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 reveals is the power of welcoming communities, shared purpose, and learning spaces rooted in respect and connection. MAEOE offered not just professional development, but a sense of belonging that affirmed the importance of nature-based, community-centered education.

In addition to what’s shared in the published piece, there were several moments from the conference that felt especially meaningful and worth reflecting on here.

One of those was a quiet, guided walk through a cemetery, with intentional pauses along the way. At each stop, we talked about different ways to engage groups in nature—how stillness, reflection, and place can invite learning just as powerfully as more traditional outdoor settings. It was a reminder that nature-based education doesn’t always have to be loud or active to be impactful. Sometimes, slowing down creates the deepest connection.

Another highlight was learning about the B.O.A.T. Bus, an incredible organization that brings camping and outdoor experiences directly into communities. Seeing how they remove barriers to access and meet families where they are was deeply inspiring and aligned so closely with our own mission. It sparked new ideas about how outdoor education can be more inclusive, mobile, and responsive to community needs.

The experiences described—from learning about Anishnaabe culture on the “Water Is Life” walk, to hands-on exploration during the Mushroom and Fungi excursion—directly connect to how NoMi Forest Explorers approaches learning. We believe education is strongest when it is experiential, place-based, and deeply relational. These moments are already shaping our programming and inspiring new ideas that will be shared with the children and families we serve.

We’re also proud to share that this opportunity led to new growth beyond the conference itself, including support for an upcoming native seedlings project and the beginning of an Environmental Education Certification (EEC) journey. These steps help strengthen our programs and ensure we continue learning alongside our community.

We invite you to read the full published reflection below. It is a reminder that this work—connecting children and families to nature, culture, and community—is not done alone. It is built through shared learning, mutual support, and spaces where everyone belongs.

Thank you for being part of this journey with us.