About

Pine & Ponder Outdoors

Where Nature Inspires Curiosity

I believe that everyone is naturally curious about the world around them. When we're given permission, or give ourselves permission, to slow down, sit quietly in nature, and observe, we begin to notice the beauty that surrounds us. We ask questions, make connections, and discover things we may have otherwise overlooked.

Nature journaling provides a space to capture these observations, wonders, and connections using words, pictures, and numbers. It isn't about artistic ability or finding the right answers. It's about paying attention, staying curious, and developing a deeper relationship with the natural world.

My Journey

My connection with the outdoors began long before it became my career. An Environmental Leadership Program in high school sparked a lifelong passion for nature, adventure, and learning.

Since then, I've spent more than 25 years working in outdoor education, guiding canoe trips, teaching paddling, designing curriculum-based outdoor learning experiences, and supporting educators across Canada.

In recognition of my commitment to outdoor and environmental education, I was honoured to receive the

2025 WILD Educator of the Year Award.

Today, through Pine & Ponder Outdoors, I partner with schools, libraries, camps, and community organizations to help learners of all ages slow down, observe closely, ask thoughtful questions, and make meaningful connections with the natural world. I believe nature journaling is more than an art activity. It is a powerful tool for learning, thinking, and building lasting relationships with the outdoors.

Where I Am Today

Certified Nature Journaling Educator

Nature journaling experiences for schools, libraries, camps and community groups.

Professional Learning Facilitator

Supporting educators through hands-on experiences and resources that connect to the Ontario Curriculum.

Wild Wonder Foundation

Instructor & Moderator, helping others deepen their nature journaling practice.

Project WET Canada

National Coordinator for Program & Delivery.

I believe nature journaling is more than an art activity or a one-time outdoor experience. It is a powerful tool for learning and thinking, helping us notice more, wonder more, and develop a deeper connection with the world around us.

My Nature Journaling Journey

My practice has been shaped by the many generous educators, artists, and naturalists I have had the privilege of learning from within the international nature journaling community.

I continue to learn from and build upon their work while developing approaches that reflect my own experiences working with educators and students.

I have also had the privilege of co-leading nature journaling experiences with John Muir Laws and serving as an instructor and moderator with the Wild Wonder Foundation.

These relationships, experiences, and ongoing opportunities to learn continue to shape how I teach, how I learn, and how I approach nature journaling.

A Few Things About Me

Favourite place to be:
Near, on, or in the water. Whether it's paddling a canoe, sitting by a lake, or exploring a shoreline, I feel most at home when I'm close to water.

Favourite season:
Fall. I love the vibrant colours, crisp mornings, and sunny afternoons. It's the perfect season to slow down and explore.

Always curious about:
Plants and wildlife, especially monarch butterflies, salamanders, and otters. Spotting any of these always makes my day.

Never without in my nature journal kit:
A pencil, pen and my travel watercolour kit. They're all I need to capture observations wherever I go.