The mission of We of Earth is to inspire people of all ages to deepen their connection with nature. Engaging with the natural world in a curious, whimsical, playful way leads to gratitude, love, and care for the Earth.
Deepening our connection to nature strengthens our connection to ourselves
We of Earth is an endeavor inspired by my years working in outdoor schools. I’m a former classroom teacher that migrated to nature education. Nature education is not only acquisition of knowledge of the environment and the natural world. Understanding the workings of nature is valuable, but simply engaging with nature works wonders for one’s overall well-being. I’ve witnessed firsthand the immense positive impact that being in (and being with) nature has on my students: they play, they explore, they discover, they get dirty. Climbing trees builds confidence, creating fairy houses strengthens creativity, working together to build a stick fort teaches problem-solving, cooperation, and community. They approach nature with a sense of wonder, which establishes a deep, personal connection with the Earth.
I believe that folks of all ages deserve this experience! Even adults should be encouraged to play, jump off rocks, build forts, and crawl in the mud… and our children should never lose this magic. The Earth holds space for us to unlock our imagination and embrace joy, whimsy, and playfulness, while improving our mental, physical, and spiritual well-being. Enjoying nature’s gifts sparks gratitude for the Earth, which inspires us to care for her. And caring for the Earth means caring for ourselves.
We of Earth offers a variety of ways to deepen our connection with nature: social media content, workshops for all ages, public community events, private events, corporate team engagement programs, and customized curriculum or program development for schools and educational institutions, parks & recreation departments, companies, or anyone looking to engage with nature in a unique and playful way!
So… do you want to come play in the woods with me? I promise we’ll be home in time for dinner :)
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 :)