Ashley Edworthy

cumberland COAL CREEK HISTORIC PARK

Early Years PRogram

nature educator

Pronouns: She/her

I am thrilled to be a nature educator with Hand-In-Hand Nature Education and feel honoured to be learning alongside young forest friends in the beautiful forests of Cumberland, BC.

Growing up on the west coast, I have had the privilege of spending a great deal of time in wild spaces. My fondest childhood memories are of exploring tidepools along the beach, imagining the fairies that lived in the mighty stumps of the forest and climbing, swinging and jumping from trees! In these memories, I was filled with a deep sense of wonder, joy and connection, which I feel to this day as I wander along the beach and through the forest.

Time in nature, I think, is one of the greatest gifts you can offer a child as they grow. Being in nature inspires wonder, creativity and connection and invites kids to explore, discover, imagine and adventure, all while they run, jump, dance and sit peacefully. Nature is the perfect ‘classroom’ – offering kids endless opportunities for play while building connections with themselves, each other and the natural rhythms of the seasons. I believe that cultivating our connections with nature is one of the most important things we can do, for our own happiness and for the health of our human and nature communities.

Over the years, my academic and professional endeavors have taken me in several directions, all rooted in my connection with nature and my love of education. I have a degree in biology and environmental studies, a teaching certificate and a masters degree in environmental education. I have worked as a nature educator for the Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre, as a public school teacher and as an sustainability consultant.

I live in Cumberland with my husband and two young children and our puppy, Charlie. I love to explore the outdoors with my family, grow flowers and food, bake cakes and pies, knit sweaters, read books to my kids and share meals with friends.