Deepening our connection to nature strengthens our connection to ourselves
We of Earth was born from a simple but powerful belief: that adults deserve to play outside, too. I spent years working in outdoor schools and nature education, witnessing firsthand how children flourish when given the freedom to explore, get dirty, climb trees, and build forts.
But why should this magic be reserved for the young?
Drawing on my background in education, theatre, and a lifelong personal love of the natural world — I built We of Earth as an invitation to return. Return to curiosity. Return to wonder. Return to ourselves.
We of Earth distinguishes itself from conventional outdoor recreation by centering nature connection — not just nature education. The goal is not only to learn the names of trees or birds, but to develop a personal relationship with the Earth: one that fosters gratitude, mental well-being, and a genuine desire to care for the living world.
Hi, I’m Mikayla / Mik!
I am the founder of We of Earth and as you may expect, I’m a huge nature nerd. I grew up romping around my backyard and the woods, scrambling up rocks, hunting for bugs, brewing up mud potions, carving sticks, and playing lots of make-believe. And I still do it all today. I am so grateful that even three decades into my life, I’ve never lost that childhood wonder and whimsy.
You’ll still find me building fairy houses, hugging trees, collecting rocks, leaves, shells, and sticks, or abruptly pausing mid-hike to climb and jump off a good rock… how can I resist?!
Through all of life’s challenges, nature has been my sanctuary, my peace, my greatest teacher. I am comforted to see myself reflected in nature’s cycles and patterns. Darkness may blanket the night, but the sun always rises again. The moon waxes and wanes in her light. One day the ocean is calm and gentle, and the next day she’s a force to be reckoned with. Seeds lie sleepy in winter’s frozen earth but still there is growth, silent and subtle, as they gather their energy so they may sprout and bloom come springtime.
After years of debating my “life’s purpose,” I had an epiphany a few years back while in the darkest, hardest era of my life. Through it all, nature kept me grounded and helped pull me out of it, and suddenly I knew I wanted to encourage and guide others to experience the magic of the Earth.
Using my education degree, I shifted from classroom teaching to nature education. But nature educator is not the only hat I wear! My love for playing make-believe was carried into my adulthood in the form of theatre and performance, my other greatest passion. I hold a theatre degree, act in several shows a year, and I sing in a folk band. Getting to spend my life in the woods and on stage, my heart feels so so SO full. I am so grateful.
You can also find me teaching yoga, playing ukulele, and learning Italian to please my ancestors. I’ve realized that a “life’s purpose” is not related to a career at all. Nature educator doesn’t feel like a job— it’s a passion that I am blessed to be able to do every day, alongside theatre and everything else. My purpose is to fill my life with what brings me joy. And forgive me for assuming… but I think that’s your purpose too :)