“Mother Nature Center began as an idea rooted in my search for balance—between family life, work, and my deeper calling to serve both people and the planet. I realized that my highest intentions in this life are to help the Earth and to help others, and I wanted to create something that could hold both of those commitments.

It started as a place where parents could bring their children for care, but it quickly became more than daycare. We offered classes and workshops—teaching parents how to cook baby food, garden, and save seeds—simple, practical skills that support both family life and environmental stewardship. The hope was always to inspire people to live in ways that are sustainable and beneficial to their communities.

As I shaped the philosophy of the organization, I was deeply inspired by naturalists—people who center their lives around a relationship with nature. I spent time studying different approaches and weaving together ideas from many sources. After about a year and a half of development and paperwork, Mother Nature Center took form.

In the early days, it was truly community-driven. We operated as a nonprofit with a board made up of parents, so everyone involved was deeply invested. Over time, we grew steadily, and soon there was a long waiting list. Families recognized it as a special place where children could learn from nature and develop in a grounded, natural way.

We grew food all around the house—lettuce, corn, tomatoes, squash, strawberries—everything heirloom and organic. Our goal was to cultivate food as naturally and responsibly as possible. Eventually, we were growing so much that we began sharing and selling produce within the community and to local restaurants. That marked a natural transition into what Mother Nature Center has become today: a deeper focus on agriculture, food systems, and community nourishment.

When I passed the torch to Ibrahim Loeks, it was beautiful to see how the original philosophy aligned with his vision. He has carried it forward and expanded it in powerful ways, especially around food sovereignty and ecological restoration here in Northern New Mexico.

Looking back, what began in 2007 as a simple response to the need for childcare—something created by a small group of parents—has grown into something much larger. It evolved from ‘The Natural Child’ into Mother Nature Center, a nonprofit rooted in community, care, and our relationship with the Earth.” - Maria Bernardez, Founder of Mother Nature Center