Nature Preschools in the Seattle Area

I've spent a lot of time reading about early-childhood education and have formed some fairly specific opinions on the matter. I was very inspired when I read Last Child in the Woods a year or so ago.  I became intrigued in the idea of outdoor classrooms and their affect on learning.  I searched for programs in our area, but most were not that close. I really would love to see a preschool that embraces the outdoor philosophy nearby.

I frequently get piqued by an idea, and the other day I realized that it was very possible that I could start my own preschool.  Snohomish Parks and Recreation has an avenue where you can initiate your own class or program.  Willis Tucker park would be a perfect location.  Is it something I could do?  Am I qualified?  Could I find someone to do it with me?  These thoughts are all racing through my head.  I'm excited thinking about it, but then I think of the work involved, and how I am already busy enough. Really I wish someone would do it for me.

I don't know, but in the meantime I thought a post of the current programs in the general area might be useful to some people. I am pleasantly surprised that there are more programs available than when I googled a year ago.

• Farrel Mc-Whirter Outdoor Preschool (Redmond) - My mother actually started this one just this year.  I really wanted to send Selena here, but I couldn't justify the 40 minute drive.  
• Natural Start Preschool (Bellevue)
• Cedarsong Nature School (Vashon Island) - This one was featured in the Seattle Times a while ago.
• Wilderness Awareness School (Duvall)
• Discovery Park Nature Kids (Seattle)
• Nature Preschool (Tacoma)
• Field & Forest Outdoor Preschool (Woodinville)
• Fox in the Forest - (Bothell) - New in 2012
• Woodland Park Cooperative Preschool (Seattle) - This isn't a nature preschool, but they do have an outdoor classroom, and the teacher, Teacher Tom has a blog that is fantastic.
• Washington Park Arboretum (Seattle) - Opening Fall 2013 
• Froggy Holler (Shoreline) - Froggy Holler Blog

*If you know of any others please let me know and I will add them to the list.

Here are some general links about nature and child development and particular nature classrooms:

• Fact sheet on Children's Health and Nature
• Richard Louv's Site
• Children and Nature Network