Rochester Ecology Partners is pleased to introduce Moss Hodde as our newest Nature-based Learning Educator.
“I joined the world of outdoor education as a teenager who wanted to see more meaning invested into the way we teach, through hands-on participation in science and conservation, narrative frameworks with effective connections to real world situations and skills, and place-based learning.”
Moss loves a good story. Whether they’re narrating a year in the life of a squirrel to a rapt audience of youth waiting for their cue to run across a field, or piecing together the story of the Genesee River’s ongoing restoration with teachers on a tour of the Gateway Park, they’re always looking for the next narrative beat to engage others in the complexity of nature. Moss grew up in a vividly engaging homeschooling environment, drawing pond life seen under the microscope and dropping parachutes from playground peaks, and has always wanted to make those experiences accessible to everyone, regardless of where they go to school or to work. “Over the years I’ve found many ways to write, adapt, and apply nature-based curriculum to honor that,” he says, “but the most important factor is always my team. REP makes their lessons come alive with immersive field trips, narratives that reflect on local Indigenous history, and plenty of learning through play.”
The joy Moss finds working with people is seconded only by their love of plants. “An A+ in Field Botany nearly lured me away into the world of research,” she says. Whether it’s a rare bog plant or a voracious urban weed, she always wants to know its story in the ecosystem, and learn to recognize it out and about. Luckily this enthusiasm translates handily into nature-based learning, whether studying leaf structures through multiplication or celebrating the Haudenosaunee’s special relationship with their tree of peace, the white pine. Her day of engaging with nature – and the city – doesn’t stop when she clocks out, however. “I love to wander Rochester’s park system and forage invasive species to turn into treats at home!” she says. “My cat is also a lover of the outdoors who comes running for her harness and leash.”
Keep an eye out for Moss leading nature walks at REP events, or earnestly discussing the shape of a flower with RCSD students in a public park.
Name: Moss Hodde
Title: Nature-based Learning Educator
Pronouns: Any pronouns
Email: mhodde@rocecology.org