have shown that students with regular access to nature:
Retain information longer
Demonstrate higher reading and writing skills
Feel more excited about school
Perform better academically—especially those from underserved backgrounds
At WBNS, learning outside is not an occasional activity—it’s an essential part of every day.
The Owl Code :
At WBNS, we are dedicated to creating vibrant, respectful, and life-affirming learning environments that nurture our community and the natural world.
The Owl Code is more than words—it is a living practice.
Together, we uphold these principles so that every person and every part of our ecosystem can thrive.
🤝 Connection
We foster authentic relationships with ourselves, each other, and the world around us.
Connection is the heartbeat of our community—it is the spark that draws us together and the glue that keeps us united. Whether learning in a classroom, tending the garden, or sharing meals, we listen deeply, communicate openly, and show up with empathy and kindness.
⚡ Empowerment
We create and cultivate the tools, skills, and opportunities needed to make meaningful change.
Empowerment is action—it’s where innovation, creativity, and collaboration meet. By learning, experimenting, and building together, we grow the confidence and capacity to make things happen. We embrace curiosity, decisiveness, and resilience as we shape a better future.
🛡️ Integrity
We uphold honesty, respect, and accountability in all we do.
Integrity means we honor our commitments, own our mistakes, and lean into hard conversations rather than avoid them. By showing up fully and practicing transparency, we build trust and model the courage needed for growth, healing, and collaboration.
🌎 Stewardship
We care for people, place, and planet with purpose and compassion.
Stewardship calls us to tend to ourselves, one another, and all living things. From the forests and waters to the food we grow and share, we take responsibility for nurturing balance and wellbeing in our community and beyond. Our actions reflect our gratitude and reverence for the interconnected world we inhabit.
Join Our Community
WBNS is more than a school—it’s a vibrant community of educators, families, and students committed to learning, growing, and building a brighter future together.
Come visit us. Walk the trails. Meet the animals. Feel the joy. We look forward to welcoming your family into our learning ecosystem.