Episode 89 - Teacher, Mentor, Author, Advocate:  The Natural Evolution of Amy Butler

Episode 89 - Teacher, Mentor, Author, Advocate: The Natural Evolution of Amy Butler

Author: Ricardo Sierra April 11, 2024 Duration: 1:03:35
One of the goals of this podcast is to shine some light on the accomplishments and hard work of amazing naturalists and educators like Amy Butler.  Her tireless work in the northern heart of Vermont has led to nature based programs for youth, wonderful staff training, public school partnerships and a thriving North Branch Nature Center. In our conversation, Amy shares details about her book 'Educating Children Outdoors', which is a guide for teachers and educators to achieve outstanding results for students of all ages.  She shares stories from her early adventures in earth skills, tracking and nature studies, and her work as a teacher in various roles and educational settings. We dive into a number of issues that seem to come up for all nature educators when they begin to partner with public schools, and Amy shares her successes from her extensive experience.  It is always inspiring and insightful to talk to someone who has been walking the talk for decades, and to hear about her new book. Amy's Book Educating Children Outdoors:   https://www.cornellpress.cornell.edu/book/9781501771903/educating-children-outdoors/#bookTabs=1 Website:   https://amybutlervermont.com/ Instagram:   @amycoyotevt               @topshackliftie X (twitter):   @amycoyote Affiliated Organization:  northbranchnaturecenter.org Join the Forest Educator Patreon! https://patreon.com/ForestEducatorPodcast Connect with Ricardo: https://www.foresteducator.com/ https://www.theforestboxforkids.com/ https://www.hawkcircle.com/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ricardo-sierra-5980931/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_forest_educator_podcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RicardohawkSierra

Ricardo Sierra has spent over three decades working in wilderness education, and that depth of experience shapes every conversation in Forest Educator with Ricardo Sierra. This isn't a lecture series; it's a collection of genuine dialogues with educators and practitioners around the world who are actively reimagining how we learn in and with the natural world. You'll hear from people integrating nature into schoolyards, running innovative forest camps, and applying outdoor principles in surprising business and leadership contexts. The discussions are grounded in the practical realities of the field-think less about abstract theory and more about tangible tools, adaptable strategies, and the honest challenges these pioneers face. Released twice weekly, each episode feels like pulling up a stump in the woods to listen in on a candid exchange between colleagues. Whether you're directly involved in outdoor programming, curious about the intersection of wilderness and professional development, or simply believe in the transformative power of a hands-on education, this podcast offers a steady source of inspiration and actionable insight drawn directly from the front lines of nature-based learning.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Forest Educator with Ricardo Sierra | A Podcast for Revolutionary Conversations about Nature-Based Education
Podcast Episodes
Episode 111 - The Origins of Nick Hulley, Social Forester [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:41
I've always been able to quickly tell the difference between someone with years of actual hands on experience in bushcraft, nature skills or crafts, from those with just a little. It's seen mostly in the way that skills…
Episode 109 - Community Supported Nature Programs with Jen Smith, MS [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 57:46
In a small town in Texas near Fort Worth, there is a program that seems to do everything. On the surface, they seem like a typical summer camp, but they do so many other special things that serve the local community: Ber…
Episode 108 - Forest Educator Spotlight: Portals Into the Unknown [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:03:50
When it comes to nature awareness and personal awareness, I've found it useful to see and perceive it in a few different ways. Sometimes I see it in a mythological or 'rite of passage' perspective, and other times, I see…
Episode 104 - Forest Educator Spotlight: The Alchemy of Food [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:03:08
There are so many powerful learning elements that are part of the expansive topic of 'Food', it's hard to know where to start. When it comes to nature based learning, campfire cooking and 'hearthcraft', we can start with…