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

Life in the Great White North can be cold and hard at times, but that makes the warmer seasons all the sweeter, from Maple Syrup Season to Sumac Gathering and so much more.  The power of nature is reflected in daily life, and living close helps us see the metaphors and parallels that we echo in our own human cultural patterns. Join Chris Gilmour and I as we explore forest educator training, youth adventure, stories of beaver ponds and much more in this episode.  Chris shares powerful lessons that draw from over twenty years as an outdoor professional, leading groups, apprenticeships and foraging programs, with his experience in wilderness survival, bushcraft, nature awareness and earth living skills too.    It was really interesting to hear his perspective on the value of the 'Soft Skills' that are often misunderstood or underutilized in many traditional wilderness programs, and how they are shaping his training and students in powerful, beneficial ways. ------- Connect with Chris: Website:   https://www.chrisoutdoors.ca/ Wild Muskoka Botanicals Website:   https://wildmuskoka.com/ Instagram:    https://www.instagram.com/chrisoutdoorson/ Wild Muskoka Botanicals Instagram:   https://www.instagram.com/wildmuskoka/ YouTube:   https://www.youtube.com/c/ChangingWorldProjectChrisOutdoors LinkedIn:    https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisoutdoors/?trk=public_profile_recommendations&originalSubdomain=ca Email:    Chris@chrisoutdoors.ca Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/chrisoutdoorsmentoring TikTok:   https://www.tiktok.com/@chrisoutdoorson?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR0zB5lj6iB9vK8Eg5n4X2Yesa0zvz2pHJC4IhqVpe3Hd_MmBSrEiyRK2qQ_aem_R2l6Dd2Vh8liJszokrSGsA 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

My guest today is Sam Gravestock of The Forest Path. Sam leads men's retreats and guided therapeutic wilderness programs. He prioritizes accessibility and support when it comes to learning disabilities, behavioral mentoring, youth programs, individual validation and wellness, and reflecting and exploring masculinity. Connect with Sam: https://www.theforestpath.co.uk/ https://www.instagram.com/man_of_tanith https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100076003952570 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

This Forest Educator spotlight is an introduction to entrepreneurship for the Forest Educator. If you are planning on generating revenue by providing programs or resources related to Forest Education, then you are considering entrepreneurship. Being great at Forest Education and being great at Entrepreneurship are not synonymous. In this episode, I'm sharing some of the lessons I've learned from 35+ years of forest entrepreneurship. 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 is Dan Gardoqui, a nature consultant, trainer, and guide. Dan's work, Lead with Nature, is rooted in the patterns and processes of nature. He's also a certified wildlife tracker and a bird language expert. In addition to talking about tracking and bird language, in this interview, we talked about the diversity of approaches, inspiring young people, the importance of listening, integrating wisdom into your business, and so much more. Connect with Dan: https://www.leadwithnature.com/ https://www.instagram.com/leadwithnature 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

On this week's Forest Educator Spotlight, we're talking about wilderness survival skills, and why they're important, and why they're an incredible resource for forest educators. 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

Sandy has created K-12 science curricula and international programs for schools including STEM Expeditions, credit-bearing field study courses that included taking students on trips throughout the US and internationally to South Africa, Iceland, and Belize. She is a Level 3 International Wildlife Tracker, in both the US and South Africa, certified through Cybertracker in track ID and Trailing. Sandy loves to organize adult and student trips to South Africa and travels there yearly to take people into the bush and work on her tracking skills. In today's episode, we discuss: The freedom of not having a standard curriculum The advantage of having a team How to get kids involved in tracking Sandy's love for South Africa Bringing nature experiences into classrooms and so much more! Connect with Sandy: https://www.originalwisdom.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

Today's Forest Educator Spotlight is all about the best-kept secret for Forest Educators: the Natural Advantage. When we implement this three-part framework in our programs, we can have the biggest impact. 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, Jessica Carew Kraft, left a high-powered career in technology, determined to find a better way to a thriving life in nature with her family. In pursuit of learning about "rewilding," she connected with an entire community of others who approach 21st-century problems with ancient human answers. Her new book, Why We Need to be Wild, is available now. Connect with Jessica: https://www.jessicacarewkraft.com/ https://www.instagram.com/whyweneedtobewild 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

This week's Forest Educator Spotlight is all about campfires and the magic they hold for all of us. The campfire brings a sense of comfort, connection, and calm, and this tradition has been around for thousands of years across all cultures around the world. Fire making is also a great way to introduce the concept of 'mastery' to our students, with tremendous benefits in leadership, problem-solving, awareness, attention to detail, and much more.  I also share some of my best tips for working with campfires in a nature program in a safe and positive way. 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 this interview, I'm joined by Wendolyn Bird to talk about Early Childhood nature education and outreach. Wendolyn is a coach for parents and teachers. She draws from mindfulness practices, developmental and child psychology, Earth-based Wisdoms, and spirituality in order to help parents and teachers build more fulfilling connections to themselves, their children, and their students for lasting and beneficial change. Connect with Wendolyn: https://wendolynbird.com/ https://www.instagram.com/wendolyn__bird/ https://www.facebook.com/wendolynbirdcoaching 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

As forest educators, there are several barriers we come up against with regard to nature education. In this week's forest educator spotlight episode, I'm talking about some of these obstacles, including the classic education and academic structure and curriculum, lack of parent and teacher experience with nature education, economic and time factors, and so much more. I'm also sharing some tips for advocating for better access to nature, the complications of cultural barriers and equity, and the sustainability of the environmental education model. 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

It was early August, in Harlemville New York.  It was a six week immersion into the natural world, in one of my first 'wilderness skills learning intensives', with just a few tools, a blanket and a desire to see the world from a different perspective. This episode is a recounting of some of my adventures with wildlife, and why I still can't stand roasted apples.    Thank you to the listeners who have been asking for more stories.  These are for you! 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

My guest today is Peter Kindfield of Hilltop Education and Deep Adaptation Forum. We are talking about the ways public education is broken, and why forest education is an incredible - and critical - answer for kids and our future. Connect with Peter: https://peterkindfieldphd.substack.com https://hilltopeducation.com/ https://www.deepadaptation.info/ 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 this Forest Educator Spotlight, I'm talking about the art of tracking, why it's important, and how to introduce tracking skills and activities to your programs for kids. 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, Kyt Lyn Walken, is an international mantracking expert and instructor. In this episode, she shares some stories and background about her career as an instructor, as well as some tips and stories about the importance of tracking skills. Connect with Kyt: https://www.instagram.com/kytlynwalken/?hl=en https://thewayoftracking.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

This week's Forest Educator Spotlight is about two important mindsets and perspectives when it comes to Forest Education. In any group program, the ego is going to show up, and potentially get in the way. In this episode, I'm explaining the Maverick and the Collaborator Mindsets and why it's so important to be collaborative. 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 I'm joined by the author of The Open Air Life and There's No Such Thing as Bad Weather, Linda McGurk, whose writing focuses on raising children in the Nordic style of living more in tune with nature. Connect with Linda: https://lindamcgurk.com/ https://rainorshinemamma.com/ https://www.instagram.com/rainorshinemamma/ 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

This Forest Educator Spotlight is all about that tricky subject of navigating boundaries when it comes to managing behavior and discipline. These are serious issues when working with students. 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

Jonny Walker embraces the creativity of writing and poetry retreats outdoors, and helping teachers with outdoor education development, in his organization Otherwise Education. In this episode we talk about the work he's doing, the problems facing traditional educators today, trust and risk aversion when working with children, and the power of the forest when it comes to creativity and imagination. Connect with Jonny and Otherwise Education: https://www.otherwiseeducation.com/ https://www.instagram.com/otherwiseedu/?hl=en 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

This week's Forest Educator Spotlight is all about After School Programs. In this episode, I'm sharing some tips about what you can and can't do in an after-school program, how to build connections with the students, the program model and the business model, and so much more. 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 this episode, I'm joined by Aurélia Cheuvreul-Gaud, TedX Speaker and Author of the 7 Connection Gateways Pedagogy. She's passionate about environmentalism and biodiversity, and strives to connect urban children from standard education systems to the natural world. We talk about the challenges that teachers and children face in standard schools, and why it's important to consider this a long-term approach. Connect with Aurélia: https://www.aureliacg.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

In this week's Forest Educator Spotlight, I'm talking about the challenges of ethical gathering. Learn how to protect your reputation, build your resource network and community, and honor the environment in today's episode. 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 olden days, before the internet, when you ran a workshop or a skills class or wild foods program, you could usually skip the student evaluation forms and questionnaires.  Participants just 'got the experience' and that was the deal.  There wasn't any trolling, or review bombing, because there were no online reviews.  You might get a letter, if people felt a certain way about your offering, but often times it was something positive rather than negative. In 2024, however, outcomes and evaluations matter.  We have a lot more opportunities to connect with our students, and understand the class from their perspective, and it's a whole new world.    Quite frankly, it's a much better world.    The simple truth is this:  The more we ask, the more we know, and the faster we can get better at what we do. This episode is a quick dive into understanding the importance of understanding our metrics, gathering data, self evaluations vs outside assessment, setting our own goals and best of all, how they can help make us better educators. 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

My guest in today’s episode is Erica Hermsen, the director and founder of Everwild Forest School. With a background in conservation and wilderness education, ever since her undergraduate education, Erica knew that she wanted to find a way to capture the magic and massive impact that outdoor programming can have for kids. Once she had her own daughters, she became even more determined to find a way to battle all the challenges facing kids today. Her family moved to Boise and she founded Everwild Forest School… right in the height of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020. In this episode, Erica shares her successes, obstacles, and lessons learned in the past 3 years as a forest educator.  Connect with Erica & Everwild Forest School: https://everwildforestschool.org/ 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

As forest educators, it's important that we don't just teach skills: but we really teach the skills behind the skills. In today's world of modern conveniences, the average kid is not witnessing how things happen in the world around them, or the skills it takes to make things happen, as they grow up. Forest education doesn't just teach people wilderness and earth skills, but it teaches us how to think and adapt. In this Forest Educator Spotlight episode, I'm talking all about the skills behind the skills and sharing lots of stories about this practice in action. 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

This episode is Part 2 of a 2-part episode featuring Erik Rasmussen of Making Tracks Earth Education. We discuss social media, experience in addition to skill-building, and innovative ways to adapt programming to leverage nature as the world's greatest facilitator. Did you miss part 1? Make sure to go back and listen to last week's episode with Erik, too! Connect with Erik and Making Tracks Earth Education: https://www.makingtracks.co/ https://www.instagram.com/ehrasmussen94/ 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 this week's Forest Educator Spotlight, I'm sharing some of my best tips for staff hiring and training. I hope this helps you keep in mind some different ways to think about how to effectively use your team to achieve your desired program outcomes. There are always things that come up with your staff that are totally unexpected, so hopefully this episode also prepares you for the unknown. 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

This episode is Part 1 of a 2-part episode featuring Erik Rasmussen of Making Tracks Earth Education. We discuss AI, recreation education as it compares to survival education, and the importance and disconnection of wilderness skills in today's modern world. Tune in next Thursday for Part 2 of this conversation with Erik. Connect with Erik and Making Tracks Earth Education: https://www.makingtracks.co/ https://www.instagram.com/ehrasmussen94/ 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 this week's Forest Educator Spotlight, I'm sharing the most key items I carry with me in my pack on forest adventures. You might need to adapt this list to your own preferences and environmental circumstances, but hopefully this list gives you some ideas about some items you might not have thought about before. 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'm excited to welcome my first guest to the podcast, Forest Educator Jude Vinton who runs Be Free Forest School in the UK. Jude shared her story about how she transitioned into (and out of) traditional teaching before opening her Forest School program, the huge obstacle in this industry when it comes to funding, and the mental and emotional health and well-being crisis facing kids (and adults) today and why forest education is so important. She also shared some of her favorite resources, which I've linked below! Connect with Jude: https://befreeforestschool.co.uk/ https://www.facebook.com/befreeforestschool https://www.instagram.com/befreeforestschool/ Book Recommendations in this Episode: The Organic Artist for Kids by Nick Neddo - https://amzn.to/3qOzM9D Losing Eden: Our Fundamental Need for the Natural World and Its Ability to Heal Body and Soul by Lucy Jones - https://amzn.to/3qBa7Bi Wild Days: Outdoor Play for Young Adventurers by Richard Irvine - https://amzn.to/3X5Vx11 Activities, Games and Challenges for Learning Outside the Classroom by Tracey Maciver - https://amzn.to/3p3MpgC Activities, Games and Challenges for Learning Outside the Classroom 2 by Tracey Maciver - https://amzn.to/43HHK2Y 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

This episode is all about my story: my first wilderness memories, the childhood stories that inspired my sense of adventure, where my wilderness career began, and how I grew Hawk Circle over the past 35 years. Plus, I'm sharing some insights into The Forest Educator Initiative and why the work we're doing in this community is so important in 2023. 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

It seems like the best place to start is to introduce what we mean when we talk about Forest Educators. In the inaugural episode of The Forest Educator Podcast, I explore the different layers and angles involved in forest education and the types of conversations we are going to have on this podcast. If you have suggestions of other types of people (or specific people!) we should be having conversations with on this podcast, make sure to send me a message and let me know. I love to hear from you! 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

Introducing The Forest Educator podcast hosted by Ricardo Sierra. Join Ricardo as he engages in enlightening conversations with educators from across the globe who are revolutionizing nature-based education. Drawing on his 35 years of experience in wilderness education, Ricardo shares practical insights, tools, and best practices to inspire and support forest educators worldwide. Tune in twice a week for interviews with passionate educators and skill spotlights that delve into the challenges and triumphs of the field. The Forest Educator Podcast launches on June 15 with three initial episodes, so grab your favorite beverage and get ready to be inspired. Download an episode and join our community of dedicated educators striving to make a difference in the 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

It's one thing to have a 'vision' or idea that is inspiring and exciting and full of hope and promise.  It's also a WHOLE other thing to actually bring it into the real world, grounded and fully expressed and achieving outcomes. When we take that leap into the unknown, it's scary, risky, stressful and even wonderful; a lot of intense emotions all rolled into a kaleidoscope blender that most of the time, we are not fully prepared to handle. Sometimes, we even have unexpected 'inner barriers' that show up, with hesitation, procrastination, tangible fear in sharing something from the heart, rejection sensitivity and anxiety.  These inner challenges are no joke, and they can stop our visionary work in its tracks if we don't figure out how to navigate and work around them. In this episode, we explore these issues and more, with an emphasis on solutions and strategies that can help us keep going. 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

There are literally piles of research about the benefits of contact with nature for human beings, and most of the time, we think of 'forest experiences' primarily for children.  Monica Eastway shares her work with people who are in their 60's, 70's, 80's and 90's, and why nature is vital for this segment of our community.   She shares stories of how nature experiences improve the quality of life for those in managed or skilled care facilities, and her quest to facilitate change  as a true paradigm shift for ALL of us. We discuss some of the work that's being done in the Netherlands, Finland and Esalen, CA, and the impact that nature can have for families and people of all ages.  Her vision includes helping our American fear of 'growing old' and seeing the aging process with grace, self acceptance and even joy. Monica's website:   https://www.monicaeastway.com/ Monica's LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/monica-eastway/ 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

Ever since I was a kid I was always fascinated by the concept of 'time'.    I know I am not alone, because it's a pretty popular theme over the last four decades or so.  Madeline L'Engle's Wrinkle In Time was one of my first steps into a different world.  The time differences in the world of Narnia was pretty interesting!  Then came the wildly unexpected Time Bandits and the fun of Back to the Future. The Time Lords and Dr. Who.  The resetting of time in Edge of Tomorrow high stakes battle for Earth.  Hot Tub Time Machine.  The compression of time in Interstellar and Inception.  HG Wells' The Time Machine.  Groundhog Day.  The Time Heists of Avengers: Endgame and the TVA of Marvel's Loki were some of the more recent forays, but there are literally tons of shows like Quantum Leap, or Travellers, or The Umbrella Academy and yes, Outlander.... I'd like to believe that time travel is possible but it's probably not, at least, not in the way that these shows seem to depict it.  However, there are some situations and experiences that I have had in my forays into nature and leading groups that have broadened my understanding of time and its paradoxes and oddities and gifts, so, I figured we better talk about it! No hot tubs required! 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 there is a defining moment for nature education in the past five years, it always seems to be found during the Covid Pandemic.  It was in this time that we see major shifts in the way we work, teach, learn and grow, as it accentuated the many changes that children, youth, families and adults were already showing prior to the coronavirus, and virtually all nature programs felt the effects.    In this episode, Jason Knight of Alderleaf shares how his organization responded to these forces, and how his program and community has pulled together to find ways to thrive in an ever-evolving world.  He launched some online programs, and even wrote a great book called 'The Essential Skills of Wilderness Survival', while also running lots of local programs and raising a family. Sometimes, we are all forced to 'embrace' change, whether we like it or not, but Jason's gifts have allowed him to take it to the next level.  It's a great conversation that can benefit anyone running nature programs, and gives us a little 'behind the scenes' feeling at times as we explore many relevant topics along the way. Website:   WildernessCollege.com Facebook:   https://www.facebook.com/alderleafwildernesscollege Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/alderleafwildernesscollege/ LinkedIn:   https://www.linkedin.com/company/alderleaf-wilderness-college/ 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

There is one thing that is certain in our world, whether or not we 'believe' in climate change, and that is that our lives and the lives of our young students, is going to change.  A lot.   Being adaptable, fluid, responsive and creative are key necessary ingredients to have if we want to be able to handle change in a positive way.  Most people struggle with even minor changes in their lives, especially when we have no control over what is happening.  It can be debilitating and anxiety producing and managing that kind of response is difficult for everyone. This is where nature education can be literally life saving for our students.   By giving them skills that help them manage their mental and emotional health, we are giving them an advantage over those who struggle to 'hold it all together'.   Giving them problem solving skills, communication skills, awareness and gratitude, we lay a foundation that they can build a life from, even in a world that our own grandparents might not recognize. The importance of nature educators in this context is vital to the long term survival of our species and I believe it will have a powerful impact for those students and parents who understand the stakes and are willing to invest in their child's welfare in both the short term and 'down the road' thinking.    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've always been able to quickly tell the difference between someone with years of actual hands on experience in bushcraft, nature skills or crafts, from those with just a little.  It's seen mostly in the way that skills are presented, or how the preparation is put in, or in the choice of words in a social media post or photo description.  When four or five tiny things begin to add up, I start paying attention, and then it becomes obvious.  When I first began seeing Nick Hulley's LinkedIn posts, I saw this phenomenon in spades. In this episode, Nick shares the width and breadth of a life lived hand in hand with nature, through teaching, living, practicing and working day in and day out.  He's used natural elements in conservation and forestry, and considers himself a 'Social Forester', which is a term I had never heard before.  He also shares a wealth of experience in witnessing the origins of the current Forest School model as it evolved and grew in the United Kingdom, and how the current iteration of today's thousands of educators and schools are making an impact, one child at a time. LinkedIn:      https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-hulley-91854b1/ 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

Some Forest Educators seem to create amazing program and organization names effortlessly, with titles that evoke strong feelings, qualities and almost magnetic pull that draws in people excited to participate.    Some of us have to work REALLY HARD to get names that are 'fair' or serviceable, after a long process and hours of crystal ball gazing.    The fact is, finding a great name is both an art AND hard work, and it's something that takes a bit of intuition, luck and even a group of friends working a process to make it a little easier.   This episode dives into several factors that come into play as we explore organization or individual program names, and outlines a process I've used for years that helps make it a little easier for those of us who aren't marketing or communications professionals! 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

In a small town in Texas near Fort Worth, there is a program that seems to do everything.  On the surface, they seem like a typical summer camp, but they do so many other special things that serve the local community:  Bereavement camps.  Project Wild education.  Fishing & Angler Education.  Private Retreats for Adults.  Off Season School Groups. Wilderness Survival or Science Themed Summer Camps (day and overnight). Alumni Programs. (This list goes on and on.) Jen Smith is the Vice President of Outdoor Connections at Camp El Tesoro-Camp Fire First Texas, and she and her staff continue an over 90 year legacy of serving their community with outstanding nature based programming.   She and her team work incredibly hard to craft experiences that are relevant to today's youth, adults and families in a variety of capacities, which is needed now more than ever.  Camp El Tesoro is a great example of an organization that is committed to being willing to grow and change while still keeping the traditions and experiences that are time tested and transformational. Professionals like Jen don't seek the limelight, and spend the bulk of their days in the hot Texas sun, doing the work without fanfare, and making a difference, all with the enthusiasm and passion of a first year CIT.   Connect with Jen:  LinkedIn:   https://www.linkedin.com/in/smithjen/ 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 it comes to nature awareness and personal awareness, I've found it useful to see and perceive it in a few different ways.    Sometimes I see it in a mythological or 'rite of passage' perspective, and other times, I see it more from an 'awareness and perception' perspective. In this episode, I share some of the stages of awareness my campers, or students or staff have gone through in their journey into the world of nature, and how we all balance our lives in the Known and Unknown worlds, and sometimes even into the 'Unknowable' realms for which there is almost no descriptions. 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 we remove all of the 'non-teaching stuff' that surrounds our profession, we educators are left with an opportunity- to connect with the 'still maturing' mind of our young students.   We can have all the trappings and bells and whistles and laptops or digital projectors or classroom props and decorations, but if we don't have the ability to make a real, personal, one on one connection to these human beings, we won't really have a positive, lasting impact.  Wendolyn Bird shares from her decades of experience working with very young children, parents and also other educators, and we dive into what it takes to deeply engage and 'lead' an early childhood program in a way that is soothing, stimulating and energizing. Wendolyn discusses ways to connect with children that meet them in ways that help them grow, which is crucial to achieving the goals we have as educators or parents.   Listening to her stories makes me wish she had been MY preschool teacher, too, because she is both wise AND fun.  The bonds we make with emotionally safe adults is incredibly important and soothing to us as children.  Learning these skills is a profound game changer for us as educators and for our students, which is sorely needed in today's rapidly changing world. Connect with Wendolyn: Website:   https://wendolynbird.com/ Facebook:    https://www.facebook.com/wendolyn.bird Instagram:   https://www.instagram.com/wendolyn__bird/ 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

There is no question that being in nature is 'healing' in both a practical and therapeutic sense, because this has been demonstrated in an impressive list of nature focused studies by researchers in several different countries from reputable academic institutions.    In this episode we dive into the different 'layers' of healing, from several different perspectives, and discuss how nature education can have significant positive impacts on both adults and children.   There are a lot of different ways that people experience healing, on the physical level, emotional and mental health levels and when they appear in our programs, it can be difficult to know what to do if we are unprepared or unaware.   My own journey and experiences with healing, both traditional, modern or alternative have helped me to understand some basic principles that have helped both me and my staff throughout the years.    Our world and humanity needs all of the healing we can get, on all levels, and this topic is one that can offer some hope for us all. 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 we remove all of the 'non-teaching stuff' that surrounds our profession, we educators are left with an opportunity- to connect with the 'still maturing' mind of our young students.   We can have all the trappings and bells and whistles and laptops or digital projectors or classroom props and decorations, but if we don't have the ability to make a real, personal, one on one connection to these human beings, we won't really have a positive, lasting impact.  Wendolyn Bird shares from her decades of experience working with very young children, parents and also other educators, and we dive into what it takes to deeply engage and 'lead' an early childhood program in a way that is soothing, stimulating and energizing. Wendolyn discusses ways to connect with children that meet them in ways that help them grow, which is crucial to achieving the goals we have as educators or parents.   Listening to her stories makes me wish she had been MY preschool teacher, too, because she is both wise AND fun.  The bonds we make with emotionally safe adults is incredibly important and soothing to us as children.  Learning these skills is a profound game changer for us as educators and for our students, which is sorely needed in today's rapidly changing world. Connect with Wendolyn: Website:   https://wendolynbird.com/ Facebook:    https://www.facebook.com/wendolyn.bird Instagram:   https://www.instagram.com/wendolyn__bird/ 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

There are so many powerful learning elements that are part of the expansive topic of 'Food', it's hard to know where to start.    When it comes to nature based learning, campfire cooking and 'hearthcraft', we can start with campfire circle design, hardwood vs softwood firewood, cooking utensils and the like.   Or we can just jump right into the cooking, and get our flavor receptors firing with more traditional methods and means.   We can even go full foraging style, to include gathered berries, teas or nuts, with plant identification, storage and preparation experiences too. I've seen the transformation that happens when someone tastes black birch tea sweetened with maple syrup for the first time, or bites into an acorn pancake slathered with chokecherry syrup.    Clay baked butternut squash stuffed with nuts, dried fruit, and lots of savory spices will make even the most reluctant vegetable eater suddenly become willing to try a slice! 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 powerful role that communication and visibility skills play in the overall long term success of our nature programs.    It's not a reach to say that they are absolutely essential for us to master, and they are also the skills that we probably are the most reluctant to practice.      Nature Educator April Zajko M.Ed. and I dive into these concepts and we share stories about our own journey as visionary business leaders and how we learned important lessons the hard way over the past few decades. Social media, written newsletters and blogs, video content and public speaking all form a 'communications ecosystem' that gives us all many ways to connect to our potential students, each with their advantages and disadvantages.   We discuss some of the many ways to achieve our goals if we are willing to let go of our fear, have a curious mind, are willing to learn from failure and persevere! Visibility & Advocacy Workshop Link:    https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-power-of-visibility-advocacy-for-nature-based-educators-registration-878507909807?aff=April&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR2WxncUdJe5adelA1Y5YArBCfj_-B9ecyT725l8Bd5qIMI5SZfzAPQIP4A_aem_AYvfUzHx6HXHfWbOAhqTCuNKE99ZM2q65r9VHNNIU9TPJP0Yk0iXH7YupIUvcunxcIt1f1hdntgGFFMns0m_lcnf Connect with April: https://aprilsteachingtree.com/ Nature Inspired Teacher Facebook Group:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/1843474542616408 Website/Courses:   https://aprilsteachingtree.mykajabi.com/links 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