Stories from the Field

NatureBridge Director of Equity and Inclusion Miho Aida (she/they) has traveled many paths in their lifetime, including the pivotal one that led them from life in the bustling urban center of Tokyo to exploring and teaching within the expansive and often unpredictable landscapes of the United States’ national parks. Navigating various roles, challenges, and discoveries over the span of two decades in the U.S., Miho has forged a unique trail—one characterized by ambition, resilience, and a profound connection to the natural world. Miho’s most recent adventure took place during the summer of 2023, as they completed a solo traverse of the entirety of the 2,650 mile-long Pacific Crest Trail (PCT)!

Growing up in western Sonoma County, CA, Anna Kennedy spent much of her childhood exploring the outdoors. But it wasn’t until her sixth grade class visited NatureBridge’s Golden Gate campus and her group embarked on their challenge hike in the Marin Headlands that Anna “had this moment of realizing I enjoy hiking!” That experience, coupled with a memorable night walk on the beach, set Anna on a path of discovery, study, and fieldwork that ultimately brought her back to NatureBridge Golden Gate in Fall 2023—as a seventh grade teacher with students of her own.

Join us in celebrating the start of another fantastic year of Armstrong Scholars! In December we selected the educators who will be leading the charge this summer, and we are psyched to have representatives from THREE NatureBridge campuses helping to bring the magic alive: Mia Perez (Golden Gate), Felicity Holmes (Olympic), and Ivy Moore (Yosemite).

“I’ve taught for sixteen years…and I have always wanted to experience something like NatureBridge.” For many students, the chance to experience nature and environmental education at our national parks is a unique opportunity they didn’t know existed before coming to NatureBridge. For Forks Middle School sixth grade science teacher Kim Kearns, bringing a class to NatureBridge represents the realization of a long-held dream.

Deepak "Deeps" Dathari is a veteran of the environmental education field, having served for over 20 years as a naturalist, outdoor educator, and, most recently, as a program director for YMCA Camp Campbell. He previously worked for NatureBridge as an environmental science educator and mentor, and he has helped thousands of students connect with nature through a careful emphasis on self-confidence, storytelling and a genuine enthusiasm for the outdoors. This Q&A post was originally published by our partner California Association for Environmental and Outdoor Education, who recently honored Deeps as their 2023 Northern California Environmental Educator of the Year.

Earlier this fall, we asked NatureBridge staff members who and what they're grateful for this season. Many of them named fellow NatureBridge co-workers! Here are a few of their responses: