LA GRANDE — With spring looming around the corner, kids will soon be eager to play outside without the nuisance of the biting cold.

In partnership with Blue Mountains Conservancy and Art Center East, the Wild School/Preschool offers the perfect opportunity for kids to explore and learn about nature while making new friends.

These schools are broken up into two age groups. Wild Preschool is for ages 0-5, and Wild School is for ages 5-12.

Wild Preschool’s upcoming classes will be held March 10, March 24, April 7, April 21, May 12 and May 26 from 10 to 11 a.m. In this class taught by Meghan Ballard, preschoolers and their caregivers will engage in hands-on earth science projects and create nature-based art. Class will begin with songs and parachute time, followed by reading a picture book based on the theme of the day, then creating nature-based art and exploring.

“Students create a different art project each class using a variety of mediums, including mud painting, leaf mandalas, nature weavings and more. Students will enjoy connecting to nature in their own community,” said Sophia Aimone, ACE programs coordinator.

Wild School’s upcoming classes will be held on March 18, April 22 and May 13 from 10 a.m. to noon. Taught by Meghan Ballard and Amanda Welch, students will create nature-based art, experiment with hands-on science and explore the outdoors at Pete’s Pond.

“Students will gain knowledge of and appreciation for the natural world around them as well as learning art skills and making new friends,” Aimone said.

Wild School and Wild Preschool are funded by the ACE Youth Arts Learning Fund, which means participation is free. To sign up for the next available class, visit artcentereast.org.

Pete’s Pond is located on Blue Mountains Conservancy Property, 913 S. Miller Drive in La Grande. For more information, visit bluemountainsconservancy.org.