“Children more than ever, need opportunities to be in their bodies in the world – jumping rope, bicycling, stream hopping and fort building. It’s this engagement between limbs of the body and bones of the earth where true balance and centeredness emerge.”

~ David Sobel

Q: What happens when two science educators buy a farm?

A: A commitment to conserving natural ecosystems, restoring wildlife habitats, and creating countless opportunities for kids to connect with and explore nature.

Our Story

In the fall of 2020, after five years of tiny—and not-quite-tiny, but still very small—house living, our family of five stumbled upon a Pacific Northwest gem just two miles from our home in Oregon City. With no prior farming experience, we instantly recognized the uniqueness of this 150-acre property and committed ourselves to becoming its dedicated caretakers.

Since then, we’ve established a small farm operation with sheep, chickens, and a market garden. More importantly, we’ve embraced every opportunity to provide educational experiences for children and young adults, from kindergarten through college. Students have participated in projects such as planting acorns for oak woodland restoration, learning about Indigenous ecosystem management practices, conducting original scientific research, and experiencing the peace and wonder of connecting with nature.

Tree Folk represents us branching out (see what we did there?)—offering formal educational opportunities to the broader Portland Metro community.

Teachers

Lia Cernauskas

Lia is an ivy league trained artist and lifelong lover of the outdoors who can’t wait to keep discovering nature’s wonders alongside kids! She loves expanding her understanding of the flora and fauna around her and sharing her growing appreciation of the natural world with everyone she meets. Lia was a Teaching Assistant at the Marylhurst School for three years. Outside of Tree Folk, you can find her learning to mountain bike, swimming, doing art projects, and cuddling with her dog, Roman.

Emily Ramirez

Josie is a sophomore at Oregon City High School and has learned from a young age to appreciate the natural world. She lives on the farm with her family, and spends all summer helping out at Tree Folk camps. Josie is grateful for the opportunity to spend so much time with kids and the outdoors and she cherishes every learning opportunity she’s given. When she’s not outside, you can find her painting, reading the Hunger Games for the millionth time, and studying for upcoming tests.

Emily is an educator, biologist, gardener, and appreciator of all things hand-made. After spending nearly a decade working as a bench scientist, she began a career in science education, working with kids of all ages. Since 2016, she has been part of The Marylhurst School community as both a math and science teacher and a school administrator. Tree Folk brings together Emily's love of plants, nature, education, and making things by hand. Its mission is to help kids slow down, explore the natural world, and develop a lifelong connection to the outdoors.