The Ascension Lutheran Early Childhood Center will have a ribbon-cutting and dedication of the nature center outdoor classroom at 8:45 a.m. tomorrow, April 23, at 1600 E. Hillcrest Drive, Thousand Oaks.

The Rev. Larry Wagner, senior pastor of Ascension Lutheran Church, will offer a blessing at the event.

The parents and community members that shared their time and talents in building the center will also be acknowledged by Pam Musburger, director.

The preschool’s mission is to meet children’s developmental needs while initiating them into a lifelong, meaningful relationship with God and nature.

Studies show that young children thrive in educational settings that incorporate elements of the natural world.

The staff and the parents have spent three years researching and developing a sciencebased environment in which to facilitate a science, math and art curriculum.

The volunteers constructed a small creek, installed a windmill and a manual water pump, planted fruit trees and expanded a vegetable and herb garden in the preschool’s playground.

The garden encourages thoughtful nutrition choices for the children.

Throughout the school year the children are given many planting opportunities. Not only do they harvest and eat the vegetables and fruits, such as broccoli, carrots, tomatoes and peas, but they also have a sense of connection to “real food” and are learning the plants by name.

Also, gardening fosters the children’s understanding of the plant life cycle. When children tend to the garden they are learning to care for their environment by understanding the interdependencies of the plants, bugs and animals they find.

The installation of two drinking fountains helps the school be more earth-friendly by saving hundreds of cups every week. The worm compost lends the opportunity to learn about recycling for the children and use organic castings to enhance the garden.

For more information, call Ascension Lutheran Early Childhood Center at (805) 3819081.