This article describes SPARK (Shore People Advancing Readiness for Knowledge), a nature-based program designed to advance literacy and environmental knowledge in a rural Virginia county that has long been combating generational poverty and low literacy. SPARK engages children between the ages of 3 and 7 and their families in nature learning. The program is a collaboration between the Adult Education Program at Eastern Shore Community College in Melfa, Virginia, and the Accomack County Schools, with support funds from Even Start and Title 1. The SPARK program has grown from serving 25 families in 1998 to involving more than 200 today from a broad range of ethnic, economic, and educational backgrounds. Its purpose is to encourage and teach parents how to become involved in their children's education. To achieve this goal, experiential learning activities are provided by using nature as an outdoor classroom and the main learning theme.