Our project changes lives by providing a deeper way of seeing the land, one child at a time.

The CORES program is uniquely designed to provide hands-on experience in ecological restoration, teach observation skills in the natural environment, and encourage self-reflection.  Our programs are based on holistic and place-based education.  We will sit with teachers to special design outdoor programs to teach or reinforce their objective or essential standard.  It is also aligned with the North Carolina Standard Course of Study. 
​Experiencing nature in paradigm-shifting ways through the CORES program gives youth new tools and experiences to live successful lives in a healthy environment in the 21st Century.

 'Natural Classrooms' expand students' sense of self and responsibility through place-based education.

Programs can be done on school campuses or in expedition to natural areas.  CHER has partnered with Triangle Land Conservancy to conduct programs on TLC properties.  CHER also has working relationships with Wake County Parks, Raleigh Parks, and State Parks. Our programming cultivates bioregionalism, or the awareness of the ecology, economy and culture of the place where you live, and a resulting commitment to making changes that enhance them.

​Youth can make a difference through hands-on habitat restoration in ecologically significant areas. 

​Students keep a nature journal to record their observations and reflections.

​ “Nature journaling is a powerful tool for breaking the bonds of viewing our world through isolated and separate disciplines. Instead, it incorporates sciences, local social and natural history, math, language, art, and physical education into one integrated practice. The developmental sequence in journaling usually begins with recording simple objects and events and in time it progresses to putting these objects into contexts that stress connections among objects and events. The accomplished journalist comes to focus on whole systems and their meaning to her/his life. Journaling can become a personal journey into developments of a real sense of place and a holistic vision of life.”        - Claire Walker Leslie

View Past Projects

Fuquay-Varina Middle

Ballentine Elementary

Fuquay-Varina High School

Hilburn Academy

Kingswood Elementary

Exploris Middle

Lincoln Heights Elementary

Knightdale High School