About

what we do
The Roaming Naturalist is a work of love that seeks to guide people in connecting with their first world: the natural world. If you’re looking for a place where human culture, archaeology, social justice, kids-at-heart, art, and positive attitudes intersect with nature – congratulations, you’ve found us! Here you will find articles, activities, resources, and more, to help you with that connection. We do our best to make that information bite-sized but powerful, because we understand how busy the average person is – even those who wildly want to connect. What you will not find here is fear-mongering, cynicism, or a bunch of jargon that sometimes makes science inaccessible (and if you do find those things, please be sure to contact us so we can take care of it). We want this site to encourage people (adults and kids alike) to connect with  nature, and to connect to one another.

mission statement
The Roaming Naturalist is dedicated to connecting both children and adults to the natural world, regardless of location, educational background, economic status, ethnicity, gender identification, sexual orientation, or personal ability. No person is unbound to the natural world, and through this common bond may we connect also to one another and to the earthly forces that sustain us.

Deep within each of us are the ancient roots that link us to the earth, the sea, the sky, and all other living things; we can remember and access these ties if we choose. The plants, animals, and stones have things to tell you; are you ready to listen?

who is the Roaming Naturalist?
My name is Nicole and I live in the state of Maryland in the United States. I am a self-taught naturalist with more than a decade’s experience guiding kids, adults, and families outdoors, developing interpretive and educational programs, writing, and connecting people with the resources around them. I’ve been incredibly privileged to work directly with rehabilitated birds of prey and other animals that are unreleasable. I’ve worked in state parks in two states, a nature center, and attended school for a short time in South Africa. I have my Bachelors in Anthropology, the study of culture, and am thus in a unique position to see through the lenses of both nature and human culture simultaneously.

I have lived near rivers, mountains, deserts, and wet forests. I am perpetually exploring new places to observe and experience. My team and I want to share this natural desire to roam with you, our special readers and participants. We hope that you will also develop a wanderlust – an interest to see new trees, smell new soil, and let all the wilderness found in even the quiet dandelion fill your heart with strength and comfort. That is my personal hope for you, because it has been my experience with nature.

Thank you for joining us here!

Through interpretation, understanding.

Through understanding, appreciation.

Through appreciation, protection.

– Freeman Tilden, quoting a US National Park Service administrative manual,
1957, Interpreting Our Heritage