About NoMI Forest Explorers
NoMi Forest Explorers is a dedicated nonprofit educational community resource founded by Kelsey Taylor in 2023, achieving official 501(3)c status in 2025.
With a passion for fostering a love for nature and environmental stewardship, Kelsey has built NoMi into a vibrant hub for exploration and learning. Our programs engage individuals of all ages, encouraging them to connect with the natural world around them. Join us in our mission to inspire curiosity and promote a deeper understanding of our forests and ecosystems.
Our Story
2023 & beyond
NoMi Forest Explorers began as a small hiking group formed during COVID, at the start of a homeschooling journey rooted in nature-based learning. What began as a way for families to safely connect outdoors quickly grew into something more—an intentional space centered on curiosity, community, and learning through nature.
When schools reopened and many families returned to traditional routines, the original organizers invited someone continuing to homeschool to take over the group’s page. That transition marked a turning point. The group became more intentionally focused on outdoor education and creating meaningful opportunities for families to learn and grow together.
As NoMi Forest Explorers evolved, it became clear that families in the community had diverse needs. Some homeschooled full-time, others balanced traditional schooling with alternative learning experiences, and many simply wanted meaningful outdoor opportunities for their children. In response, meetups were intentionally scheduled to align with early school dismissal times, allowing children from different educational paths and age groups to learn side by side. At the heart of this approach is a strong belief that mixed-age learning and shared spaces benefit learners of all kinds, and that experiences can be adapted to meet each child where they are.
2023 & Beyond
What began as a simple homeschool meet-up has expanded into a broader community-centered initiative. Today, NoMi Forest Explorers offers a range of educational programs and outdoor experiences designed to serve families from all backgrounds and learning styles.
At its core, the organization is committed to fostering a lifelong love of nature, encouraging environmental stewardship, and strengthening community connections. Through inclusive, hands-on experiences in the outdoors, NoMi Forest Explorers creates spaces where children and families can explore, learn, and grow together.
The journey continues with a shared vision: building accessible, meaningful outdoor learning opportunities and nurturing the next generation of curious, capable, and connected learners.
Meet The Team
Kelsey Taylor
Founder & President
Jessica Palmer
Treasurer
Emily Rodenbeck
Board Member
Rebecca Amidon
Vice President
Brooke Podbilski
Secretary
Serena lilli jeanne
Board Member
Community Partners
Kaleva Norman Dickson Schools
What does a typical Forest School session involve?
We invite you to join our weekly forest school sessions, where children can embark on enriching 2-hour adventure that encourages them to explore and appreciate the beauty of the natural world.
Each session is thoughtfully structured to include...
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invigorating nature hikes, where participants learn about and identify various plants
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interactive exploration stations that promote hands-on learning
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ample time allocated for free play, allowing children to unleash their energy, and develop a profound connection with nature in a fun and environment
What should I bring to Forest School?
Appropriate Clothing
Winter
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Waterproof & insulated boots
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Hat/balaclava, waterproof gloves, extra socks
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Waterproof jacket/coat for rainy weather
Summer
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Light layers
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Hat
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Long socks/pants (tick protection)
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Sturdy shoes for forest terrain
Backpack Essentials
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Healthy snacks to maintain energy
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Water bottle for hydration
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Sun Protection
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Insect/tick repellent
Extras
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Notebook and pencil for nature observation activities
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Nature tools you may have at home
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Curiosity, and positive attitude
What is Kitchen Classroom?
Kitchen Classroom is a once-a-month, hands-on cooking session where NoMi Forest Explorers families come together to learn, cook, and connect in the kitchen. Each session focuses on preparing simple, seasonal recipes while building valuable life skills like measuring, following directions, kitchen safety, teamwork, and confidence around food.
Children and caregivers cook side by side, creating space for kids to take the lead in age-appropriate ways while adults practice stepping back and trusting them. This shared experience helps build confidence not only in children, but in adults too — empowering families to invite kids into the kitchen at home with curiosity and confidence.
We explore where food comes from, practice healthy habits, and celebrate the joy of learning together as a community.
If your family has dietary needs or food sensitivities, we’ll always do our best to accommodate — just let us know ahead of time.
Kitchen Classroom is about inclusion, growth, and building skills families can use long after the dishes are done.
Are you just a homeschool group?
No — NoMi Forest Explorers is for all learners and families, not just homeschoolers. We welcome children and families from homeschool, traditional school, hybrid programs, and anywhere in between.
Our focus is on family engagement and creating shared learning experiences where the whole family can benefit from what happens at forest school. We intentionally schedule gatherings on different days and at different times to be as accessible as possible for families with varied routines and commitments.
We believe learners of all ages, abilities, and learning styles thrive when they learn together in a shared space. Mixed-age learning builds connection, empathy, leadership, and curiosity —and any activity or lesson can be thoughtfully adapted to meet each learner where they are.
At NoMi Forest Explorers, learning isn’t one-size-fits-all — it’s community-centered, nature-based, and inclusive by design.