Stories from the Hollow
“My son J.J. has always loved being outside. I think the biggest difference since coming to Fern Hollow is his appreciation for different things in nature. Rather than thinking something is cool, he would come back from a Little Explorers day and want to tell me about what woodpeckers do or what they planted in the garden and why it’s important. He would teach me about the animals! He was so excited to tell me the word “nocturnal” and all about that. He wouldn’t just enjoy being outside because it’s fun, but he would appreciate it more deeply.
He’s been more attentive to what’s around him, rather than running around the environment and not paying attention. Even on the way here to the Fall Clean Up, he said “I saw a squirrel” and “I saw a deer.” J.J. was excited to learn about evergreen trees in the programs. He would be able to tell me which tree is an evergreen tree.
I value that it’s a place that kids explore and learn about nature and just be themselves. I value the teachers for the programs and everyone here. He loves talking about them. When we come back in the summer for the play dates, he is so excited to see everyone. It’s just a nice community.”
Kristen Gerlowski and J.J.
Nov. 8, 2025 Fall Clean Up, Fern Hollow Nature Center