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• Creating Your Forest or Nature School

  • Start
    Thursday, November 06, 2025
  •  
  • End
    Thursday, February 05, 2026
  •  
  • Schedule
    4 sessions
  • Location
    Online!

  Register

  
  If you are starting a new forest or nature-based program (including outdoor preschool, childcare and homeschool classes), this intensive 12-clock hour course can help you get started! We address a range of topics including:

  • Honing your vision, mission, and educational philosophy
  • Establishing program basics like daily rhythm, class sizes, schedules
  • Business planning/determining a business structure
  • Locations and partners 
  • Licensing considerations
  • How to set tuition, compensate staff, and create a program budget
  • Policies and practices for your parent handbook
  • Creating greater diversity, equity, and inclusion in your program
  • Safety and risk management, including liability insurance needs
  • Finding and hiring great staff
  • Marketing your program
  • Evaluation

  The format of this interactive course is a combination of facilitated discussion, small group work among participants, and asynchronous independent learning experiences. We provide many templates and resources to help you develop an authentic, placed-base approach to your program. As you might imagine, this is an intense course because we cover so much ground in a short span of time! Be sure to plan time between our sessions to reflect on what we discuss. Please note this is not a prerecorded, on-demand course. It is interactive so we can learn together! 

  Upon registration, we will provide you with a complete list of materials needed for the course. Are you ready to take the leap?

  SCHEDULE
  Online meeting includes facilitated discussion and topics during four consecutive Thursdays from 7-9 p.m. (EST), followed by self-directed reading/planning for at least one (1) hour between class meetings. This means you will engage in 12 clock hours of training during the course.  A professional development certificate is included following successful course completion.

  WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
  This course is ideal for anyone establishing a nature-based program, which could be in the form of outdoor preschool, forest school, child care, home school, or afterschool model. Whether your program is in a rural or urban setting, we offer essential information so you can get right to it! Feel free to reach out to Monica with questions.

  MEET YOUR COURSE FACILITATOR!

  
  

  Monica Wiedel-Lubinski, Executive Director of ANBE

  Founder/cofounder of three nature preschool programs in Maryland and consultant to countless others starting forest and nature schools in the U.S. and abroad, Monica brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to help you jump-start your own nature-based program! She is the coauthor of award-winning Nature Play Workshop for Families (Quarto, 2020) and recently released Nature-Based Early Childhood Education (NAEYC, 2025). Monica earned a Bachelor’s degree in Art Educ. (K-12) and Master’s degree in Early Childhood Ed. from Towson University, Baltimore, MD and completed year-long graduate fellowship with UMBC/UMASS in 2024. Monica is deeply engaged in the Outdoor Preschool Licensing pilot, enacted in 2023 in Maryland as she advocates for more equitable access to nature-based education. She is a wife and mother of two and enjoys spending time in nature with her family. 
  

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• Nature-Based Teacher Certification: Level III

  • Start
    Monday, December 01, 2025
  •  
  • End
    Sunday, August 02, 2026
  • Schedule
    10 sessions
  • Location
    Monthly Online + In-person (July 31st - Aug. 2nd)

  

  If you've made it this far, congratulations for progressing to the capstone Level III Nature-Based Teacher Certification course! This registration is for a hybrid course with monthly online learning (December 2025 - June 2026) followed by a culminating long weekend of training and celebration (Friday July 31st to Sun., August 2nd, 2026).

  Our 36-hour capstone course combines deepening nature connection with a well-rounded approach to nature-based education, advocacy, and leadership. Offered as a hybrid course, the format includes online meetings with both live and self-directed time and field assignments that you will complete in your school or program setting. An in-person gathering is held to further learning, sharing, and celebration as a community.

  Time commitment for the capstone course is 36 clock hours, plus time required to complete field assignments. Prerequisites: Attendees must complete levels 1 & 2 prior to taking level 3; see web for complete description.

  Course Description:
  The capstone level of the certification combines deepening nature connection with a well-rounded approach to nature-based education, advocacy, and leadership. The hybrid course format includes online meetings with both live and self-directed time and a professional practicum that you will complete in your school or program setting. The in-person gathering includes further learning and sharing as a community. The time commitment for the capstone course is 36 clock hours, plus time required to complete the practicum.

  Topics of Study:

  Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in NBE: How can nature-based programs provide greater access to nature-based education? How can programs increase advocacy and inclusion efforts to support greater access to programs? Discover real life approaches to DEI and consider how to authentically work toward your own DEI policies and daily practices.

  Mentoring & Reflective Teaching Practices: We know that the most effective teachers reflect on children’s needs and development in highly individualized ways. Likewise, we will consider how to reflect on our own interactions with children, families, colleagues, and the natural world to maintain a positive growth mindset necessary to thrive as a nature-based teacher. We will also consider the role of utilizing (and being) mentors in our teaching journey.

  Financial Planning: Creating, or even just understanding, a program budget need not be complicated! Thoughtful budgets help ensure accessibility to your program with financial assistance and extra gear considerations, but that is only the start. Beyond basic supplies, family events, and guest presenters there are other considerations around liability insurance, gifts for teachers, and a contingency should you need to bring in support staff. These are the tip of the iceberg! Teacher pay is directly related to income and expenses, so this insight is useful whether you are currently a teacher or administrator. This session will examine items to consider in a program budget and get you thinking about how to help fundraise, advocate, and better support your program.  fair teacher pay

  Assessing Your Program: One of the best ways we can improve the quality of what we offer to our learning communities is to actively engage in program assessment. This session explores several approaches to program assessment and helps you hone in on the values and attributes you most want to evaluate as part of the process. 

  Spirituality and Human-Nature Connection: One of the reasons families value a nature-based education is because wonder, awe, and curiosity are central to this approach to learning. Together we examine how these attributes support spirituality and help instill a deeper sense of connectedness to the natural world.  

  Naturalist Knowledge: Nature’s wonders are intricate and complex - we can spend a lifetime discovering them! Integral to our work as nature-based teachers, we will continue to explore the land, building on our naturalist knowledge of local habitats, wildlife, and possible risks to mitigate during outdoor learning. For our in-person gathering, we will incorporate hands-on earth skills as we continue to develop personal nature connection in community as a cohort of teachers.

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• Winter Nature-Based Teacher Certification: Level I (online)

  • Start
    Tuesday, January 13, 2026
  •  
    7:00 PM
  • End
    Thursday, February 19, 2026
  •  
    9:00 PM
  • Location
    Online!

  

  We are thrilled to offer our Nature-Based Teacher Certification as an online option! You will gain a deeper understanding of nature pedagogy and practices as you earn this introductory credential. To date, we have certified more than one thousand teachers from all 50 states and 25 countries, each gaining strategies and tools for unique nature-based settings. Now it's your turn!

  Our 36-hour course provides in-depth study of best practices in nature-based early childhood education to prepare you for meaningful outdoor learning experiences. We draw from experienced educators with diverse perspectives to help you hone your own approaches to nature-based ECE. Whether you are in a formal school or childcare setting or working in a nature or forest preschool, this course is designed to meet the needs of early childhood educators working in any setting. 
  
  SCHEDULE

  Tuesdays/Thursdays: Facilitated discussions on key topics
  Wednesdays: Cohort meetings and/or Guest Presenters

  Course meets live from 4PM - 6PM (PST)/ 6PM - 8PM (CST)/ 7PM - 9PM (EST) on Tuesdays and Thursdays with additional time built in for on-demand content. Wednesdays are reserved for guest presenters and group meeting support. There are a total of six consecutive weeks of online sessions with presenters and within small cohorts. Additional clock hours include a variety of presenters and one-on-one Mentor Meetings. Flexible, self-directed learning will take place centered on outdoor skills and experiences, which you must provide documentation of.  Upon registration, we will provide you with a complete list of materials needed for the course.

  We are delighted to share this course with our international friends and those who cannot travel for training at this time. Please take a look at this FAQ page and feel free to email programs@anbe.org with questions!

  Show details
• Winter Nature-Based Teacher Certification: Level II (online)

  • Start
    Tuesday, January 20, 2026
  •  
    7:00 PM
  • End
    Thursday, February 26, 2026
  •  
    9:00 PM
  • Location
    Online!

  
  

  We are thrilled to offer our Nature-Based Teacher Certification - Level II as an online option! You will further your knowledge and application of nature pedagogy as you earn this intermediate credential, building off of skills and practices you learned in Level 1. (Note: You must successfully complete our Nature-Based Teacher Certification Level 1 before you can register for Level 2.)

  Our 36-hour course provides in-depth study of best practices in nature-based early childhood education to prepare you for meaningful outdoor learning experiences. We draw from experienced educators with diverse perspectives to help you hone your own approaches to nature-based early childhood education. Whether you are in a formal school or childcare setting or working in a nature or forest preschool, this course is designed to meet the needs of nature-based educators working in any setting. 
  
  SCHEDULE
  Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays: 4PM - 6PM (PST)/ 6PM - 8PM (CST)/ 7PM - 9PM (EST) 

  There are a total of six consecutive weeks of online sessions with a mixture of live lectures and skills workshops, full class discussion, guest presenters and small cohort meetings. 

  Flexible, self-directed learning will take place centered on outdoor skills and experiences, which you must provide documentation of. Upon registration, we will provide you with a complete list of materials needed for the course.

  We are delighted to share this course with our international friends and those who cannot travel for training at this time. Please take a look at this FAQ page and feel free to email programs@anbe.org with questions!

  Show details
• Nature-Based Learning, Indoors and Out!

  • Start
    Monday, January 26, 2026
  •  
  • End
    Monday, February 02, 2026
  •  
  • Schedule
    2 sessions

  Register

  
  Looking to step outside for some hands-on learning with young children? Want to know how to bring nature's wonders inside, too? Thinking about how to link nature-based learning to early learning standards?

  Discover ways nature-based concepts can enhance any curriculum. Participants will explore hands-on approaches to inquiry and outdoor learning and consider ways to invite nature indoors to classroom settings. This lively training includes a blend of outdoor experiences, group discussion, and slides to exemplify how to bring nature-based learning inside and out.

  Join ANBE for a two-part course to explore several strategies, activities, and tools to get started or deepen your repertoire of nature-based practices.

  Note: Professional development certificate will be provided to those who successfully complete the course; MSDE-approved for three clock hours.

  We'll provide links to join each session one week prior to the sessions, and other helpful resources upon registration. Grab a cup of tea and join us!

  Show details
• Director's Circle - February

  • When
    Tuesday, February 03, 2026
  •  
    4:30 PM - 5:30 PM
  • Location
    Online!

  Register

  
  

  EVENT DESCRIPTION

  Are you the leader of a Nature-Based program looking to connect and learn with others like you? Then join us to gather (virtually) with fellow nature-based program Directors for a monthly networking circle. Each month will feature a guiding question or two, resources to support your work leading a nature-based program, and plenty of time to connect with peers. We hope you can join us!

  
  

  **Director's Circles will not be recorded, live attendance is required for this interactive experience**

  
  

  MEET YOUR HOST!

  
  

  Emily Woodmansee (she/her), Bluestone Village and Nature Programs

  Emily Woodmansee is the Founding Executive Director of Bluestone Village, a nature-based community initiative. Bluestone offers nature-based youth programming, as well as community gatherings to bring young families together outside. Emily lives in NE Pennsylvania with her husband and two young daughters.

  Show details
• Monthly Member Connection Call - February

  • When
    Wednesday, February 25, 2026
  •  
    7:00 PM - 8:00 PM
  • Location
    Online!

  Register

  
  

  EVENT DESCRIPTION

  Cozy up at home and connect online with other nature-based educators all over the world! Register today to let us know what's on your mind, then join us live to hear from your fellow teachers, homeschool parents, naturalists and more!

  
  

  This monthly 1-hour Zoom call is included with ANBE membership of all levels. The schedule for the session is as follows: 

  
  

  • Welcome! Opening with a beat of gratitude
  • Reflection/discussion questions on topics curated by our community
  • Break out rooms with time to discuss
  • Closing with a song you can use with your students!
  • Heads-up on upcoming ANBE events to best support your professional practices

  
  

  Settle in for a rejuvenating time to pause, reflect, connect, and be inspired. 

  
  

  **Discussion calls will not be recorded, live attendance is required for this interactive experience**

  
  

  MEET YOUR HOST!

  

  Kirsten Mize (she/her), ANBE Program Coordinator

  Goucher College graduate, Kirsten Mize, is delighted to serve the ANBE community as Program Coordinator, curating high-quality training for nature-based educators of all different walks. With a Masters in Education (Focus: At-Risk and Diverse Students) and a Bachelors in Music (Focus: Vocal Performance), Kirsten brings over a decade of diverse teaching experience and pedagogical knowledge to ANBE. She has always had a deep connection with nature and believes strongly in holistic teaching methods, the power of play, and cultivating wonder. When she is not at ANBE, Kirsten works as a voice actor independently from her home studio in Baltimore, Maryland and has lent her voice to musicals, operas, stage plays, podcasts, video games, and radio plays. She also works as a music teacher at The Music Space in Towson, Maryland. But probably her most important job is that of mother to one sweet little boy who has inherited his mother's love for music and the outdoors. 

  Show details
• Spirit of Spring: Outdoor Teacher Retreat

  • When
    Saturday, March 21, 2026
  •  
    8:30 AM - 4:00 PM
  • Location
    Notchcliff Nature Programs, Glen Arm, MD

  Register

  
  

  Get ready for a joyful day of discovery outdoors! As Spring begins to bloom around us, we’ll gather to reconnect, recharge, and explore what this beautiful season of change can look like with young children. Spend the day learning from inspiring educators, swapping ideas, and diving into a variety of hands-on workshops.

  Hosted in ANBE’s outdoor 'lab' forest school, Notchcliff Nature Programs is nestled on the beautiful grounds of Glen Meadows Retirement Community near Towson, MD and offers the perfect setting to play, learn, and grow together.

  Come prepared to be fully immersed in nature all day long. It’s going to be fresh, fun, and full of inspiration!

  This training is pending MSDE-approval for six (6) clock hours of professional development.

  
  

  Who Should Attend?

  This training is ideal for educators, caregivers, and others working with children of all ages in programs that prioritize nature-based experiences. Our participants work in all kinds of settings, from nature-based schools and forest kindergartens to public schools, traditional preschools, HeadStart programs, child care settings, and more.

  
  

  Workshop Descriptions
  

  Let Creativity Bloom: Process Art Inspired by Nature

  with Kayla Souza

  Let's embrace spring's gifts and discover simple ways to use nature to support open-ended art experiences. Together, we’ll explore the value of focusing on the creative process rather than only the finished product. Through hands-on activities and discussion, attendees will leave with fresh ideas and creative renewal as they work with children of all ages!

  
  

  STEM Therapy for Kids: Nature Activities that Help Process Emotions
  with Jasmin Field
  In this workshop, parents and Educators will learn how STEM activities with natural items can aid in emotional expression. The first portion of the workshop will focus on creating natural geoboards with nails, hammers, a color-coded "Emotions Chart" and matching rubber bands that represent/express specific feelings. Additionally, participants will witness and recreate a scientific mud explosion representing the danger of holding emotions inside.

  ...and more coming soon!     

  Meet Your Presenters!

  

  Kayla Souza - Owner and Teacher at Little Lilac Preschool

  Kayla Souza has been in the education field for over 20 years with experience in center based care childcare, public education, private education & home education. She currently owns Little Lilac Preschool, a nature based preschool, which she runs from her home and backyard in Hagerstown, MD. She enjoys gardening, reading, and trying new art and creative hobbies!

  
  

  

  Jamin Field - Founder & Program Coordinator: The Edgewood Outdoor Neighborhood Classroom

  Jasmin Field is an ANBE certified Educator, Michigan State Graduate and former Pre-K Teacher that has been a contributor to the nature-based education world since 2021. Inspired by ANBE's work, she sought to highlight and expose her community to the benefits of nature-based learning in the lives of children. In addition to conducting workshops to various groups through her non-profit, Majestic Education Consulting, Inc., Jasmin founded and hosts an annual Summer Program in Edgewood, Maryland entitled: The Edgewood Outdoor Neighborhood Classroom. From STEM experiments to animal visitors and outdoor Public Speaking practice, this faith-based program seeks to help children understand the many advantages of interacting with nature for their own personal, spiritual, emotional and academic well-being. During Fall 2025, the Outdoor Classroom hosted its' first community literacy event, 'Read in the Breeze', which invited families in the community to gather for hot chocolate and family reading outdoors. Jasmin's recent nature journal was highlighted in the 2025 publication of: "Seeing Ourselves in Nature: Stories from Educators and Children of Indigenous, Black & Other People of the Global Majority." She is married to her best friend, Justin, and has three wonderful children!

  
  

  Show details
• Nature-Based Learning, Indoors and Out!

  • Start
    Thursday, March 26, 2026
  •  
  • End
    Thursday, April 02, 2026
  •  
  • Schedule
    2 sessions

  Register

  
  Looking to step outside for some hands-on learning with young children? Want to know how to bring nature's wonders inside, too? Thinking about how to link nature-based learning to early learning standards?

  Discover ways nature-based concepts can enhance any curriculum. Participants will explore hands-on approaches to inquiry and outdoor learning and consider ways to invite nature indoors to classroom settings. This lively training includes a blend of outdoor experiences, group discussion, and slides to exemplify how to bring nature-based learning inside and out.

  Join ANBE for a two-part course to explore several strategies, activities, and tools to get started or deepen your repertoire of nature-based practices.

  Note: Professional development certificate will be provided to those who successfully complete the course; MSDE-approved for three clock hours.

  Upon registration, we'll provide a link to join each session, along with other helpful resources. Grab a cup of tea and join us!

  Show details
• Night for Nature: An Evening In Bloom

  • When
    Friday, March 27, 2026
  •  
    6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
  • Location
    Boordy Vineyards, Hydes, MD

  Register

  
  
  Join us at Night For Nature: An Evening in Bloom. Held at local vintner Boordy Vineyards just outside Baltimore, MD, this festive evening includes live music, bespoke foraged fare, and opportunities for giving in support of nature-based education. 

  This is a dressy casual event. Bring a friend to celebrate and savor this springtime benefit for the Association for Nature-Based Education (ANBE). 

  Night for Nature highlights:

  • Delicious seasonal fare from Brookside Market
  • Selection of tasty Boordy wines
  • Foraged food and non-alcoholic drink tastings 
  • Live music by favorite local musicians
  • Mission moments with hands-on nature experiences
  • Interactive giving opportunities from our Giving Tree

  How does my ticket support ANBE's mission?
  

  • Supports nature-based professional development including free teacher training and networking opportunities, practical tools and resources, and scholarship aid. Our vital professional development allows teachers to share the benefits of nature-based education with thousands of children each year. Your support helps make training accessible to teachers across the nation and around the world.
    
    
  • Supports Notchcliff Nature Programs in the greater Baltimore region which provides immersive nature-based learning and play in partnership with a retirement community. Notchcliff is our 'lab forest school' serving children, families, and senior citizens, as well as teachers who visit for training. Your support helps provide financial aid to families in need and develop the outdoor classrooms, gardens, and nature play spaces at Notchcliff.
    
    
  • Funds Outdoor Learning Programs in Baltimore for nearly 175 K-1st graders at a Title 1 elementary school and Seedlings caregiver/child outdoor playgroups at local Judy Centers in underserved communities.
    
    
  • Supports advocacy efforts to increase access to nature-based education. ANBE is a leading advocate in Maryland providing resources and support to the Maryland State Department of Education (and participating providers) engaged in the Outdoor Preschool Licensing Pilot. We also offer leadership through the Outdoor Learning Partnership at the State level and through advocacy efforts with partners across the U.S.
    
    

  We are grateful to the following Sponsors:
  
  
  

  
  

  Charm City Run Foundation
  Sierra Club of Greater Baltimore
  Family Time Pediatrics
  Charm City Screen Print 

  We are grateful for these In Kind Donations:
  

  Baltimore Orioles
  Watermark (Baltimore Sunset Cruises)
  Folkmantis Puppets
  Oakiwear
  Patagonia Baltimore
  Union Craft Brewing
  Wie Chic, Co.

  We can't wait to see you at Night for Nature!

  Show details
• Pennsylvania Outdoor Teacher Retreat

  • When
    Saturday, April 11, 2026
  •  
    8:30 AM - 4:00 PM
  • Location
    304 Pocono Plateau Rd, Cresco, PA 18326

  Register

  
  

  As Spring comes once again, we turn to the natural world to learn, reflect, and be rejuvenated. Dive into the wonder of the shifting seasons through our Outdoor Teacher Retreat, hosted by Pocono Plateau! This special event brings together experts in the field of nature-based early learning to share ideas and practices with a variety of hands-on sessions to choose from. 

  
  

  Pending Pennsylvania State Continuing Education clock hours. ANBE will provide a professional development certificate at the conclusion of the event. Please dress for the weather, as most of this training takes place outdoors, rain or shine. Coffee/tea with lite breakfast and lunch is included, but remember your canteen for drinks throughout the day. 

  
  

  Note: We strive for zero waste during our events; please bring your canteen for drinks.

  
  

  Who Should Attend?

  This training is ideal for educators, caregivers, and others working with children of all ages in programs that prioritize nature-based experiences. Our participants work in all kinds of settings, from nature-based schools and forest kindergartens to public schools, traditional preschools, HeadStart programs, child care settings, and more.

  
  

  Lodging 

  The following location is recommended for lodging should you be travelling from outside the area: 

  Comfort Inn & Suites Mount Pocono,

  3189 Rte. 940, Mt. Pocono, PA (25 minutes away)

  
  

  Onsite lodging at Pocono Plateau also available!

  To sign up for onsite lodging, click the above link, create an account and then select the ANBE: Outdoor Teacher Retreat. 

  Email camp@poconoplateau.org with any questions. 

  Workshop Descriptions
  

  Edible and Medicinal Plant Walk

  with Heather Houskeeper The Botanical Hiker

  Discover the wild plants that inhabit our landscape. Learn how to identify, ethically harvest, and weave these plants into herbal teas, meals and home remedies. Many are easy to recognize, safe to work with, and inhabit your favorite trails, backyards, and even urban areas. Heather will share her tips and tricks from more than fifteen years of working with wild edible and medicinal plants. Our walk will be easy in nature with many stops to meet and discuss the plants.

  
  

  Forest Bathing
  with Grayson Barnes
  While many of us might take a walk through the woods, we often do so with a goal in mind – to get to the top of the ridge, find a spot for a picnic, or maybe see some wildlife or seasonal color. Often this happens while we are strolling along, talking to our friends or chewing on a power bar. But have you ever walked into a forest to simply be PRESENT in that space in that moment? This session is designed to help you do just that. You will learn centering techniques, health benefits of spending time in the forest, how to incorporate the forest bathing experience into “big picture” life discussions, and useful pre- and post-activity journaling prompts. Afterwards, we will discuss ways to tailor these activities for groups of any age.

  Growing Green Thumbs - Gardening Anywhere with Children

  with Chloe Drew 

  Gain the skills and confidence to grow food with your students, whether you're in an outdoor school, public school classroom, or in your community! We will learn about child-friendly activities for easy to grow plants, vermicomposting, mushroom farming and more!

  Candlemaking

  with Rebecca Carter  

  Candles have been illuminating our lives and giving spiritual and ceremonial ambiance for thousands of years. In this course, participants will get to let their creativity flow as they experiment with colors and design while making dipped candles. This is a fun outdoor activity that can be replicated with various ages and leaves you with your own candle to take home!
  

  
  Meet Your Presenters!

  
  

  
  

  Heather Houskeeper (she/her) - The Botanical Hiker

  Heather Houskeeper "The Botanical Hiker" is an herbalist and forest therapy guide, long-distance hiker, and author. Heather has professionally guided others into the natural world through seminars, workshops, and walks since 2010 and is the founder of the School of Plant and Place Connection, an in-person herbal medicine school located in Milford, Pa. Heather has hiked thousands of miles, including the Appalachian Trail from Georgia to Maine, studying and working with the plants for food and medicine. She is the author of three trail-inspired books about wild edible and medicinal plants and the Wild Food columnist for Dirt Magazine.

  
  

  

  Grayson Barnes (he/him) - Poconos Plateau
  

  Grayson Barnes, the facilitator for this Forest Bathing session, is a retired professor of humanities. Besides the art wrought by human hands, Mr. Barnes enjoys the awe-inspiring creation that is the natural world.

  
  

  Chloe Drew (she/her) - Cofounder and Lead Educator at the Indiana Outdoor School

  Chloe has been guiding children and her community in nature-based education for over 14 years. She is the founder of Mother Earth Farm and co-founder of the Indiana Outdoor School, a collaborative project between local farmers and educators, with preschool/kindergarten, homeschool, public school, and community programs as well as summer camps. She is also a volunteer garden educator at the Indiana Community Garden and local public schools. She is a steward of her farmland with her husband, three children, and her sister and family.

  
  

  
  

  Rebecca Carter (she/her) - Outdoor Education Manager at Pocono Plateau

  Rebecca Carter serves as the Outdoor Education Manager at Pocono Plateau Camp & Retreat Center in Pennsylvania and is one of the Forest School leaders among other various roles. She has a background as a preschool teacher and is an ANBE certified educator. She loves reading, crocheting, and going on outdoor adventures with her dog.
  

  Show details
• Nature-Based Teacher Certification: Level I (online - Spring)

  • Start
    Tuesday, April 14, 2026
  •  
    7:00 PM
  • End
    Thursday, May 21, 2026
  •  
    9:00 PM
  • Location
    Online!

  Register

  

  We are thrilled to offer our Nature-Based Teacher Certification as an online option! You will gain a deeper understanding of nature pedagogy and practices as you earn this introductory credential. To date, we have certified more than one thousand teachers from all 50 states and 25 countries, each gaining strategies and tools for unique nature-based settings. Now it's your turn!

  Our 36-hour course provides in-depth study of best practices in nature-based early childhood education to prepare you for meaningful outdoor learning experiences. We draw from experienced educators with diverse perspectives to help you hone your own approaches to nature-based ECE. Whether you are in a formal school or childcare setting or working in a nature or forest preschool, this course is designed to meet the needs of early childhood educators working in any setting. 
  
  SCHEDULE

  Tuesdays/Thursdays: Facilitated discussions on key topics
  Wednesdays: Cohort meetings and/or Guest Presenters

  Course meets live from 4PM - 6PM (PST)/ 6PM - 8PM (CST)/ 7PM - 9PM (EST) on Tuesdays and Thursdays with additional time built in for on-demand content. Wednesdays are reserved for guest presenters and group meeting support. There are a total of six consecutive weeks of online sessions with presenters and within small cohorts. Additional clock hours include a variety of presenters and one-on-one Mentor Meetings. Flexible, self-directed learning will take place centered on outdoor skills and experiences, which you must provide documentation of.  Upon registration, we will provide you with a complete list of materials needed for the course.

  We are delighted to share this course with our international friends and those who cannot travel for training at this time. Please take a look at this FAQ page and feel free to email programs@anbe.org with questions!

  Show details
• Wilderness First Aid & CPR

  • When
    Saturday, May 02, 2026
  •  
    9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
  • Location
    Carrie Murray Nature Center 1901 Ridgetop Rd, Baltimore, MD 21207

  Register

  
  Our partners at the Institute for WildMed are experts when it comes to responding to emergencies. That's why we've teamed up to offer this 16-clock hour, hybrid version of Wilderness First Aid & CPR certification to help you prepare for an outdoor emergency.

  HYBRID COURSE FORMAT
  

  • The first 8 clock hours of the course is asynchronous, which means you can move through online content at your own pace. The online training must be completed prior to attending the second half of the course, held in person. 
    Your confirmation email from WildMed will contain a link to the asynchronous, online portion of the training. You can get started right away!
  • The last 8 clock hours of the course will be held in person at the Carrie Murray Center in Baltimore, MD. You must complete the entire 16 clock hours to receive Wilderness First Aid & CPR certification.

  WHO SHOULD ATTEND?

  This course is designed for anyone who leads nature-based education and outdoor learning, which may include: teachers and administrators in preschool, childcare, or elementary school settings; naturalists, environmental educators, or outdoor educators; wilderness survival enthusiasts; and parents.

  
  

  ABOUT THE PRESENTER

  Nicole Roma Thurrell has degrees in Psychology and Recreation Therapy from the University of North Carolina. She has been an EMT since 2001. She worked in many aspects of wilderness therapy for nearly a decade - expedition leader, health director, director of admissions. In addition to the roles listed above, she has been an adventure racer, a raft guide, high ropes facilitator, a clinician for kids with Autism, a Waldorf high school teacher, and a mom. She is a passionate educator who loves turning people on to strategies for being more confident and comfortable in nature. She lives in a solar village in Greenfield, MA.

  Show details
• Massachusetts Outdoor Teacher Retreat

  • When
    Saturday, May 02, 2026
  •  
    8:30 AM - 4:00 PM
  • Location
    The Birches School - 100 Bedford Road Lincoln, MA 01773

  Register

  
  

  
  

  Spring is in the air! Get re-energized for the end of the school year at this Outdoor Teacher Retreat, hosted by the Birches School! This special event brings together experts in the field of nature-based learning to share ideas and practices with a variety of hands-on sessions with options for educators in both upper and lower levels alike.   

  
  

  ANBE will provide a professional development certificate at the conclusion of the event which can be submitted to Mass. EEC for six (6) continuing education hours in the State of Massachusetts. If you are travelling out of state, please check with your local Department of Ed. to confirm eligibility for clock hours. 

  
  

  Please dress for the weather, as most of this training takes place outdoors, rain or shine. Coffee/tea with lite breakfast and lunch is included, but remember your canteen for drinks throughout the day. 

  
  

  Note: We strive for zero waste during our events; please bring your canteen for drinks.

  
  

  Who Should Attend?

  This training is ideal for educators, caregivers, and others working with children of all ages in programs that prioritize nature-based experiences. Our participants work in all kinds of settings, from nature-based schools and forest kindergartens to public schools, traditional preschools, HeadStart programs, child care settings, and more.

  
  

  Workshop Descriptions

  
  

  Student-driven Climate Action

  with Melissa Hansen
  

  Help your students take attainable climate action with confidence. As participants, you will engage in practicing effective routines to help students understand climate change and review how to recognize evidence and cause & effect. Search for local evidence of climate impacts and use tools to organize actions for solutions to support students as teams using their individual superpowers.

  
  

  Going the Distance: Math Lessons in the Natural World

  with Rina Zampieron

  Did you know nature is a giant math playground? Develop your students' math skill through playful activities that build on concrete math principals like sequencing of events, comparing and contrasting objects, and counting. Learn to categorize, order, and make sense of the world around you using mapping and charting skills.

  
  

  We Contain Multitudes: Emergent Curriculum and the Reggio-Emilia Approach

  with Mo Abdalah

  How can you use Mother Nature as a springboard for multidisciplinary learning? Participants will learn, through discussion, how there are many “ins” within nature to a wide variety of learning subjects, even DEI. This session will have a concentration on how effective documentation can serve to deepen pedagogy and curriculum and provide reflection opportunities for student and teacher alike.

  
  

  Seasonal and Emergent Opportunities for Science Learning in your Nature-Based Program

  with Sarah Thornbrugh

  Together we will explore the tenets of informal science education through a lens on nature-based learning, and consider the opportunities available for integrating science learning into your daily rhythms. We will consider barrier to accessing science learning, the role of experiential education and outdoor settings, and share ideas and inspiration for scalable projects and programs for learners of all ages and abilities. After this session, we hope that you will feel empowered to weave science and STEM opportunities in to your programs.

  
  

  ...and more coming soon!

  
  

  Meet Your Presenters!

  
  

  
  

  Rina Zampieron (she/her) - Program Manager of Early Education at Mass Audubon

  After teaching in a nature-based preschool classroom for 14, Rina began working with early educators across the state to support the implementation of nature-based learning into their classrooms. Rina has presented at conferences across the country and believes that all young children and their teachers can get outside. She helped created the deep impact program SEEDS, which is designed to help schools transform their practice to regularly incorporate nature into their existing programs.

  
  

  Melissa Hansen (she/her) - Program Manager of Early Education at Mass Audubon

  Melissa Hansen has worked at Mass Audubon coordinating PK12 school programs and facilitating teacher Professional Development since 2003. She works closely with the school administrators to steward relationships and develop impactful programming within the metro west communities. Melissa completed a professional learning institute run by the U.C. Berkeley Lawrence Hall of Science BEETLES Program in delivering outdoor education practices and pedagogy. She earned a BS from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst and earned her MS from Lesley University.

  
  

  Mo Abdalah (he/him) - Founding Member and Nature-Based Preschool Teacher for The Nest at Wheeler

  Mo has been a teacher at the Wheeler School since 2011. From unconventional beginnings, he has focused on nature-based early childhood education since 2019, becoming a founding member of The Nest, located at Wheeler's forest campus, known as "The Farm" in 2020. Regarding pedagogy, Mo is professionally inspired by the words of Loris Malaguzzi and his perspective on teaching as less of an imparting of knowledge and more of a walk in a vast forest, guiding children through mutually unknown territory. In that way, Mo considers themselves to be a field guide who helps children steer their own ship, facilitating children's' journey through themselves and assist in making connections to the world around them–with a bit of humor, of course.

  

  Sarah Thornbrugh (she/her) - Owner and Educator at Conchitas Outdoor Learning and Play

  Sarah is a founding educator with Conchitas Outdoor Learning and Play, a community organization offering low/no-cost nature play and outdoor learning for children ages 0-6 and their families on Cape Cod, MA. She has a background in conservation and informal science education, and work within the environmental and climate justice sectors towards equitable nature access for all. She is a huge science nerd and advocate for child-led and play-based education, and mother of 2 young children.

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• D.C. Outdoor Teacher Retreat

  • When
    Saturday, May 09, 2026
  •  
    8:30 AM - 4:00 PM
  • Location
    Briya Public Charter 2333 Ontario Road NW Washington, DC 20009

  Register

  
  

  
  

  Summer break is almost here! Take a moment to pause and be refreshed at this Outdoor Teacher Retreat hosted by Briya Public Charter School! This special event brings together experts in the field of nature-based learning to share ideas and practices with a variety of hands-on sessions geared towards content for children of all ages. 

  
  

  Pending D.C. Continuing Education clock hours. ANBE will provide a professional development certificate at the conclusion of the event. Please dress for the weather, as most of this training takes place outdoors, rain or shine. Coffee/tea with lite breakfast and lunch is included, but remember your canteen for drinks throughout the day.

  
  

  Note: We strive for zero waste during our events; please bring your canteen for drinks.

  
  

  Who Should Attend?

  This training is ideal for educators, caregivers, and others working with children of all ages in programs that prioritize nature-based experiences. Our participants work in all kinds of settings, from nature-based schools and forest kindergartens to public schools, traditional preschools, HeadStart programs, child care settings, and more.

  
  

  Workshop Descriptions

  
  

  Forest Bathing

  with Toby Bloom

  Realize your connection to the natural world around you. Inspired by the Japanese practice of Shinrin Yoku, Forest Immersion (also known as Forest Bathing or Forest Therapy) has been scientifically proven to boost immune strength, reduce stress, and improve cognitive functioning. By slowing down and carefully observing with all our senses, we escape the rapid pace of our daily routines, and relax into the tranquility of nature.

  On your Forest Immersion Experience, a certified guide will offer a series of guided “invitations” to assist you in finding your own authentic way of connecting with Nature. At the end of the walk, we’ll transition back to the “real world” with a tea ceremony where you will enjoy tea made from plants foraged on site, and some healthy snacks. There’s no right or wrong way to do it, and it’s great for people of all ages and abilities. All are welcome in the forest. 

  Storytelling in Action

  with Kirsten Mize

  For centuries humans have been practicing the art of storytelling, whether that be by oral tradition or the written word. Stories have helped people make sense of the world around them, ask deep questions, and just have fun! Stories help us connect with one another and ultimately to the natural world. In this workshop, participants will explore beloved stories, new and old, and gain the tools necessary to bring them to life within their classrooms.

  
  

  
  

  Meet Your Presenters!

  
  

  
  

  Toby Bloom (she/her) - Certified Nature and Forest Therapy Guide, Forest Immersion D.C.

  For the past 30+ years of her career, Toby has witnessed the power of nature to heal, strengthen, and provide nourishment and income. She lived and worked with communities in the Sacred Valley of Peru during her graduate school fieldwork; in Honduras, where she trained local nature guides and worked with the Ministry of Tourism to develop a certification program for guides; and as the Director of Wildlife Ecotourism for Humane Society International, where she worked with dozens of communities in Central America to develop ecotourism projects as a financial alternative to illegal wildlife trade. Toby has worked for the US Forest Service for the past 15 years and became the first Forest Service employee to become a Certified Nature and Forest Therapy Guide in January 2019.

  
  

  Kirsten Mize (she/her), ANBE Program Coordinator

  Goucher College graduate, Kirsten Mize, is delighted to serve the ANBE community as Program Coordinator, curating high-quality training for nature-based educators of all different walks. With a Masters in Education (Focus: At-Risk and Diverse Students) and a Bachelors in Music (Focus: Vocal Performance), Kirsten brings over a decade of diverse teaching experience and pedagogical knowledge to ANBE. She has always had a deep connection with nature and believes strongly in holistic teaching methods, the power of play, and cultivating wonder. When she is not at ANBE, Kirsten works as a voice actor independently from her home studio in Baltimore, Maryland and has lent her voice to musicals, operas, stage plays, podcasts, video games, and radio plays. She also works as a music teacher at The Music Space in Towson, Maryland. But probably her most important job is that of mother to one sweet little boy who has inherited his mother's love for music and the outdoors. 

  Show details
• New Jersey Outdoor Teacher Retreat

  • When
    Saturday, May 30, 2026
  •  
    8:30 AM - 4:00 PM
  • Location
    Johnsonburg Camp and Retreat Center: 822 County Road 519 Johnsonburg, NJ 07825

  Register

  
  

   Join us in Blairstown, New Jersey to recharge and get inspired at the close of the school year. This training will awaken your senses, kindle curiosity, and spark more ideas for outdoor learning with young children. This special event hosted by Flourish Nature School brings together experts in the field of nature-based early learning to share ideas and practices with a variety of hands-on sessions in addition to a site tour of Flourish Nature School.  

  
  

  Pending New Jersey State Continuing Education clock hours. ANBE will provide a professional development certificate at the conclusion of the event. Please dress for the weather, as most of this training takes place outdoors, rain or shine. Coffee/tea with lite breakfast and lunch is included, but remember your canteen for drinks throughout the day. 

  
  

  Note: We strive for zero waste during our events; please bring your canteen for drinks.

  
  

  Who Should Attend?

  This training is ideal for educators, caregivers, and others working with children in programs that prioritize nature-based experiences. Our participants work in all kinds of settings, from nature-based schools and forest kindergartens to public schools, traditional preschools, HeadStart programs, childcare settings, and more.

  
  

  Full Workshop Descriptions and Presenter Bios coming soon!
  

  Show details
• Nature-Based Teacher Certification: Level I (Maryland)

  • Start
    Monday, July 06, 2026
  •  
    8:30 AM
  • End
    Friday, July 10, 2026
  •  
    4:00 PM
  • Location
    The Waldorf School of Baltimore, 4801 Tamarind Rd, Baltimore, MD 21209

  Register

  We are thrilled to offer our Nature-Based Teacher Certification: Level 1! You will gain a deeper understanding of nature pedagogy and practices as you earn this introductory credential.
  
  This five-day, 36-hour course provides in-depth study of best practices in nature-based early childhood education to prepare you for meaningful outdoor learning experiences. We draw from experienced educators with diverse perspectives to help you hone your own approaches to nature-based ECE. Whether you are in a formal school or childcare setting or working in a nature or forest preschool, this course is designed to meet the needs of early childhood educators working in any setting. (See web for complete description.)
  
  OVERVIEW OF THE WEEK

  Monday: 8:30 - 5 p.m.
  Full day of workshops; light breakfast and lunch provided.
  
  Tuesday: 8:30 - 5 p.m.
  Optional morning yoga at 7:45 a.m.; full day of workshops; light breakfast and lunch provided.
  
  Wednesday: 8:30 - 5 p.m.
  Off-site tours and workshops; lunch provided. 
  
  Thursday: 12 - 8:30 p.m.
  Lunch followed by sessions, evening sessions include dinner and campfire
  
  Friday: 8:30 - 4 p.m.
  Optional morning yoga at 7:45 a.m. , closing sessions and conclusion of the course; light breakfast and lunch provided. 

  Show details
• Nature-Based Teacher Certification: Level II (Maryland)

  • Start
    Monday, July 06, 2026
  •  
    8:30 AM
  • End
    Friday, July 10, 2026
  •  
    4:00 PM
  • Location
    The Waldorf School of Baltimore, 4801 Tamarind Rd, Baltimore, MD 21209

  Register

  

  We are excited to learn with you once again during the Level 2: Intermediate Nature-Based Teacher Certification! (Registration is for live, in-person certification.)
  
  This five-day, 36-hour course builds on what you learned during the Level 1 introductory course, diving deeper into best practices and helping you hone approaches to nature-based early childhood education specific to your learning environment. The intermediate course examines more nuanced facets of running a nature-based program, managing/mentoring teachers, and promoting your program.  We continue to draw from experienced educators and explore diverse perspectives in NBECE throughout the week. You will also take time to enhance your personal nature connection as an extension of this deep, important work. (Note: Attendees must complete the level 1 introductory course prior to taking level 2; see web for complete description.)

  OVERVIEW OF SCHEDULE

  Monday: 8:30 - 5 p.m.
  Full day of workshops; light breakfast and lunch provided daily
  
  Tuesday: 8:30 - 5 p.m.
  Off-site tours and workshops
  
  Wednesday: 8:30 - 5 p.m.
  Optional morning yoga at 7:45 a.m.; full day of workshops

  Thursday: 12 - 8:30 p.m.
  Lunch followed by sessions, evening sessions include dinner and campfire
  
  Friday: 8:30 - 4 p.m.
  Optional morning yoga at 7:45 a.m. , closing sessions and conclusion of the course.

  Show details
• Nature-Based Teacher Certification: Level I (NY)

  • Start
    Monday, July 20, 2026
  •  
    8:30 AM
  • End
    Friday, July 24, 2026
  •  
    4:00 PM
  • Location
    Lime Hollow Nature Center, Cortland, NY

  Register

  We are thrilled to offer our Nature-Based Teacher Certification: Level 1! You will gain a deeper understanding of nature pedagogy and practices as you earn this introductory credential.
  
  This five-day, 36-hour course provides in-depth study of best practices in nature-based early childhood education to prepare you for meaningful outdoor learning experiences. We draw from experienced educators with diverse perspectives to help you hone your own approaches to nature-based ECE. Whether you are in a formal school or childcare setting or working in a nature or forest preschool, this course is designed to meet the needs of early childhood educators working in any setting. (See web for complete description.)
  
  OVERVIEW OF THE WEEK

  Monday: 8:30 - 5 p.m.
  Full day of workshops; light breakfast and lunch provided.
  
  Tuesday: 8:30 - 5 p.m.
  Optional morning yoga at 7:45 a.m.; full day of workshops; light breakfast and lunch provided.
  
  Wednesday: 8:30 - 5 p.m.
  Off-site tours and workshops; lunch provided. 
  
  Thursday: 12 - 8:30 p.m.
  Lunch followed by sessions, evening sessions include dinner and campfire
  
  Friday: 8:30 - 4 p.m.
  Optional morning yoga at 7:45 a.m. , closing sessions and conclusion of the course; light breakfast and lunch provided. 

  Show details
• Nature-Based Teacher Certification: Level II (NY)

  • Start
    Monday, July 20, 2026
  •  
    8:30 AM
  • End
    Friday, July 24, 2026
  •  
    4:00 PM
  • Location
    Lime Hollow Nature Center, Cortland, NY

  Register

  

  We are excited to learn with you once again during the Level 2: Intermediate Nature-Based Teacher Certification! (Registration is for live, in-person certification.)
  
  This five-day, 36-hour course builds on what you learned during the Level 1 introductory course, diving deeper into best practices and helping you hone approaches to nature-based early childhood education specific to your learning environment. The intermediate course examines more nuanced facets of running a nature-based program, managing/mentoring teachers, and promoting your program.  We continue to draw from experienced educators and explore diverse perspectives in NBECE throughout the week. You will also take time to enhance your personal nature connection as an extension of this deep, important work. (Note: Attendees must complete the level 1 introductory course prior to taking level 2; see web for complete description.)

  OVERVIEW OF SCHEDULE

  Monday: 8:30 - 5 p.m.
  Full day of workshops; light breakfast and lunch provided daily
  
  Tuesday: 8:30 - 5 p.m.
  Off-site tours and workshops
  
  Wednesday: 8:30 - 5 p.m.
  Optional morning yoga at 7:45 a.m.; full day of workshops

  Thursday: 12 - 8:30 p.m.
  Lunch followed by sessions, evening sessions include dinner and campfire
  
  Friday: 8:30 - 4 p.m.
  Optional morning yoga at 7:45 a.m. , closing sessions and conclusion of the course.

  Show details