Discovering Nature As Our Greatest Teacher, Healer, and Classroom

Our Sensational Spring

From the air we breathe to the food we eat, nature is within and all around us. We drink the sun through our skin and use it to grow our bones. We oxygenate our blood by exchanging air with trees. Our bodies are made of mostly water. We are nature.​

Spring was a season of growth and exploration as we engaged each of our almost 500 students in a walking field trip and a bus field trip. During our community participatory science walking field trips, students  collaborated on observing and documenting local biodiversity. Additionally, our field trips to Puh'tok in the Pines were a resounding success, offering students immersive experiences in nature and a deeper connection with our region's watershed and ecology. 

Our youngest explorers had a fantastic time as they discovered the different textures, sounds, and smells of the natural world. We use storytelling and hands-on activities like tasting wild edibles and planting seeds of native plants to learn about our ecology. We discovered bugs, a variety of plant species, and learned about the difference between happy and sad trees. We introduced all our students and teachers to the regional problem of invasive species and vines, which, without our help, could destroy our existing tree canopy, and cause other environmental challenges and degradation. We will spend our summer activating our super powers to be stewards of ourselves, each other, and Earth! 

Kindergarteners delved into the wonders of nature with activities designed to spark their curiosity and sow the seeds of future environmental stewards. These activities not only taught them about the environment but also fostered teamwork and creativity.

First graders embarked on exciting adventures this spring. We learned about plant, bug, and animal life cycles. We found animal signs like footprints and bones. We discovered decomposers under logs. Everyone also had so much fun filling up garbage bags full of trash that had blown onto the school grounds from the street. The first graders, and with the continued efforts from the rest of the grades, were able to collect over 50 pounds of trash in total. 

Our second-grade students explored various habitats and the wildlife that inhabits them. We played loud team building games, and sat quietly observing nature and asking profound questions about ourselves. We engaged our bodies, minds, and hearts in the fresh air and sunshine. 

Third graders delved more deeply into the science and stewardship of our local and regional watershed and ecology. We planted native plants all over our school's campus, and learned about our local rain gardens, community gardens, and local green spaces. 

Fourth-grade students enjoyed a mix of ecological studies and physical challenges. They explored wetlands, hiked trails, and learned about the critical role green pervious surfaces play in reducing flooding and improving our city's ecology. We mapped the areas around our school and community that need more attention and care this summer. We began to create a plan for preserving and protecting our existing tree canopy. 

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Our fifth graders had an enriching spring, participating in advanced studies of ecosystems and conservation efforts. They began to develop an understanding of how trees reduce heat, purify air, and even reduce crime. After working with most of these students for several years now it was a rewarding journey to see them off as they move toward middle school. We aim to hire as many of them as possible in a few years. 

Thank you for joining us on this journey to return the motivation to learn to its rightful place: within the hearts and minds of young people. 

This summer, nature educators and environmental activists and organizers from across the country and around the world gathered in Madison, Wisconsin, for the Nature Everywhere Conference. This event is dedicated to exploring innovative ways to integrate nature into everyday learning and living. The Baltimore team will be embarking on a two-year journey with the support of the national network and we are excited to take our citywide initiatives to the next level in collaboration with our local partners. 

Remembering our connection with nature has never been more important for a generation of children, or the next seven. The Seventh Generation Principle is based on an ancient Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) philosophy that the decisions we make today should result in a sustainable world seven generations into the future.

Ultimately, making children's rights a reality is the responsibility of adults.

We must not only ask what kind of planet we are leaving our children, but also what kind of children we are leaving our planet. The environmental stewards and problem-solvers of the future are in school now. Giving young people access to nature and ensuring they understand that we are interdependent with it and part of it, is the foundation of a sustainable future.

The Baltimore Children's Outdoor Bill of Rights is not just about the outdoors; it's about the kids and the generations to come. Even nature and environmental education are not about nature or the environment. It's all about the kids.

We know that health and education improve when we protect and respect the rights of children to clean water, air, and nurturing environments. Our green spaces and forests in Baltimore City need care and investment so children can realize their rights within them. We need a workforce to restore our ecology before we will be able to assure these fundamental rights to children in their own communities.

We must support Maryland's unprecedented investment in education with parallel investments in the economic, environment, and health sectors. In Baltimore City, InDiGO works on every level in concert with youth, teachers, public and private schools, government agencies, outdoor centers, and community organizations to help make the Baltimore Children's Outdoor Bill of Rights a lived reality.

Please support us by forwarding this newsletter to anyone you know who may be interested in or inspired by our work. We are building a network of young people, educators, and advocates to help us discover nature as our greatest teacher, healer, and classroom. Please find us on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube @InwardDiscovery.