Why Nature
Journaling?
Observe
Slow down, look closely. Notice what others might have missed.
Wonder
Turn observations into questions, investigations, and possibilities.
Connect
Use what you notice and wonder to make meaning
Nature journaling gives learners a way to make their thinking visible through words, pictures, and numbers.
What Experience Are You Looking For...
Why Pine & POnder Outdoors
EDUCATION FIRST
Experiences are designed around real curriculum and classroom needs.
NATURE JOURNALING AS A THINKING TOOL
Students use words, pictures & numbers to make their thinking visible.
OUTDOORS WHENEVER POSSIBLE
Schoolyards, parks, forests, and community spaces can all become places for learning.
BUILT FOR EDUCATORS
Professional learning focuses on practical strategies educators can actually use.
MORE THAN JUST A WORKSHOP
Workshops can be the beginning of a longer learning journey through repeated experiences and professional learning.
Meet Billie Jo
With more than 25 years working in outdoor education, curriculum-based learning, and environmental education, I bring a deep understanding of both the outdoors and the realities of teaching and learning.
My practice has been shaped by incredible teachers, mentors, artists, naturalists, colleagues, and students. I continue to learn from others, seek out new experiences, and build on that learning as my work evolves.
I have had the privilege of supporting educators and learners across Canada, co-leading nature journaling experiences with John Muir Laws, and serving as an instructor and moderator with the Wild Wonder Foundation. In 2025, I was honoured to receive the WILD Educator of the Year Award.
Who We Work With!
SCHOOLS
Student Learning Experiences & Professional Learning for K-8 Educators.
EDUCATORS
Practical strategies for bringing nature journaling into everyday teaching.
LIBRARIES & COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS
Accessible nature journaling experiences for families, adults, and community groups.
CONFERENCEs & ORGANIZATIONS
Interactive presentations and professional learning focused on nature journaling, outdoor learning, and inquiry.
What Happens When Learning Continues Beyond the Workshop?
Patricia, Principal
Having Billie Jo facilitate outdoor learning experiences for our students was truly invaluable. She is a highly skilled educator and facilitator whose ability to connect with
even the most reluctant learners is remarkable. Billie Jo’s contagious energy and sense of wonder infused every workshop, sparking curiosity and engagement across all age
groups. Long after her time at our school, students continued discussing data, asking insightful questions, and reflecting on what they had learned - a testament to the lasting
impact of her work.
Servos Family
We had the pleasure of joining Billie Jo Reid for a free Library activity, and it was an incredible experience from start to finish. Billie Jo is a truly gifted educator - she communicates with such passion, clarity, and kindness. Her encouraging and reassuring nature made everyone feel welcome and confident to participate, no matter their experience level. Billie Jo's charismatic personality shines through in everything she does. She has a unique ability to connect people with the natural world in meaningful and accessible ways. Whether it was exploring, observing or learning through hands-on activities, she made every moment feel inspiring and important. This was so much more than just an outdoor workshop - it was a reminder of how powerful connection to nature and family can be. We are so thankful for the experience and can't recommend Billie Jo & Pine & Ponder Outdoors enough. Gratefully
Gr. 8 Teacher
This was a very cool program. The students really enjoyed it and it took them out of their comfort zone while allowing them to feel comfortable and unafraid of writing/drawing what they see and what they think. It's something that I doubt they would have thought to do. Billie Jo was absolutely amazing how she explained the steps and helped the students through the program. She was energetic and creative and had some amazing examples and experiences to share with the students. The students loved the different things found in nature that they got to check out and explore. Many of my students said they wanted to keep their journals so they can do some stuff on their own at home or when they are outdoors with their families and friends.