Event
Seeing Ourselves in Nature

little boy crouched down looking at plants through a magnifying glass

Date

-

Event Type

Webinar

Topic

  • Curriculum and Teaching
  • Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
  • Program Design and Management
  • Research

The lived experiences and cultural knowledge of Indigenous, Black, and other educators and families of the Global Majority are not always well represented in nature-based education. In a webinar taking place Thursday, September 25 at 1 PM ET, author and educator Jessica Fong will introduce her new book, Seeing Ourselves in Nature, a powerful collection of stories that reframe outdoor learning through the lens of equity, identity, and belonging. 

Jessica will invite authors who have contributed to the book to share how they are reframing nature-based education to reflect their lived experiences with land, community, and healing. Drawing from real-world experiences in early childhood settings, this webinar will explore: 

  • How educators of color are reclaiming nature as a space for liberation and joy
  • Ways to center cultural identity and ancestral knowledge in outdoor learning
  • Strategies for creating inclusive, affirming nature-based experiences for all children

Whether you're an educator, caregiver, or advocate, this webinar will offer inspiration for making nature education more inclusive, relational, and rooted in justice.

Register Today

Speakers

  • Jessica Fong headshot

    Jessica Fong

    Jessica Fong is the Director of Education at Openlands, where she leads nature-based programming for educators, students, and families across Chicago. A Latina educator and child of Guatemalan immigrants, Jessica began teaching in Guatemala in 2007 and has since become a national advocate for dual language and nature-based early childhood education. She holds two master’s degrees and is currently pursuing a doctorate in Educational Sustainability. Her work centers equity, cultural identity, and community stewardship, with a focus on ensuring BIPOC children and families feel safe, seen, and celebrated in outdoor learning spaces. Jessica also serves on multiple boards and leads the McKinley Community Play Garden, a grassroots nature play initiative.