On July 12, many of Sequim’s biggest culinary talents, representing Alder Wood Bistro, Pacific Pantry and Nourish, to name a few, put their chops on the (auction) block at Jardin du Soleil to benefit area preschoolers.

The Olympic Nature Experience, a nonprofit organization headed by local parent Sarah Salazar-Tipton, let local residents experience nature in a time-honored way — a picnic.

The event featured a silent auction and a live auction, expertly conducted by Nash’s Organic Produce’s Kia Armstrong, whose gift of gab helped facilitate baskets that fetched up to $100, more than double what was expected. The top-earning picnic basket of the evening was donated by All Around Bikes and its food was presented in the basket of a shiny pink bike.

“This event was a great jump-start to our scholarship fund and we are excited to be able to offer financial assistance at the launch of our classes in September,” said ONE’s board chairman, Ken Hobson.

Nature preschools, also called “forest kindergartens,” have been thriving in Europe over the past three decades and the movement has been gaining momentum in the United States in recent years. According to redtri.com, there are 12 nature-based pre-schools around the Seattle area alone.

Parents interested in Owl’s Hollow Nature Preschool and scholarship opportunities can visit www.DungenessAdventureClub.com and click on Register. The scholarship application is there to download. After filling it out, applications can be submitted via e-mail at olympicnatureexperience@gmail.com or via regular mail, to ONE, PO Box 515, Sequim, WA 98382.

Olympic Nature Experience is a nonprofit working to rekindle people with nature through play, adventure and education, in and around Sequim. Offerings include Owl’s Hollow Nature Preschool for 2.5-5 year olds and weekend camps for 4-8 year olds. All  programs are held entirely outdoors.