Poetry from the Trail
Editor's note: Guest blogger Taylor Woolsey is an Environmental Science Educator at NatureBridge Olympic.
Sixth grader Cade Sutton and his school are from Colorado, and during our week together the students were getting really stoked about Pacific Northwest tree identification. Recognizing their interest, on our challenge hike day up Mt. Storm King I offered recitations of a couple tree-themed poems I had written to those who wanted to hear. Cade was particularly excited about these and continued his curiosity and engagement in learning about the trees around him.
A couple days later while spending time in a grove of massive Western Red Cedar trees near Barnes Creek, Cade asked if he could share with me a poem he had been working on. He seemed to have brilliantly come up with this in his head without writing it down and it was incredible! As we walked back to campus, he gave me permission to record it in writing while he recited and tinkered with the wording. Knowing our shared interest in poetry, he even said I could include it in any publications and "didn't even need to credit him," to which I responded, "OF COURSE I WOULD CREDIT YOU!" And alas, here it is published!
Our final reflection that day was one where everyone finds a small rock, stick, and leaf and we go around in a circle to share what "rocked" about our day, what we want to "stick" with us, and what we would like to "leaf" behind. On Cade's turn, he shared that what rocked about his day was "being able to express myself through poetry". Teary eyed, it warmed my heart to know he not only had the courage and confidence to share his work with our trail group, but also that he had an opportunity to follow his passions at NatureBridge. Experiences like this remind me how our programs can make a lasting impact, or are made to last—just like the cedar tree of Cade's poetic affection.
Experiences like this remind me how our programs can make a lasting impact, or are made to last—just like the cedar tree of Cade's poetic affection.Taylor Woolsey, Environmental Science Educator
Stories
2024 Student of the Year: Kai Diaz
At NatureBridge, we celebrate the stewards of today and foster the development of the stewards of tomorrow, working to inspire environmental stewardship in all our participants. Our goal is to motivate our students to make waves and be changemakers in their communities and for our planet.
Each year, NatureBridge honors a student who has demonstrated leadership, growth and a commitment to protecting our natural world as a result of their participation in a NatureBridge program. This year’s honoree will be recognized and will speak at An Evening Outside with NatureBridge on Thursday, May 16 at our Golden Gate campus.
We are thrilled to announce our 2024 Student of the Year: Kai Diaz.
An Interview with Evening Outside Keynote Speaker Dr. Britt Wray
The minute we found out about the work of Dr. Britt Wray, we knew we wanted to learn more about her. A well-respected author and scientist, Dr. Wray possesses expertise in an area of research we talk about a lot at NatureBridge—specifically how we can be resilient, hopeful, and actionable amid a changing world, including the climate crisis. We’re thrilled that Dr. Wray will be joining us on May 16 for An Evening Outside with NatureBridge as our Featured Speaker. Ahead of the event, we had the chance to ask her a few questions relating to her work and her connection to the mission of NatureBridge.
Staff Spotlight: Appreciation for Miho Aida
Miho Aida (she/they) has held multiple roles at NatureBridge over the past twenty-four years, including Environmental Science Educator, Community Connection Coordinator, Field Staff Scientist, Marine Project Coordinator, Pacific Rim Environmental Education Specialist, Armstrong Scholars Educator, Diversity Coordinator, Equity and Inclusion Manager, and Director of Equity and Inclusion. Now, on the eve of Miho's departure, we asked them to reflect on their time at NatureBridge and share a bit about their upcoming adventures.