Helping Young Learners Thrive & Grow in Nature

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  • Promoting Environmental Stewardship 

  • Nurturing Well-Rounded Individuals

  • Instilling Resilience

  • Nurturing a Deep Love for Learning

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Our Philosophy

Hidden Trails Forest & Farm School follows an educational philosophy rooted in the belief that nature provides an unparalleled learning environment for children. We focus on providing experiential and outdoor education with an emphasis on hands-on learning. 

Your students deserve to explore and discover the natural world around them. We provide the structure and support to help them do so safely.

By giving children direct experiences with the environment, we help foster a sense of wonder, curiosity, and a genuine connection to the Earth. Our holistic values recognize the importance of not only academic knowledge — but also the cultivation of essential life skills. Through a blend of forest and farm-based activities, Hidden Trails aims to instill a profound appreciation for nature.

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Meet the Teachers

  • A woman smiling outdoors on a sunny day with brown hair and freckles, wearing a beige top and a colorful bag.

    Bonni Gessner

    Lead Teacher K-2, Administrative Assistant

    Bonni serves as the Administrative Assistant at Hidden Trails, where she brings organization, efficiency, and a warm touch to the day-to-day operations. Passionate about nature and education, Bonni ensures seamless communication between staff, families, and the community while supporting the school's mission of fostering a love for the outdoors in every child.

    Bonni thrives on keeping things running smoothly behind the scenes. When not coordinating schedules, handling inquiries, or streamlining administrative processes, she enjoys spending time with the goats, and exploring nature.

  • Young woman smiling outside in a natural setting with trees in the background, wearing a camouflage jacket and black hoodie.

    Brandie Luber

    Nature School Assistant (Sunflowers)

    Brandie Luber is an Assistant Teacher with the Little Dandelions (babies) class at Hidden Trails, where she began working a few months ago. Hailing from Buckley, WA, she brings about two years of caregiving experience. Brandie loves encouraging creativity in young children, especially during hands-on projects, and particularly enjoys morning nature walks on the farm.

    While she doesn’t have children of her own, she has a deep appreciation for nurturing little ones. Outside of work, Brandie is happiest outdoors—whether it’s hiking, fishing, camping, riding horses, or spending summer days watching drag racing.

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April Gihring opened Hidden Trails in September 2023, driven by a lifelong passion for nature and over 20 years of experience in teaching and caregiving. A dedicated educator and hands-on leader, April is certified in Nature-Based Teaching, CPR, First Aid, Bloodborne Pathogens, and is an OSHA-certified trainer. She also holds an Associate of Arts in Construction Project Management and Safety.

Originally from Covington, WA, April now spends her days jumping into any classroom where she’s needed most, whether leading a nature walk or tending the animals alongside the children. She loves sharing the forest and farm property she and her husband, her high school sweetheart and partner, built together since she was 16 years old. Watching children explore the land, meet the animals, and connect with nature is one of her greatest joys.

April is a proud mom to a 24-year-old son who works in Montana as an Operating Engineer apprentice, a nearly 21-year-old daughter who runs her own Farrier business, and a joyful 6-year-old bonus daughter. When she’s not at school, she enjoys camping, relaxing with her family, and sneaking away to Sunlands whenever there's a break from weekend projects.

Get to Know April Gihring, Owner and Founder of Hidden Trails

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April Gihring owner of Hidden Trails Forest and Farm School.
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A smiling family of three outdoors with green foliage in the background, featuring a woman with long wavy hair, a young girl with braided hair, and a man wearing a cap, all posing for the photo.
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A woman taking a selfie outdoors with a young girl, both smiling.