Mass Audubon’s Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary opened Fern and Feather Preschool in September, 2019, in our newly built barn made possible by the support of MVYouth. Though our first year was cut short due to COVID-19, we quickly adapted and engaged students and families on a virtual platforms for the rest of the year.

Fern and Feather reopened on September 8, 2020 for in-person learning, serving 18 families. Connecting people to nature is what we do best at Mass Audubon and we developed protocols ensuring the safety of our children, staff, and families. Through the pandemic, the importance of being outdoors and the value of early elementary education for health and well-being became even more clear.

Dedicated and talented staff engage our island community through nature connection and nature exploration. Over the summer of 2021, we served 18 preschool families, 168 summer campers ages 3-14, and hired and mentored 7 seasonal staff members ages 18-25. In total through the entire year, we’ve supported over 1,000 youth (ages 3-14) through school field trips, classroom visits, birthday parties, special events, and other offerings. Over $29,000 in scholarships was provided to Island families this year.

Well into our third year as a preschool, we are serving 21 families, a majority of whom are new to life outside of their homes. The isolation of the pandemic has delayed the unique and foundational social interaction of our young ones. This school year has been integral in supporting their newfound sense of community, overcoming the hardships of the past year and a half, and proving that together we are stronger.