Emily Woodmansee seems to always be in the right place at the right time, to learn, grow, educate, and transform the educational experience of youth in her community.  She's worked in science-based nature programs, wilderness/earth skills adventures, early childhood, elementary and middle school-aged children, and has been involved in Forest School Training in a variety of ways with ERAFANS.   She took some time out of her schedule to talk with me about her journey, and how the 'forest educator' field looks from her perspective, and hear about her current launch of her own Forest School near the Delaware Water Gap in Pennsylvania. 

The focus, dedication, and talent that are showing up in this moment for nature education is impressive, and people like Emily give us all hope for a better world filled with nature-based learning for children everywhere.

Connect with Emily:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-calhoun90/

https://www.amongtheferns.com/

https://www.facebook.com/learnamongtheferns

https://www.instagram.com/learnamongtheferns

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/wolverineway/

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/RicardohawkSierra

I don't think it would be a stretch to say that for children, building forts and shelters is a universal urge.  When given some time to explore and a bunch of different materials like sticks, logs, stones, tarps or cardboard, most kids will figure out how to build something!   It might be more symbolic, or it could be an actual working shelter, but the effort is there!

This episode is all about shelters I've made and slept in, like debris huts, stone & log hogans, thatch huts and stacked debris wall shelters.  I also share about the pros and cons of some of these shelters, and how I've woven this important skill into our nature programs in different ways.  After over 35 years of teaching wilderness skills, I have to admit that I am not exactly excited to teach it these days (for reasons I share in the podcast), but I will never deny the power that shelters have and their rightful inclusion into any forest education program!

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/wolverineway/

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/RicardohawkSierra

What does an ocean conservation president do when everything shuts down during a pandemic?  

Well, she discovers a world full of life and wonder in the urban Los Angeles landscape, of course.  In between field study assignments for whales and dolphins as part of her landmark marine biology studies, she found astonishing forms of nature in the most unlikely places.  We talk about her journey both as a scientist and wildlife advocate, and I explain why she's an incredible 'Forest Educator' despite being far from most forests on a daily basis.   

"What about Kelp?" I think to myself, but our small definitions don't really matter in light of the ecological crisis unfolding before us on a daily basis.

Maddalena is the author of the recently published Stranded: Finding Nature in Uncertain Places, as well as Beautiful Minds: The Parallel Lives of Great Apes and Dolphins, and Dolphin Confidential: Confessions of a Field Biologist.   Her stories and writing describe a lifetime of passion for the natural world, and our conversation dives into her many books, as well as her work as the President and co-founder of the Ocean Conservation Society.

Connect with Maddalena:

https://www.oceanconservation.org/maddalena-bearzi-author/

https://www.amazon.com/Stranded-Finding-Nature-Uncertain-Times/dp/1597146048/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1NH622IZ665L2&keywords=Maddalena+Bearzi&qid=1698205611&sprefix=maddalena+bearzi%2Caps%2C116&sr=8-1

https://www.amazon.com/Dolphin-Confidential-Confessions-Field-Biologist-ebook/dp/B007CN44SM/ref=sr_1_4?crid=1NH622IZ665L2&keywords=Maddalena+Bearzi&qid=1698205639&sprefix=maddalena+bearzi%2Caps%2C116&sr=8-4

https://www.amazon.com/Beautiful-Minds-Parallel-Lives-Dolphins-ebook/dp/B002P686QC/ref=sr_1_5?crid=1NH622IZ665L2&keywords=Maddalena+Bearzi&qid=1698205639&sprefix=maddalena+bearzi%2Caps%2C116&sr=8-5

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/wolverineway/

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/RicardohawkSierra

There was a time in my wilderness skills training and practice where I took a big step in my 'nature awareness' study and 'got nocturnal'. Yeah, it seems a bit radical when I describe it now, but at the time, it wasn't that big of an extra step. I was already making buckskin, practicing tracking and fire making and lots of other skills in every bit of my free time, but I felt like I was still disconnected to the wildlife around me in a more meaningful way.

Because the majority of the animals in my ecosystem were mostly active at night, it seemed logical to follow their lead.

This episode is all about my experience, from committing to a full month of being on 'the night shift' to the rules and parameters I worked out to insure that I would be fully in 'their world' and take a break from the 'modern human perspective'.

The lessons and feelings and connections I experienced on those moonlit (and moonless!) nights changed how I feel about the darkness forever.

Please Enjoy Episode #40.

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/wolverineway/

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/RicardohawkSierra

Today's guest interview is with my wife and partner Trista Haggerty, who draws upon the deep connection with the land and nature to facilitate healing and inner growth. Her experiences in deep earth initiations, forged in sacred sites all over the world with own mentor Helena Shik provide insights that are often unique in the 'mystics' community.

We discuss some of her work with Hawk Circle Staff and Apprentices over the years, as well as her 'nature based' approach with her own children. Our discussion covers Initiations, Sacred Journeys and the importance of caves for transformation, to name a few topics.

It is a true gift and honor for me to share the wonderful insights and magic of the person I live with here at Hawk Circle!

Her new book 'When the Dark Mother Calls' is available on Amazon, and you can read more of her story of her incredible journey there!

Book Link on Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/When-Dark-Mother-Calls-Initiatory-ebook/dp/B0CKTYFK4K/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1697520625&sr=8-1

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/wolverineway/

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/RicardohawkSierra

Some of my favorite ages to work with are middle schoolers, anywhere from 10-14 years old. Some may say those ages are some of the most challenging, but I really like that age group for so many reasons. I love to help them find their passion and excitement, and to watch them build an inner foundation for themselves and a personal belief that they know who they are, and begin to believe that they can do hard things. In this episode, I'm exploring the different developmental ages and stages during this period of kids' lives and some of my best tips and strategies for working with them effectively. From emotional development, friendship, trust, and self-reflection to skill-building, I hope this episode will help you feel excited about working with this age group, too.

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/wolverineway/

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/RicardohawkSierra

In the field of Forest Education, I'd say that we are fairly well stocked with dedicated people on the front lines, working directly with children, youth and adults on a daily basis.

We also have a wonderful group of passionate directors and program leaders, who do a lot of the unseen work (some might say the 'dirty work') of daily administrative duties that have to be done to keep the doors open.

But the one area that sometimes goes unnoticed is the Advocacy Level, and the Big Picture Level, and the Long Range Thinking Level, where we might get traction at a city, state or country level.

It's at this level where having someone with strong nature education roots, who can consult with the decision makers to bring about truly equitable, awesome programming that will affect the lives of potentially millions of people.

Well, my guest today is one of those 'influencers'.

Jeff Baierlein is a tireless force for good, often traveling all around the world to consult with companies, governments and leaders. He works in risk management, outdoor program development and offers trainings, 'best practices' and support to allow them to benefit from successful models here in North America.

It can take years of steady advocacy, training and countless meetings to make programs like this happen, and he's right in the thick of this powerful change. Most of the time, there is little fanfare or attention that can celebrate the achievements of this branch of 'Forest Educators', so I am really happy to do that in my own small way, and feature his work for all of us to appreciate!

Jeff's journey from a wilderness educator to Outward Bound Instructor to Wilderness Medical Associates to the director of Viristar is impressive, and I really enjoyed our conversation!

Connect with Jeff:

https://www.viristar.com/

https://www.instagram.com/viristarconsulting/

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/wolverineway/

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/RicardohawkSierra

The first rule about 'bonding' is like Fight Club:

"Never talk about Bonding."

At least to your students. (Because it's awkward and weird.)

But honestly, so many of the benefits of nature-based education present in the same exact way - basically invisible to most people who aren't paying close attention.

This episode explores ideas around mentoring, teaching, bonding, relationships, and even some staff management/training/hiring concepts too.

We get into the nuances of these concepts, why it's so critical for our development at a young age, and how we as educators can support and facilitate those fleeting moments of connection that come when we least expect it.

Even if you don't work with youth or adults, you might find this episode interesting because you can scan through your own memories for the authentic, bonding moments you've had, and how they affected you.

We all exist in a matrix of community, culture, and nature, and being able to build meaningful relationships is not always easy in today's digital world.

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/wolverineway/

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/RicardohawkSierra

My guest today is Sally Wren Stevens, founder and director of SOL Forest School. She is sharing her story and what soulful, whole-child nature-based education means to her. With a wide variety of training from programs and mentors around the world, Sally brings unique and meaningful insights to the current and future state of curriculum, environment, and cultural reparation in youth programming.

Connect with Sally & SOL Forest School:

https://www.solforestschool.com/

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/wolverineway/

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/RicardohawkSierra

The 'Business' side of nature education used to really stress me out. I really wished I could just do all of this good work, and provide for the family and have it not be 'weird' or awkward. I didn't like the idea of 'selling' my programs back then either, and it always felt very personal and vulnerable sharing my mission and hoping it would be accepted and valued and just 'work out'.

Over the years of doing this, I learned to work through my feelings about it, because there was no other way to go. I started to understand where my discomfort originated, and where some of my thinking was clouded by family history. I had stories running through my head that were based on ideas and principles that just were not true.

It wasn't easy working through those issues, dismantling them, and learning to see the world differently, but almost immediately, things began to change.

I also discovered that much of the so called 'business world' is still based on principles and ideas found in the practice of hunter gatherer's daily lives. These similarities were really helpful because they showed me a different way of looking at my work that paralleled my own skills and experience.

This episode focuses on marketing and messaging, which are critical skills for all forest educator program directors, founders and even instructors and educators. I've seen a lot of people and schools fade away due to lack of marketing skills or deep resistance to doing it, (among other reasons, too), and it's sobering to see good, dedicated, skilled and deeply caring people walk away from the field because they couldn't figure out how to make it all work.

I am not the defining voice of all forest educators, so please don't think I am speaking with any other authority than my own. There are SO many ways to do all of this work, and I'm always learning myself, every day. If you have something that is working for you that might help other educators, send me a message and let's talk about it!

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/wolverineway/

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/RicardohawkSierra