Our education team designs and implements diverse, place-based environmental education programs that encompass early childhood nature play, K-12 engagement, and robust educational experiences for UM students and faculty.  The joy and curiosity seen in children as they discover and connect with nature is a constant source of inspiration. "The ‘Ohhhh’ moments of understanding, the wild explanations about how nature works from a 3rd grader, and the joy of discovery in all students are motivating," says one of our educators. This joy underscores the resilience of both nature and humans, reinforcing our belief that developing relationships with the land, plants, animals, and geography fosters a sense of belonging and care.

For middle and high school students, we see them take active roles in community-based projects. Middle schoolers come up with creative solutions to challenges in their neighborhoods, while high school students engage in hands-on activities like water quality monitoring, creating their own plans to make an impact. These field-based programs allow students to connect with what they learn about their own communities, making education practical and relevant.