Allison Woods Outdoor Learning Center

Allison Woods Outdoor Learning Center Field trip opportunities for all ages to experience the natural environment as they learn! 🌿 What is Allison Woods Outdoor Learning Center?

In 1992, a nonprofit organization was founded with the specific mission of providing educational programs to serve students in Iredell County and the population at large. In an article, by Judy Ausley in the Iredell Neighbors, dated December 28, 1994, Tom Allison talked about being on an environmental, historical and very personal mission. He hired Lisolott Harberts, a local botanist and environme

ntalist, as director of the Allison Woods Foundation to help him on his mission. Quoting the article, Mr. Allison said he was preserving the natural environment for others – especially for children. And with the help from others, he is creating what he calls, “a classroom in the forest” to teach young and old about the beauties of nature. “This has long been a dream I held sacred since I was a young boy.” … Retired now, Allison is overseeing work on the land that has been in his family for more than 200 years. He’s turning it into the outdoor classroom he’s always dreamed of. Ending the interview, Mr. Allison simply said….”I think there is a vast amount of history to be learned here for all ages and generations to come. For my grandchildren and those who want to learn…..that’s why I am creating this schoolroom in the forest. That will be my dream realized.”

In the past several years, the Allison Woods Foundation has undergone a lot of changes. It has a new director, a dedicated board of directors, and a lot of young, new enthusiastic faces working together to make this dream come true. It also has undergone a name change from the Allison Woods Foundation to the Allison Woods Outdoor Learning Center. Offering a variety of environmental education programs with some history thrown in the mix, the Outdoor Learning Center is servicing children across the state at numbers of 200-400 per week during March-November. During the colder months, programs are taken into the classroom to offer a year-round field trip possibility. Still offering camporees for Boy Scouts, programs for YMCA’s, and church groups, they now offer programs through 4H complete with summer camps. Doing these things, the Outdoor Learning Center is striving to make Allison Woods known as the “classroom in the forest” and realizing Tom Allison’s dream.

06/12/2026

Still one more day to register for SPARK STEM CAMP! Solar powered boats, cars, turbines and more!!!!!! Create, build, test!

06/12/2026
06/11/2026




MORE SUMMER MAGIC!Tiny adventurers dive into Pirates & Mermaids, while the bold tumble into Allison Wonderland for croqu...
06/08/2026

MORE SUMMER MAGIC!
Tiny adventurers dive into Pirates & Mermaids, while the bold tumble into Allison Wonderland for croquet, tea parties, and Cheshire Cat mischief. LIMITED SPOTS- Grab one for your kiddos today! 🧜‍♀️ 🏴‍☠️

STEM CampsPerfect for younger makers and older creators alike! Campers will design and build boats, take on hurricane an...
06/08/2026

STEM Camps
Perfect for younger makers and older creators alike! Campers will design and build boats, take on hurricane and earthquake engineering challenges, and create and test their own wind turbines while exploring the power of renewable energy.

It’s a fast‑paced week of hands‑on building, outdoor experiments, big laughs, and nonstop “Look what I made!” moments. Spots are limited and filling fast — grab yours today! You won’t want to miss this.

06/08/2026

We LOVE when our campers look forward to coming to camp every day! Thanks for attending Astronaut Academy, Walker! 👨‍🚀👽🚀

06/05/2026

🌎💚 Happy World Environment Day! 💚🌎

Today we're celebrating the amazing natural world that surrounds us. From forests and wildlife to streams and pollinators, every part of nature matters.

At Allison Woods Outdoor Learning Center, we're passionate about helping people connect with nature through hands-on outdoor experiences that inspire curiosity, appreciation, and stewardship.

Get outside today, explore, and do one small thing to help our planet. Every action makes a difference!

🌱What is one thing you love about nature?
Share in the comments below!

Address

Statesville, NC

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 4pm
Tuesday 9am - 4pm
Wednesday 9am - 4pm
Thursday 9am - 4pm
Friday 9am - 4pm

Telephone

+17048735976

Website

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