NoMi's Nature Journal

A nature journal is a space for you to document your observations, feelings, and wonders about the environment. Journaling helps you develop unique connections to the land, drawing out your own "aha" moments, discoveries, and reflections. NoMi's Nature Journal is a personal archive of place and time, honering each unique moment of our group by documenting and preserving it.

A Reflection on Growth, Belonging, and Why This Work Matters

We’re excited to share a recently published reflection from Kelsey Taylor, Founder of NoMi Forest Explorers, about attending the MAEOE Conference as a scholarship recipient. This piece captures a meaningful moment of growth—both personal and organizational—and reflects the values that guide our work every day. Conferences can feel intimidating, especially when you’re stepping into a space filled with experienced educators and long-established programs. What this reflection re

🌲 Waking Woods: 6 Weeks of Wonder in the Spring Forest

A reflection on our April Forest School Series There’s a moment in early spring in Northern Michigan when the world hesitates. The snow hasn’t quite let go, the buds haven’t quite burst, and the forest seems to be holding its breath — waiting. This year, we got to spend six magical Wednesday mornings in that in-between season with a remarkable group of families, watching the woods (and our kids) wake up together. Waking Woods, our 6-week caregiver and child forest school seri

Spring in Full Bloom: A Season of Wonder, Mud, and Discovery with NoMi Forest Explorers

What a season it’s been. As Northern Michigan finally shrugs off the last of winter and the woods come alive with green, our Forest Explorers have been just as busy — wading through pond water, decoding maps, touring the State Capitol, dissecting owl pellets, and reading the land beneath their feet. We have so much to share. Pull up a log, grab a snack, and let us walk you through a few of our favorite moments from this remarkable spring. 🗺️ Our Map Series Has Officially Be

Boots Muddy, Hearts Full: A Springtime Recap from Nomi Forest Explorers

A look back at the wild, wonderful weeks our explorers have spent learning, growing, and giving back. Spring has arrived in full force in Northern Michigan, and our explorers have been busy soaking up every bit of it. From foraging in the forest to fundraising at the dinner table, the past few weeks have been a beautiful reminder of why we do this work — and of the community that makes it all possible. We kicked things off with our Project Learning Tree (PLT) session, where o

Things I heard today from the kids in the Project Learning Tree session that made my heart happy:

“I don’t want to leave” “I love this game” “Can we play the game we played last week again?” — to which I obviously said yes, and we did after today’s lessons because it all ties together! While playing the tree game from last week: “Luna was upset that she didn’t get enough nutrients so I shared some of mine with her!” — which sparked a whole new lesson about how trees share nutrients with each other through their underground communication system “Can we play a nurse log gam