By Kristen Moore, Moore Dirty Boots
Rochester Ecology Partners’ nature-based learning symposium was a rejuvenating and inspiring conference. Slightly chilly for August 20, 2024, we gathered for a day of professional development and camaraderie at Durand Eastman Park.
Staff, participants and volunteers were so welcoming. Nature journaling and art with Angela from the Cummings Nature Center was an ideal way for me to recover from my travel, engage with our surroundings and make art.
Planned superbly, with plenty of break time and amenities, the day was an educator’s delight! Talking in a relaxed atmosphere with other educators was a soothing balm for work woes. Participants were able to choose from a wide selection of highly relevant workshops, in addition to the morning’s panel discussion.
Dozens of educators gathered in chairs beside a pavilion for a tremendously powerful panel discussion. Youths and adults answered thoughtful questions while the audience listened attentively. I took notes, as I wanted to capture whatever I could.
Hearing teachers, parents and students talk about benefitting from nature based learning moved and concerned me. The day spent with other educators reinforced the crucial and magical work we love to share.
Teachers recounted experiences with youths who developed a calmness and more focused work ethic once they were getting outside every day and getting comfortable outside. Eyes widened and perhaps brimmed with a few tears, as memories of children saving lady bugs lifted hopes.
Teachers recounted experiences with youths who developed a calmness and more focused work ethic once they were getting outside every day and getting comfortable outside. Eyes widened and perhaps brimmed with a few tears, as memories of children saving lady bugs lifted hopes.
A parent suggested participating in education more as community members. Vocalizing a passion for the outdoors and related benefits can shape policies and programming. This idea was unique to me and came up in discussion later. Why not share support for more nature based learning with administrators, and each other?!
Do you know about Rochester’s COBOR, or Children’s Outdoor Bill of Rights? Hopefully, you do but this event may have been the first time I learned about this investment in health. Helping 44,000 youths experience these rights creates enormous opportunities for program development and collaboration! Sharing our strengths and resources as organizations, educators, community members, students and parents offers enormous opportunity and possibility!
It was a treat to experience workshops with seasoned educators. Both Angela (Cumming Nature Center) and Kaeti (Rochester Institute of Technology) captivated participants as they shared their respective activities. It was interesting to be a student asking sincere questions about micro plastics and the work involved in their study utilizing “LittaTraps.”
It is a joy to participate in this work! Rochester Ecology Partners keeps creating opportunities for educators, youths and community members to help grow the roots of this programming. I’m eager to join in the integral work of collaboration and development. Especially with sponsors like Laughing Gull involved! Chocolate anyone?
This blog was written by Kristen Moore, Lead Educator & Founder of Moore Dirty Boots.
To learn more about Kristen and her work, visit her website.
Thank you, Kristen, for your dedication to adventure and nature-based learning in our region!