Addie McCluskey

Elmore Autauga News

The Eclectic Child Development Program (ECDP) is once again bringing a beloved children’s book to life as part of its annual December tradition, transforming Eve Bunting’s Night Tree into a hands-on learning experience for students and their families. The story, which follows a family that decorates a tree in the woods with edible ornaments for wildlife, has become the foundation for one of the program’s most anticipated events of the year.

“We wanted to take this beautiful story and make it something our children could truly experience,” said Starla Riddle, Director of ECDP. “It teaches kindness, connection, and care for the world around us, and turning it into a real event helps those lessons stay with them.”

Children at ECDP prepared for the upcoming night tree reveal on Friday, Dec. 5, creating natural decorations and snacks for the animals that live in the woods near the facility to enjoy. Students from Elmore County High School, who participate in the Future Teachers of America program, joined to help craft the treats and ornaments. In the days leading up to the activity, staff read Night Tree to the children multiple times to help them understand the meaning behind the tradition.

“The older students are wonderful helpers,” said Riddle. “Our children look up to them, and the whole experience becomes more special when they help out.”

Each child will place their handmade ornaments on the branches, proudly showing parents what they created. To celebrate their work, families are invited to walk along a lighted path behind the center on Monday, Dec. 8, to see the grand reveal of this year’s night tree at.

“This night is about slowing down and enjoying something peaceful and beautiful together,” said Riddle. “I love watching the children explain what they made and why. Their excitement is contagious.”

Families will be offered hot chocolate and popcorn as they gather around the tree and enjoy the quiet glow of the pathway. The event has also become an opportunity for the students to learn about local wildlife as they watch footage from a trail camera of animals visiting the tree. Deer, birds, squirrels, and raccoons are frequent guests.

“The raccoons always make the children laugh,” said Riddle. “Last year, one of them popped its head out of the middle of the tree, and they talked about it for weeks.”

Riddle said the night tree project reflects the program’s focus on outdoor learning, STEM activities, and teaching children to respect the natural world. The center also hosts a large gardening project each spring, along with other activities that encourage students to observe and care for their environment.

“We want our children to understand that the animals around us matter too,” said Riddle. “Learning about nature builds empathy, curiosity, and a sense of responsibility. That’s what the night tree tradition is all about.”

Everyone is invited to attend the reveal on Monday, Dec. 8th, beginning at dusk. The pathway will be open for all to enjoy until Dec.19^th. Riddle said she hopes families will enjoy the experience as much as the children enjoy preparing for it.

“It’s truly magical,” she said. “Every year, it reminds me exactly why we do this.”

Photos by: Amanda Pevey