Restoring Connection: The Wanderland x Twig & Sprout Partnership
There are few things as powerful as nature’s ability to heal, teach, and connect us. At Wanderland, we’ve always believed that every person — regardless of background or ability — deserves access to that experience. This belief is why we’re so proud to announce our new partnership with Twig & Sprout, a visionary organization dedicated to helping neurodiverse children, especially those on the autism spectrum, thrive through nature-based learning and sensory exploration.
Together, we’re launching The Pond Restoration Project — a collaborative initiative to restore, reimagine, and rewild the beautiful pond at Twig & Sprout into a space where children can experience calm, curiosity, and connection to the natural world.
Healing Water, Healing Spaces
For many of Twig & Sprout’s students, the outdoors isn’t just a classroom — it’s a sensory sanctuary. The sound of wind through the trees, the sparkle of sunlight on water, and the gentle rhythm of nature all provide grounding experiences that traditional settings often can’t replicate.
But like so many natural spaces, the pond has aged — its ecosystem in need of renewal, its potential ready to bloom again. Together, Wanderland and Twig & Sprout will:
Restore the pond ecosystem with native plants that attract pollinators and stabilize the shoreline.
Reintroduce fish and aquatic habitats, creating opportunities for peaceful observation and low-impact recreation.
Develop sensory-friendly zones for students to safely explore textures, sounds, and reflections in nature.
Introduce kayaking and water education — gentle, guided experiences that build confidence, balance, and awareness.
Install interpretive signage and learning stations that help children, parents, and teachers connect ecology with emotion and empathy.
This pond will become a living, breathing classroom — one where children can practice focus, patience, and creativity, all while learning how ecosystems work together to sustain life.Shared Values, Shared Vision
Both Wanderland and Twig & Sprout share a deep belief that nature is the most inclusive teacher.
Twig & Sprout was founded with a singular purpose: to meet children where they are, celebrating their differences and helping them engage the world through exploration, movement, and sensory play. Their approach provides kids on the spectrum with opportunities to build social connections, emotional regulation, and confidence — all through hands-on experiences that bring joy and calm.
Wanderland, through its conservation and accessibility initiatives, is committed to creating spaces that welcome everyone — from families with young children to veterans, seniors, and people with disabilities. Together, our collaboration transforms conservation into something deeply human: the act of making the world safer, calmer, and more beautiful for everyone.A Partnership with Purpose
When the pond is complete, children will learn to kayak across calm waters, teachers will lead sensory walks along its edges, and families will gather to witness dragonflies dance across the surface.
This project isn’t just about restoration — it’s about belonging. It’s about proving that when we design with empathy and care, nature becomes a bridge between ability and access, between learning and joy.Learn More
To learn more about Twig & Sprout’s incredible mission and their innovative work supporting neurodiverse children, click the link below: