They are schools without walls. Rain or shine, in all weather, they support play, exploration, and risk-taking. Forest Schools have their roots in Europe but are rapidly spreading throughout the world, in large part because they engage active learning, nurture holistic child development, and help grow future stewards of our amazing planet. This discussion will explore what forest and nature schools are, explain why they are beneficial, and introduce the exciting new Outdoor Preschool Pilot Program that House Bill 525 enacts here in Maryland as of July 1, 2023.
“There’s no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing” – Forest school mantra
About the presenter: Monica Wiedel-Lubinski, Executive Director, Eastern Region Association of Forest and Nature Schools
Website: www.erafans.org
Facebook: facebook.com/erafans
Monica has pursued her love of nature-based education for over two decades. She began her career at Irvine Nature Center in Owings Mills, Maryland, where she directed nature-based programs for children, families, and teachers spanning her 19-year tenure. She received the Margaret O’Neil Award in 2017 in recognition of her outstanding accomplishments in nature-based education.
Recognizing the need for nature-based teacher training and professional networks, Monica Wiedel-Lubinski founded the Eastern Region Association of Forest and Nature Schools (ERAFANS) in 2016 with support from colleagues across the region. This led to the creation of the Nature-Based Teacher Certification, a 36-clock-hour course which has been completed by more than 800 teachers, hailing from all 50 states and 24 different countries. ERAFANS membership has swelled to a network of nearly 1200 members. She has founded/co-founded three nature-based preschool programs in the greater Baltimore, MD, area and consults to help countless others breathe life into new nature-based programs and schools.
