Anne Stires Educational Consulting facilitators believe in connection. We believe in increasing care, access, and understanding of the world we live in. We stand up for social and environmental justice and work to ensure the right of all human children and educators to nature connection and outdoor learning. Through education, we advocate and protect habitats and their inhabitants–the “more than humans:” the insects, birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians, plants of all forms including trees and seaweed, and the mushrooms, soil, air, and waters. With school year workshops, educator and administrator coaching, conference presentations, and summer courses, we support teachers and administrators to move learning outside the school building and into green spaces, gardens, community streets, area business, parks, and the ‘pop-up’ natural spaces of the schoolyard. We believe in teaching and learning that is joyful, active, and engaging to cultivate a more just and healthy world.

To transform lives through history and nature.

Antioch University provides learner-centered education to empower students with the knowledge and skills to lead meaningful lives and to advance social, racial, economic, and environmental justice. (Antioch University Mission)

Anza-Borrego Foundation (ABF) is the official nonprofit partner of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. We provide financial support for Park programs, acquire land for conservation in and around the Park, educate the public about the Park’s resources and support research relevant to our region.

Apogee offers summer outdoor adventure travel to teens and young adults. We provide students with exciting and well-designed hiking, biking, community service, writing, and photography programs varying in length from one to six weeks in spectacular locations throughout the United States, Canada, Europe, and Latin America. Our students travel in small, supportive, mixed-gender groups facilitated by dynamic, responsible trip leaders.

Our programs are designed to send students home with a feeling of accomplishment, a sense of belonging, and a confidence in themselves that carries over into all aspects of life. Just as important, we want our students to have fun, form lasting friendships, to give back to the communities they visit, and to gain a greater appreciation for the outdoors.

AMC’s Maine Woods Initiative is a comprehensive effort to improve the quality of life in the 100-Mile Wilderness region through economic development, ecological protection, community partnerships, and environmental education. Since 2012 AMC has become a committed partner with local teachers, schools, and other youth providers to engage K-12 students from Piscataquis County in meaningful outdoor environmental education experiences that enhance academic achievement and tie into Maine’s curriculum frameworks