ECOLOGICAL LITERACY
STARTS HERE
Our youth programs are inspired by Nature and focused on helping children develop an understanding of topics related to environmental sustainability. Our primary focus is on building ecological literacy by helping youth become more connected to the natural world through learning about how Earth functions. Our overarching goal is to help young people develop skills needed to be good environmental stewards. By implementing programs in coordination with community partners committed to our vision, we believe a brighter, healthier, and beyond sustainable future is possible for our children.
Our Philosophy
Our passion is connecting youth to the natural world through hands-on learning, and we provide opportunities for children of all ages and grade levels to learn through self-discovery. Most importantly, we provide space for kids to channel their innate connection to Mother Earth in their own unique way, and to reflect and build upon it. We are committed to building resilient communities and nurturing harmonious relationships with the environment. This all begins with teaching the next generation to understand how Earth functions, and demonstrating the skills needed to care for the natural world.
Multiple Intelligences
We have come to appreciate Harvard psychologist Howard Gardner’s Theory of Multiple Intelligences. We understand that kids (and all people) learn in a variety of ways. Our approach with youth education is always to try and channel as many of the various types of learning styles into our workshops, and allow kids to freely explore content in their own unique ways.
What People Are Saying …
“Rich came to my daughter’s 2nd grade class and everyone, including the adults, had a great time. 6 months later my daughter still asks to see Rich and his bunny. He came to the class to make seed balls and learn about different seeds and plants. He brought his very well behaved bunny and all the kids got a chance to pet him. Along with getting dirty while making seed balls we planted marigolds and colored pictures. I HIGHLY recommend attending a class of his or inviting him to your school. You will not regret it!.”
— Jessica S.
“I highly recommend a kids workshop with Rich. He came to teach his worm composting class with my first and second grade students. His class was perfectly organized for young students, keeping them engaged by relating learning material to their daily lives, asking thought provoking questions and sharing photography/visuals to help them understand nature concepts. He provided a completely hands on learning experience! Some of my typically harder to engage students were highly involved with their hands covered in dirt and worms! Rich is friendly and enthusiastic about what he teaches. By observing him interact with students and the way he enthusiastically answered all their questions, it was apparent that Rich loves what he does and is eager to share his love for Mother Nature. The students had a blast! I will be having Rich back to my classroom in the future.”
— Natalie M.
“Richard is hands down one of the BEST! I highly recommend attending his classes! My son and I have been to several of his classes and have learned so much each time. Richard has a gentle, fun and easy going approach to meet the children on their level to introduce them to nature, gardening and so much more! He is a wealth of knowledge and explains everything in very simple ways of understanding.”
— Tiffany R.F