Unexpected News: Looking for Land

Earlier this week we received notice that Wild Fauna Nature Play is no longer able to operate from our current location. The City of Clarence-Rockland has determined that our operation at this property does not currently meet the applicable planning and zoning requirements, and we have been directed to cease operating from the location unless further approvals are obtained.

What makes this especially difficult is how unexpectedly this has happened. The City did not contact Wild Fauna directly or approach us with questions or concerns before making this decision. The notice was sent to the landowners who then forwarded it over to us.

Prior to even moving to this location we made sure to meet with all the appropriate representatives of the City of Clarence - Rockland to make sure we are complying with the requirements that applied to our business. We asked all the questions, followed all the directions we were given, and have documentation of all of our efforts to make sure we stayed compliant. We genuinely believed we were doing what was required of us. To have this decision made without first speaking directly with us has left us scrambling and, frankly, incredibly frustrated.

This business has been built around the belief that children deserve time outside, space to explore, opportunities to take appropriate risks, and a place where they can simply be themselves. The community that has grown around Wild Fauna is something we are incredibly proud of, and we don't want this unexpected situation to give the impression that we are giving up.

We would like to ask for your help and patience at this time as we work hard to figure everything out and make a plan. Fall programs are not cancelled at this time, for those who have registered for them already - we will be in touch! One thing we do need is a new home.

This is what we are looking for:

We are looking for land partnership that will allow Wild Fauna to continue providing meaningful, nature-based outdoor learning and play for children and families.

1. Land Requirements

• Size: Ideally 2–5+ acres, with a mix of forest and open meadow/field.

• Exploration Areas: We are looking for a variety of natural spaces where children can explore, play, observe wildlife, build skills, and connect with the land. During our walk, we identified ideal areas for the children to explore, and the land meets our vision beautifully.

2. Water Source — Optional

We are open to different water arrangements and do not require a water source directly within our program areas.

• Access 1 — Natural Water: A reliable natural water source such as a pond, stream, or creek would be wonderful for learning, play, and exploration.

• Access 2 — Potable Water: Access to potable water for drinking, handwashing, and washing dishes. It does not need to be directly accessible from our program areas; we simply need a practical place where we can fill our water containers and transport them to the site.

• Access 3 — Rainwater: We are also interested in developing our own rainwater collection system through rain barrels where appropriate.

3. Campfire Use

Fire is an important part of our outdoor learning environment and would be used thoughtfully and safely.

We are looking for:

• The ability to have localized, supervised campfires throughout the year, subject to applicable fire regulations and conditions.

• Permission to bring and use our own outdoor fire ring.

• The ability to have an indoor wood stove in our Prospector Tent, where permitted and safely installed.

4. Shelter and Storage

We are looking to gradually develop a simple, low-impact outdoor learning space.

• Storage: We would like to have a small storage shed or designated storage area for our year-round program resources and equipment.

• Current Shelter: We currently have a Prospector Tent that we plan to use as our primary shelter space while we establish the site.

We are committed to developing the property thoughtfully and respectfully, with a focus on minimizing our environmental impact.

5. Privacy

• Exclusive Use: Ideally, the property would be private and not regularly accessible to the general public. This would allow us to provide a consistent and uninterrupted environment for our programs during weekdays, evenings, and weekends.

• We are open to discussing shared arrangements if the use of the property can still provide the privacy and consistency needed for our programs.

6. Accessibility

The property needs to be reasonably accessible for families and school groups.

• Road & Parking: Safe and practical access for parent drop-off and pick-up.

• School Access: Sufficient access for school buses to safely drop off and pick up groups.

• Year-Round Access: The property should be accessible throughout the seasons in which our programs operate, as outlined in our Yearly Program Overview.

  
  

Help Us Find A Home

We know this is a lot to take in, and honestly, it has been a lot for us to process too. We are still working through the uncertainty, figuring out what our options are, and advocating for Wild Fauna and the families who count on our programs.

But we are also choosing to look forward.

Wild Fauna is not just a location. It is the children who come through our programs, the families who trust us, the facilitators who pour their hearts into this work, and the belief that childhood should include time to explore, play, get muddy, ask questions, take appropriate risks, and build a meaningful relationship with the natural world.

We have put so much love into building Wild Fauna, and we are not ready to walk away from it.

Right now, what we need most is a home—a piece of land where we can continue this work for years to come and build something sustainable, respectful, and lasting.

If you own land that might be a possibility, know someone who does, have a connection with a farm or private property, or simply know someone who may be able to point us in the right direction, we would be incredibly grateful if you reached out or shared this blog.

We are open to conversations, creative partnerships, leases, and different arrangements that could make a long-term land partnership possible. We don't expect someone to have all the answers—we are simply hoping to find the right person, property, or connection to help us take the next step.

This wasn't the ending we expected.

Wild Fauna still has so much growing to do. And we are hoping you'll help us find the place where we can continue to grow.

If you can help us find land, please reach out. If you can't, sharing this story may be just as valuable.