About Us
Children. Learning. Outdoors.
At Mousewood, we believe nature is the best classroom. A place where muddy boots, wild curiosity, and deep connection grow side by side. Learn how our vision took root and where we’re growing next.
Our Story
🌱 The Vision
Mousewood began as a dream — a vision rooted in nature, nurtured by years of experience, and grown with grit, heart, and hope.
Long before Mousewood had a name, our founder Heidi Reeves was imagining a better way for children and families to connect with learning and the land. As a seasoned early childhood educator, she saw the deep need for spaces that honour childhood, celebrate neurodiversity, support families, and allow children to flourish in nature's classroom.
In 2019, during a Special Needs and Infant Toddler course, Heidi envisioned a place where children could roam forests, explore curiosity, and grow up surrounded by wonder. She imagined a truly inclusive centre—one that blended the eco-conscious spirit of forest schools with the hands-on learning of Montessori, the magic of Waldorf, and the child-led curiosity of Reggio Emilia.
🌿 The Journey
By 2020, Mousewood was officially incorporated as a nonprofit society. But the path wasn’t easy.
A missed funding deadline. A global pandemic. Shifting government priorities that left nonprofits like ours ineligible for major support. For a time, the project paused. But the dream never did.
Heidi continued searching for land, refining the vision, and preparing for the right moment. In 2024, when nonprofit funding returned, Mousewood qualified for a small capital grant—and momentum began to build.
By early 2025, we had found our home: a multi-acre woodland property just outside Prince George. Despite zoning delays, licensing hurdles, and a province-wide freeze on new daycare funding, our board committed to opening the doors. With deep determination and a lot of volunteer elbow grease, Mousewood came to life.
🍁 Where We Are Now
As of 2025, Mousewood is officially licensed and running our first program!
We’re proud to be the first of our kind in Prince George: a nonprofit forest and nature early learning centre grounded in inclusion, sustainability, and community. From the tiniest toddlers to busy preschoolers, children here learn through the land—climbing over logs, making art from moss and leaves, splashing in puddles, and forming friendships rooted in curiosity and care.
We operate on a shoestring budget, rely on volunteers, and stretch every dollar to make this dream sustainable. But every day, the magic of Mousewood grows.
🌲 Where We’re Headed
Mousewood has always been more than a daycare—it’s a long-term vision.
We’re building a flagship forest and nature early learning and family centre. In time, Mousewood will expand to include a therapeutic farm, community gardens, school-age and homeschool programs, infant care, family support services, and inclusive spaces for all children to thrive.
It hasn’t been easy. But with heart, hard work, and the support of our community, we’re growing something beautiful—for today’s families and tomorrow’s children.
🌟 Want to be part of the story?
Volunteer, join our waitlist, or apply for a career at Mousewood!