Nurtured by Nature provides once-in-a-lifetime experiences for children in need. At Nurtured by Nature's site in Valley Center, CA children can get up close and personal with several small, exotic animals. Digging with armadillos, hopping with kangaroos, and swimming with otters gives these children a chance to experience joy. Unfortunately, for many of the children in need we serve, joy-filled days like this are few and far between.

At Nurtured by Nature, we believe that interacting with nature in a very personal way will foster hope, promote a healthy life outlook, and inspire healing for children who have suffered due to illness or other distress. If you would like to help, please click the link above to find out ways you can get involved. If you know of some children who would benefit from this experience, please direct them to us!

Nurtured by Nature is a 501c3 nonprofit organization that was formed by husband and wife team, Kevin & Wendy Yates, in Valley Center, CA after Southern California wildfires destroyed their home and surrounding area in 2003. After experiencing love, goodwill, and unconditional outreach and support from the entire community to help rebuild their home, they wanted to give back to the same community that gave so much! Kevin & Wendy's appreciation for family, community, and the natural world, has fostered the idea of Nurtured by Nature - to provide solace in times of misfortune or trouble. Now, interactive animal and community events, hosted by Nurtured by Nature, occur on the property that was truly built by the community.

Our programs provide a once in a lifetime experience to children in need through individual animal encounters at our facility. These programs provide the opportunity for kids to get up close and personal with our furry friends. The kids get to touch and feed a two-toed sloth, an African crested porcupine, several kinds of armadillos, a kangaroo, an African ground hornbill, hedgehogs, and horses. The highlight of our program is interacting with our Asian small-clawed otters. Weather permitting, the kids are actually able to swim & play with the otters. We also take the opportunity to teach the kids about each animal, its habitat, and how human behavior affects the natural world.

Thank you for visiting our website and taking the time to learn a little bit more about our organization! Follow the links to our programs page to learn more about the programs that we offer or take a look at our ways to help page to see about making a donation or volunteering at our facility!

Help bring a smile to a child's face. We need volunteers and financial support. Learn More.

"Thanks so much for the fun day & introducing us to your animal friends. You were so patient & great w/a timid & shy - apprehensive little girl. We definitely hope to be back w/the rest of our family. What a joy, blessing and a gift you are. Can't wait to see you next time. Many blessings"
— Desiree & Izzy

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