Forest Educator with Ricardo Sierra | A Podcast for Revolutionary Conversations about Nature-Based Education

It was through Tom Brown Jr and his Tracker School that I came to meet John.  It was 1984, on a farm in western New Jersey, and he was an instructor at the school, and spending seven days with him and the rest of the staff and Tom changed the direction of my life in a radical way.

John was pulled to New Mexico in 1986, where he founded The Tracking Project, and began running rites of passage camps for boys and girls, as well as adult trainings and retreats. I was incredibly fortunate to spend time in his Nurturing the Roots Mentoring Program, where he had gathered elders from Australia, Sweden, Hawaii, Mexico, Brazil, and across North America.   Learning and connecting with those elders and John and his staff was a revelation that blew my mind, because they held a mentoring space that was unlike anything I had experienced before.   

This experience changed the way I tracked animals, connected to nature, taught and led my camps, trainings and programs. It even affected my personal and community relationships  

In this first of a series of conversations, we dive into what learning tracking does to us and for us as human beings, and John describes his apprenticeship with some of the best trackers in the world.   

Please enjoy Episode #133.

Website:   https://thetrackingproject.org/

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

Facebook:   https://www.facebook.com/TheTrackingProject/

YouTube:    https://www.youtube.com/@thetrackingproject

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Connect with Ricardo:

https://www.foresteducator.com/

https://www.theforestboxforkids.com/

https://www.hawkcircle.com/

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

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It came out of nowhere, right as hundreds of Forest School Leaders were preparing for the Autumn semester:   An opinion piece in The Guardian ominously titled "I'm All For the Concept of Forest School, Just Not the Kind I Pulled My Kids Out Of." by Emma Brockes.

It's just six paragraphs of cynical observations around schools, camps, forest schools and misunderstanding, but it packs a lot of criticism for nature education without a lot of detail, nuance or substance.    It's the kind of piece that can and did get under the skin of a LOT of dedicated, passionate educators who did not take kindly to the views expressed.   

Asa Hardy-Brownlie and I discuss this and nature education media narratives in detail and talk about the challenges we face as a profession to effectively respond to these kinds of pieces that can really skew the understanding of parents, teachers and schools.    What sorts of ways do we want to communicate what we do and why it's important and valuable to children and families?     

We talk about websites, social media and ideas and ways of shaping our messaging so it sticks and is effective, which are some of the gold nuggets we can glean from this experience.

Guardian Article:       https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/article/2024/aug/16/forest-school-kids-children-wholesomeness?fbclid=IwY2xjawFGHjpleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHcPiqmTXxigdia-3hUHjNGD_dfrvCltmCkKI5uvVO3IU0-v5O--Fq5vabQ_aem_b_HsH0bqger7b-YmGOCfRg

Building a Story Brand Book by Donald Miller:        https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1400201837/ref=ox_sc_act_image_2?smid=AX2JROIIWRZYD&psc=1

The Forest School Podcast:       https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-forest-school-podcast/id1389962726

The Forest School Assistance & Support Facebook Page:     https://www.facebook.com/groups/forestschoolas/posts/1921709608278764/?comment_id=1921860808263644&reply_comment_id=1922381681544890¬if_id=1725393778098826¬if_t=group_comment_mention

Portugal Forest School Reel:    https://www.facebook.com/reel/548887540806850

Forest Educator Bonus Content Page:

http://foresteducator.com/bonuscontent

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

The task of communicating the value and benefits of what we do as nature based educators is vital to the long and short term success of our mission/vision, so 'marketing' is one of the hats we wear as part of our leadership roles.  But often, we are SO reluctant and hesitant to promote ourselves, and talk about it, and I've seen a LOT of people get really uncomfortable taking the leap into even thinking about it!  

Enter my guest for this episode:  Elizabeth Clyde.  She's been doing 'holistic marketing' for over 17 years with a variety of different businesses and companies, and she shares her view on how the field of marketing has changed over the past few years and where it seems to be heading in the short term future.   

If you are one of those people whose website or Instagram or other social media network could use some fresh ideas, this episode is for you.

LinkedIn:    https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabethclyde1/

Forest Educator Bonus Content Page:

http://foresteducator.com/bonuscontent

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

This episode explores the phenomenon that often occurs when we work with people in nature, where there is a moment of touching the divine, or the light.  We also tackle the flip side, where someone in our care goes down, to the rich, warm darkness, where things get raw and primal.   

I share about why I find the duality principle both lazy and inadequate as a metaphor, and how its oversimplification can be limiting or even traumatizing for some students.  Using the 'ecosystem' as a new model, I share examples of approaches I've found helpful when either polarity shows up in our work as educators, often unexpectedly.   

Forest Educator Bonus Content Page:

http://foresteducator.com/bonuscontent

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

The world of medicine and academia seems to run on a different timeline than the modern world. Changes take time to process, evaluate, become revised and eventually, approved for integration into the working model for treatment or training.  There are good reasons for this process, because acting too quickly can create a lot of confusion, waste of money and time and generally degrade the public opinion of these institutions, but to an outsider, it can be maddening to watch and wait in real time.

The origins of 'eco-psychology' as a branch of mental health treatment and approach began on the personal experiences of therapists and counsellors, and hundreds of studies are confirming its efficacy over the past twenty years.   My guest in this episode is Linda Buzzell, MA, LMFT, who is an adjunct faculty at Pacifica Graduate Institute, author of Ecopsychology: Healing with Nature in Mind and an ecopsychologist.  She shares why nature is important in the healing process for humans for both physical and mental health, and how it can benefit us as educators to understand what is happening when we take children or adults outside.

LinkedIn:    https://www.linkedin.com/in/linda-buzzell-ma-lmft-2949ab13/

Book:       https://www.amazon.com/Ecotherapy-Healing-Nature-Linda-Buzzell/dp/1578051614/ref=sr_1_1?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.aAMoldtOyUOD9zSZw0MQx22aqKO-MsSYM5jdfT4ltxHGjHj071QN20LucGBJIEps.4laEq4b-6Uu9e2U3_hslfnQ8jv4wmV-th0Rgv0Iq99E&dib_tag=se&qid=1724950917&refinements=p_27%3ALinda+Buzzell&s=books&sr=1-1

Facebook:     https://www.facebook.com/p/Linda-Buzzell-100063776733917/

Pacifica Graduate Institute:   https://www.pacifica.edu/pacifica-news/nature-connection-practices-that-heal-an-interview-with-linda-buzzell-lmft/

Written Articles:    https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Linda-Buzzell

Forest Educator Bonus Content Page:

http://foresteducator.com/bonuscontent

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

This episode is for nature educators AND Parents, Grandparents, Teachers, Schools and Organizations, as it dives into the reasons why professional Nature Education Programs are priced the way they are.  

I present some ideas and details that can promote understanding moving forward, and share some ways that schools, parents, grandparents and organizations can save $ in some cases.

This is a great episode to share with your staff, your student parents, or for schools that you work with, if you feel that they sometimes have trouble 'getting the bigger picture' in the process of setting up or selecting nature programs for students or children.  It can help facilitate a more meaningful discussion that includes factors that most people don't understand about nature educators, or take into consideration, so it's meant to support and promote the value of your work.

Forest Educator Bonus Content Page:

http://foresteducator.com/bonuscontent

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

Reuben Piet joins the Forest Educator from Cape Town as a singer, songwriter, musician and transformational nature leader.  He draws upon his ancestral roots to create powerful experiences for people of all ages, awakening an ancient remembering of who we are, and why we are here.  South Africa, like most of Africa, is a melting pot of diversity, cultures, languages and perspectives, and Reuben shares how he finds common ground and calls for a new consciousness and way of living that goes beyond our current cultural norms into something new that can heal our world.

Reuben has worked in Youth and Community Development for over 20 years, and this foundation has led to his current focus in Wilderness/Mountain Guiding and Rites of Passage, where he works as a Freelance Guide and Facilitator across various regions of South Africa depending on the project and partner organization's needs.

https://thunda.fund/transcendence

LinkedIn:      https://www.linkedin.com/in/reuben-reubicon-piet-216493149/

YouTube:      https://youtu.be/JE3jrz3YCfs?si=LZ7Gk1mrgDw7TvPj

Forest Educator Bonus Content Page:

http://foresteducator.com/bonuscontent

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

I don't think it's a stretch to say that Tom Brown Jr leaves quite a 'wake' in his passing.  He's taught thousands of students, both through his books and Tracker School, and he's been a 'force of nature' in these past five decades.   He's been a mentor, a guide, a father figure to many whose fathers were absent, and he won't ever fully know the depth of his presence or impact had on those who leaned in to his teaching.   

He was complicated, and a little wild.  Untamed, I guess I'd call it.  Kinda like the ocean, where you never turn your back on him if you could help it!  Not dangerous, but man, that piercing gaze that was like X-ray vision, peering into your soul.   

It didn't happen often, but when he'd mention something he'd seen in my tracks, about my life or work, it would always be spot on.  Every time.   

I took a lot of classes back in the 80's and 90's, and was an assistant instructor on many classes too, and he always had something new to teach, that I had never heard or seen before, so I knew he was just scratching the surface of his skills and abilities, even in the 'advanced classes'.   

He didn't tolerate mind games, or time wasters or fools, and I learned a lot about boundaries, and inner strength and conviction from observing his teaching style over the years.   On the flip side, he was funny.  REALLY FUNNY, and he had that type of humor that was 'old school' but also not aimed at putting someone down in a mean, or harsh way.   When there were students who were more serious or sensitive, his gentle side would come out as well.  It was always a joy to see.

This episode is about the impact he had on my life.   I trust he's tracking in the canyons of the Other Side, following Grandfather or one of his older instructors through the sage.  Journey well and good medicine to you, my friend.

Forest Educator Bonus Content Page:

http://foresteducator.com/bonuscontent

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

When I first started learning wilderness skills and discovering wild foods, my mentors taught and also modeled a deep sense of gratitude to these living beings that we used every day.  I didn't know how to do it the 'right way', but I made every attempt to show my appreciation, b0th out loud and in my head.  What I wasn't prepared for was the feeling that I had from THEM, which was both intuitive and at other times, clear and concise with detailed information that held up!   

There is no question that all wild foods leaders, herbalists and foragers are essential Forest Educators who hold a powerful role in our circle, so it was really meaningful to have this conversation with author and educator Liz Neves.  Her wild plant walks in Brooklyn and other parts of the NYC area have been a wonderful learning opportunity for urban dwellers looking for more nature.   We explored her work, her book Northeast Medicinal Plants and some of our favorite plants, too! 

Connect with Liz:

Website:       GatheringGround.NYC

YouTube:     https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpKabVlM2jgbQkwFJP0QTEg

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

Facebook:     https://www.facebook.com/gatheringnyc

Pinterest:       https://www.pinterest.com/liz_neves/

Forest Educator Bonus Content Page:

http://foresteducator.com/bonuscontent

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

If you want to add depth and meaning to your relationship to the natural world, a little research, study and discovery of our natural history, geography, cultural history and flora & fauna that surrounds us!  It's all about understanding different unique aspects of our small corner of the world, and how it's special, just like our students and ourselves.    

Forest Educator Bonus Content Page:

http://foresteducator.com/bonuscontent

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