
Gratitude
Learning something everyday...
This job has been such an amazing opportunity to meet people from all walks of life and connect....usually around nature. I wanted to share my gratitude about some of the cool things I learn everyday. Maybe something will inspire you, too.
December 9, 2020
Changing the world for birds
If you know me, you know that I will stop mid-sentence to notice birds (geese flock overhead, the sound of a nearby nuthatch, glimmer of yellow of the warble hiding in the bush). So grateful for partners that have programs to educate about birds and habitat. CLT & Portland Audubon
"Easily distracted by birds"=me​
December 6, 2020
Donors who give their land
Many of the lands that my family and I like to hike were generously donated to be protected for generations to come. Thank goodness for the people who are protectors of the natural areas. Betty Swanson, pictured here, was a gem in our community and forever shares her 33 acres with all of us. The barn owls are grateful, too.
December 1, 2020
Gratitude for all the critters
I have always been drawn to animals and love to share my joy with students and families out on the trails and forests. So much to learn and see. Even at home, our pets bring so much joy.
So, here is to Nattie, the matron of the house.
November 7, 2020
Mentors from Univ. of Michigan
​Maybe it is the fall air with Thanksgiving on the horizon, but I can't help but remember all of the valuable lessons these two professors taught me. I had a lot of great and impactful experiences in grad school, but Rachel Kaplan and Terry Brown set my course for the work I do today.
November 11, 2020
Thanking our veterans
Growing up in a military family, we learned first hand that freedom is not free. Thank you to all of the veterans and those who currently serve. This is the sketch used for my dad's enshrinement into the MIchigan Aviation Hall of Fame, shortly after he passed in 1999.
November 13, 2020
Kids still want to climb trees
I know that it is not allowed on playgrounds and in many parks, but I am so grateful that we have trees around that kids can climb. They want to climb. We adults need to stand back and let them climb. This maple has hosted many kiddos in the last 15 years. Thank goodness!
October 1, 2020
John Muir Laws...a new perspective
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I notice
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I wonder
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It reminds me of
Wow....I took an online course from this amazing teacher and it has really changed my thinking to environmental education and GOSY projects. If you work with kids, get a sketch book, watercolors and some pens......go check it out! Thank you!!!
October 21, 2020
New visioning takes shape
After so many years of working with partners from the Intertwine Alliance and around Clark County, we are about to embark on a new journey with the CCNN. So grateful for all of the partnerships and leaders over the years. Thanks Mesha and Josie for having faith in me to help lead the way!
October 30, 2020
Old fashion thank you notes...
I was taught from a young age to be grateful (hence this page). After a crazy year and many projects are wrapping up, I make sure to find time to thank those who have partnered to get amazing projects in the ground. Some might be a little late, but I am so grateful for the leadership, support and partnership to connect kids to nature.
September 22-23, 2020
Children & Nature Network!
It was truly an honor to support the C&NN Greening of Schoolyard partners at last week's leadership summit. While it is always amazing to meet and chat throughout the conference, I was grateful that we could still meet online. Truly amazing GOSY work going on around the world!
September 26, 2020
Grand openings of new spaces
So when a new project opens to the public, I am pretty stoked to take my kids and check it out. While at EPS Emerald ES, lots of kids ran to the nature play with big smiles...cool, right? Well, it really made my day with this cute pup also enjoyed hopping up and over the logs. Go Roxy!
September 27, 2020
Nature play is everywhere...
If you are patient and look hard enough. My 8 year sees EVERYTHING. How in the heck he saw this praying mantis in the mint, I don't know. And then he found the male too. So awesome! I want to say I walk the walk with my kids everyday, but some days more than others. This was cool!

August 19, 2020
Webinar series for CCNN
Well, the amazing partners for the Clark County Nature Network have pulled together a great webinar series to connect schools to learning on their campuses. We have talked about this for years! So grateful to all of the presenters who donate their time and expertise to share their knowledge.
June-July 2020
Responsive collaboration
I am grateful for the opportunity to have participated in the largest charette in my career. I worked with GOSY colleagues from around the world to help pull together pages for the Infrastructure section of the new GOSY COVID-19 response program. Thanks to Sharon, Claire and Nancy!
September 4, 2020
Learning from Craftsmen/women
Every time I enter a construction site, my first thought after safety is "be ready to learn." I always look forward to conversations with contractors on what worked, what didn't, what would help them in the future....etc. I sure do appreciate learning from contractors with 10, 20, 30 years of experience!

July 22, 2020
Illahee Elementary
During an interview today with the garden coordinator, I learned about so many great program ideas, such as this home garden kit. Complete with seeds on paper to plant and grow. She learned from a dear colleague in Battle Ground. Brilliant!
July 23, 2020
Back to school during COVID
Super excited to partner with GOSY professionals around the country to help create guidelines for creating safe outdoor spaces for students headed back to school. US did it in 1915, as this Library of Congress image shows.....we can do it again.
July 24, 2020
Scouts partnership
Inspiring conversation with local scouting partners who want to help build features at schools. From landscape projects to enhance beauty, to outdoor classrooms like this one built by an Eagle Scout at Camas Woodburn ES. Thanks partners!