Learning from Nature Environmental Education

Exploring a Brand New World

written by Rose Flowers

One of my favorite things about my job at UpstreamPgh is watching people of all ages get excited about the natural world around them. Through seemingly simple tasks like reading a storybook, taking a guided nature hike, or using binoculars for the very first time, a whole new world is opened to them. It never ceases to amaze me how majestic even the tiniest details can be, how they can elicit so much emotion in both those who are initially discovering them and those who know them intimately.

While I am not always able to teach my lessons outdoors, I do always encourage those I am teaching to take a moment to be still, be silent, and think deeply about the natural world. That does sometimes prove a bit challenging - I’m looking at you, adorable Pre-K adventurers - but is always meaningful in its own way. It is through a multitude of these moments that we collectively foster a continued appreciation for the beauty of nature and this amazing planet we call home.

This year, we remain commited to hosting a variety of programming to get folks, young and old, excited about the world around them. Here’s a few things that we are already up to with the younger crowd:

We continue to partner with the Woodland Hills School District to bring their students hands-on learning experiences around nature. We cover a variety of topics, such as watersheds, water pollution, macroinvertebrates in streams and rivers, as well as the causes of urban flooding and green stormwater solutions. Each year, fifth graders join us for a field trip to Nine Mile Run, and it always proves to be a great time for all. We are also still working with Hope Academy (a program of Hosanna House) to bring environmental education to their Pre-K and Kindergarten students. Approximately once a month, we bring nature-themed stories, songs, crafts, and activities into their classrooms. Recent topics have included animals in winter, owls, bees, and spiders.

Falling in love with nature can happen at any age, and we don’t just have educational programming for the kids. This year will see the return of our Water Talk series, where we invite experts on various water topics to do mini-lectures and answer community questions.

I am honored to be a part of people’s environmental education journeys at any age, and am especially grateful to have the opportunity to help nurture the next generation of ecological guardians. It is as true with the natural world as it is with humans, that being open and curious is the gateway to radical love and support. So, let’s get out there and play!