Land-Based Learning Programs

Land-based learning is a powerful means to support and encourage curiosity, wonder, exploration, play, creativity, and gratitude for life. By teaching awareness and observation, as well as practical life skills in growing, craft, problem solving, and teamwork, I believe we can foster a sense of stewardship and connection, and prepare the next generation of environmental and community leaders.

For the past decade I have designed, coordinated, and led land-based learning programs for preschool to college students—involving science-based observation, exploration and sensory activities, lessons on ecology, wildlife, watersheds, and natural history, and hands-on outdoor stewardship projects. As part of these programs I also developed curriculum to school level standards, recruited and trained volunteer docents, formed new partnerships with schools and teachers, and acquired funding to expand the reach of programs in socioeconomically disadvantaged communities.

As an educator, I teach students with kindness, patience, and positive discipline, foster inclusivity, encourage active participation through open questioning, discussion, and critical thinking, define clear structures and objectives for lessons and projects, and identify and support individual student strengths.