Take a closer look inside The Big Book of Nature Activities with authors Drew Monkman and Jacob Rodenburg.

This episode is a conversation that includes:

• Jacob and Drew's journey BEFORE meeting each other and co-authoring together.
• An overview of The Big Book of Nature Activities.
• Why nature and getting outdoors is important in a child's life.
• How to apply nature as a teaching tool.
• How nature education is linked to environmental advocacy for children and what we can do.
• Tips on how we can help close the gap of Nature-Deficit Disorder.

MEET DREW:

Drew Monkman is a graduate of Université Laval in Quebec City and the University of Toronto. He worked as a French Immersion teacher, until retiring in 2011. For over 20 years, Drew oversaw the development of a schoolyard naturalization project in Peterborough. Drew is a lifelong naturalist and writer whose environment column has appeared in the Peterborough Examiner since 2004. He is the author of three books, including “Nature's Year in the Kawarthas” and "The Big Book of Nature Activities”, which he co-authored with Jacob Rodenburg. Drew also maintains a website (drewmonkman.com) where he posts his columns, recent wildlife sightings, and information on climate change in the Kawarthas. He has been an active member of the local climate advocacy group “For Our Grandchildren” since 2012. Drew is also involved with other environmental groups like Peterborough Pollinators, Peterborough Field Naturalists, and Pathway to Stewardship. In 2015, he received an Honorary Degree from Trent University. 

MEET JACOB:

Jacob Rodenburg has taught in the field of Outdoor Education for more than 35 years. He is currently the Executive Director of Camp Kawartha a summer camp and Outdoor Education Center. Jacob is a frequent keynote speaker and presenter. He has won many awards for his "passionate determination, inspiration, and innovation in fostering awareness for the natural world around us,"

Jacob teaches at Trent University in environmental studies and geography. He holds a teaching certificate and a Master's in Education and is the author of many books that include:

• The Big Book of Nature Activities by Drew Monkman and Jacob Rodenburg
• The Book of Nature Connection by Jacob Rodenburg:

Jacob also conceived of an environmental framework for children of all ages to help promote stewardship through each age and phase of a child's development. Called the Pathway to Stewardship and Kinship, this approach to environmental education helps provide children with the experiences they need in order to become future stewards.

CONTACT: Jacob's Email