Simply Natural Foundation

Transforming 250 Acres into a World-Class Educational and Recreational Destination A Vision for Sustainable Education and Community Engagement

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

6. INVESTMENT

2. VISION

7. CONSTRUCTION & EXPANSION

3. ACHIEVEMENTS

8. STAFFING & OPERATIONS PLAN

4. INSPIRATIONS

9. FINANCIALS

5. INITIATIVES

10. CALL TO ACTION

Executive Summary

Vision

Transform 250 acres into a vibrant, regenerative park that inspires lifelong learning through immersive nature experiences, sustainable agriculture, creativity, and wellness—accessible to all.

Mission

To cultivate a thriving sanctuary where communities connect with nature, explore sustainable living, and engage in hands-on environmental and arts education rooted in stewardship, healing, and discovery.

Objective

Mobilize support to bring this vision to life - laying the foundation for a legacy of impact and ecological renewal

Why Now – The Need for Simply Natural Foundation

Modern life increasingly disconnects us from nature.

Accessible outdoor educational environments are lacking.

A mental health and wellness crisis exists among youth and adults.

In an era of constant screens and concrete, we are increasingly losing our connection to nature — a critical foundation for human well-being, creativity, and balance.

Children and communities lack immersive, hands-on spaces to learn about ecology, sustainability, and food systems through direct experience with the land.

Anxiety, depression, and disconnection are on the rise. Nature is a proven remedy — yet access to restorative outdoor spaces remains limited.

Food systems are detached from sustainability and nutrition.

There is an opportunity to create a sanctuary for healing.

Fast food has replaced fresh food. Many communities have little exposure to how food is grown, harvested, or nourishes the earth. Education is the first step toward change.

Now is the moment to build a sanctuary that heals, teaches, and inspires — restoring our bond with nature and reimagining how communities grow, thrive, and sustain themselves.

Building a Sustainable Future: The Simply Natural Foundation

Vision: Simply Natural Foundation: Transforming 250 Acres into a World-Class Educational Park

Educational Gardens and Nature Trails:

Hands-on learning in organic farming, wildlife conservation, and environmental science.

Wellness and Adventure Zones:

Yoga dome, adventure playgrounds, and spiritual retreat areas for relaxation and rejuvenation.

Arts & Ceramics Village:

Artist-in-residence program, workshops, and community art projects inspired by nature.

Interactive Experiences:

Farm-to-table programs and wellness retreats for community involvement.

Simply Natural Park: A Vision for Sustainable Education and Community Engagement

What We've Achieved So Far – Current State & Progress

250 Acres Secured

Secured 250 acres for environmental transformation.

Non Profit 501 c3 Registered in 2020

Established as a 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization in 2020.

Wellness Events Held

Held wellness events and sustainability workshops.

Edible Garden Pilot Completed

Completed edible garden pilot and soil rehabilitation programs.

Concept Plan Developed

Developed concept plan for full 250 acres park vision.

Building a Sustainable Future: The Simply Natural Foundation

Inspirations – Models of Impact We Admire

Cantigny Park Chicago Area

Savory Institute Boulder, CO

Educational gardens + cultural center. It serves as a model for integrating education and community engagement through nature. https://cantigny.org/

The Savory Institute seeks to facilitate the large-scale regeneration of the world’s grasslands and the livelihoods of their inhabitants through Holistic Management. https://savory.global/

New York Botanical Garden New York

Eden Project UK

Living museum + plant science institution. A premier example of blending horticultural beauty, environmental education, and scientific research, attracting over a million visitors annually while advancing global plant conservation. https://www.nybg.org/

Sustainability education + immersive gardens. It exemplifies how immersive experiences can foster a deeper understanding of sustainability. https://www.edenproject.com/

Building a Sustainable Future: The Simply Natural Foundation

Visual of the Future Park – Illustrated Master Plan

Functional Design

Key Zones

Key zones include Visitor Center, Edible Garden, Trails, Art Village, Wellness Area, Adventure Zone, and Working Farm, designed to be functional and inspiring.

The design emphasizes functional and inspiring elements. It offers hands-on experiences for all ages.

Hands-On Learning

Inspiring Experiences

The park aims to create inspiring experiences for visitors. It integrates nature and community engagement.

The park will provide opportunities for hands-on learning. It focuses on wellness, sustainability, and community engagement.

Building a Sustainable Future: The Simply Natural Foundation

Initiative 1 – Regenerative Farming & Food Systems

Build 20+ acres of diversified edible gardens, orchards, and greenhouses.

Offer farm-to-table programs and school partnerships.

Building a Sustainable Future: The Simply Natural Foundation

Initiative 2 – Nature-Based Education

Sustainability Curriculum

K-12 Field Trips

Year-Round Programming

Outdoor classrooms, learning kiosks, and observation trails.

Create year-round programming for K-12 and university field trips.

Develop curriculum tied to science, sustainability, and wellness.

Observation Trails

Outdoor Classrooms

Create outdoor classrooms to enhance experiential learning.

Establish observation trails for hands-on exploration of nature.

Building a Sustainable Future: The Simply Natural Foundation

Initiative 3 – Wellness in Nature

Meditation gardens, forest bathing paths, and a yoga dome will be created to promote relaxation and healing.

Building a Sustainable Future: The Simply Natural Foundation

Initiative 4 – Creative Expression & Art Residency

Creative Expression & Art Residency Initiative

Artist Residencies Program

Community Art Engagement

Build a nature-inspired Art & Ceramics Village.

Host artists-in-residence to foster creativity.

Organize community art events to engage local residents.

Public Art Enhancements

Interactive Visitor Experiences

Create public art installations to enhance the park's aesthetic.

Develop interactive exhibits that invite visitor participation.

Building a Sustainable Future: The Simply Natural Foundation

Initiative 5 – Community Engagement & Access

Volunteer Opportunities

Multilingual Programming

Offer volunteer days to engage the community. Participants can contribute to various projects and initiatives.

Multilingual programming will be offered to cater to diverse community needs. This ensures inclusivity and accessibility for all participants.

Community Festivals

ADA Compliance

Inclusive community festivals will be organized to celebrate nature and culture. These events aim to bring together diverse groups and foster connections.

ADA-compliant paths will be developed to ensure accessibility for everyone. This initiative emphasizes the importance of inclusivity in community spaces.

Scholarships

Memberships and scholarships for underserved schools will be provided. This initiative aims to enhance access to educational programs.

Building a Sustainable Future: The Simply Natural Foundation

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