Deep in the concrete jungle of spanish style homes, freeways, urban sprawl and mini-malls, there are naturalists who know the canyons, coastal foothills and estuaries hidden throughout the city.   

It's here among the live oaks and agave that children learn about acorns, lizards, animal tracks, and other aspects of California wildlife.  I had all kinds of flashbacks to my own childhood throughout this conversation with Madlen Sarkisyan, who co-founded The Children's Forest School based in this diverse area in Southern California.   

Our conversation ranges from mountain lions, poison oak, homeschooling, measuring outcomes and moving locations, so we cover a lot of ground.  I believe it takes a special kind of person and team to make programs like this happen, and it was a pleasure to connect with Madlen and hear her passion for outdoor learning.  Good things are happening in the City of Angels.

Connect with Madlen:

Website:   https://www.childrensforestschool.com/

Instagram:   https://www.instagram.com/childrensforestschool/

Join the Forest Educator Patreon!

https://patreon.com/ForestEducatorPodcast

Connect with Ricardo:

https://www.foresteducator.com/

https://www.theforestboxforkids.com/

https://www.hawkcircle.com/

Linkedin:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ricardo-sierra-5980931/

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/the_forest_educator_podcast/

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/RicardohawkSierra