Wildwood Nature Explorers
Navigating Nature Together
About Us
Cultivating opportunities for nature-based learning, growing wonder, and environmental stewardship for the homeschool community.
Wildwood Nature Explorers is an outdoor, all-weather homeschool community rooted in the rhythms of the Earth. We are committed to nurturing curiosity, wonder, and connection through nature-based learning, where exploration, play, and collaboration come together to form the heart of our experience. With a focus on holistic development, we empower children, parents, and families to grow stronger, together.
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We believe in the transformative power of outdoor education—rain or shine—and embrace the beauty and lessons of nature to foster resilience, self-confidence, and compassion. Our approach to learning celebrates the uniqueness of each child, encourages active exploration, and cultivates a deep connection to the natural world. At Wildwood Nature Explorers, everyone is invited to take part in the journey, contributing to a vibrant and inclusive community where curiosity and respect thrive.
Cultivating Wonder & Curiosity ☙ Nurturing Community ☙ In All Weather ☙ Nature-Based Learning Inclusivity ☙ Risky Play ☙ Environmental Stewardship ☙ Deep Connection ☙ Honoring Earth's Rhythms
Our Story
Wildwood Nature Explorers began as a passionate group of homeschool families, united by a shared love for nature, education, and community. Our journey started with the simple desire to create an inclusive space where families could come together, build meaningful relationships, and explore the world through the lens of nature-based learning.
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Inspired by the groundbreaking ideas of thought leaders and pioneers in child development, education, and environmental stewardship—such as Dr. Peter Gray, Jonathan Haidt, Angela Hanscom, Dr. Daniel J. Siegel, John Taylor Gatto, John Holt, Robin Wall Kimmerer, and others—we built a community rooted in the belief that children thrive when given the freedom to explore, learn, and grow in nature. Their wisdom has shaped our philosophy, encouraging us to embrace curiosity-driven exploration, foster resilience through play, and honor our deep connection to the Earth.
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From these early roots, Wildwood Nature Explorers has blossomed into a dynamic, all-weather community where children, families, and educators come together to learn, grow, and support one another. Our history is woven with the values of inclusivity, respect, and a commitment to nurturing both the individual and the collective through our shared love of nature and lifelong learning.
Our Team
Stephanie Birch
President and CEO, of Wildwood Nature Explorers
Stephanie brings over seven years of hands-on experience in homeschooling, offering a unique and insightful perspective on alternative education. Before pursuing her current path, she gained valuable corporate experience, particularly in the insurance industry. It was during this time that she realized her deep desire to make a more meaningful, grassroots impact—focusing on education and the stewardship of the Earth.
Since transitioning into education, Stephanie has taught in co-ops, led forest school groups, and cultivated a profound connection to nature through experiential learning. She also founded a local chapter of a nationwide organization, expanding nature-based educational opportunities for her community. Additionally, Stephanie has led after-school youth programs, volunteered with wildlife organizations, and played an active role in organizing fundraisers for various nonprofits.
Her passion for connecting with nature extends to her artistic pursuits as a watercolor and mixed media artist. As a writer, Stephanie has contributed to various magazines and newspapers, served as an editor for both corporations and small businesses, and wrote for the U.S. Department of Education on homeschooling. She has also shared her insights and expertise on podcasts centered around female empowerment and gender equity, advocating for education, agency, and advocacy at every opportunity.
Comfrey Lim
Vice President, Wildwood Nature Explorers
Comfrey has been homeschooling since 2020 and loves creating hands-on, nature-based learning experiences for her kids. As a budding California Naturalist and an active member of her local Weston A. Price Foundation (WAPF) chapter, she is passionate about holistic living, outdoor education, and building a strong, connected community. She has led a local homeschool pod meet-up, giving families a space to explore, learn, and grow together. With a heart for volunteer service and a deep love for nature, Comfrey is dedicated to nurturing a deeper connection between children and the natural world through experiential education and stewardship of the great outdoors.
Rachel Tinkler
Chief Financial Officer, Wildwood Nature Explorers
Passionate about nature, exploration, and curiosity driven learning, Rachel has been inspired by her students for over 25 years. While her earliest experiences involved traditional classroom teaching and learning, she quickly realized that this style of education lacked many of the qualities she deemed necessary for meaningful learning. After completing a masters degree in science education, she continued on to take courses in Montessori and Waldorf education, and finally fell in love with the flexibility and individuality that homeschooling provides for many families. Rachel now enjoys working with a variety of homeschoolers, gardening, reading, and traveling with her family. Her involvement with Wildwood Nature Explorers is a dream come true as she seeks to build community and help families connect to nature. She is happy to serve on the Wildwood Nature Explorers Board in an advisory capacity.
Shoshanna Amen
Secretary and Programs Director, Wildwood Nature Explorers
Shoshanna loves to be outside and go on walks, rain or shine. She has found that nature is a fantastic teacher and strives to look for beauty everywhere she goes. Growing up homeschooled gave her a foundation of curiosity and what it’s like to be a lifelong learner. During her childhood, she volunteered in classrooms, went on field trips, and helped at outdoor education camps. After receiving her California teaching credential she worked in a Waldorf-Inspired charter school and now supports homeschooling families in their journey. When she was growing up, her mom’s philosophy was “life is learning,” and now she appreciates that view even more. She's also found that learning through play and exploration leads to conversations, lessons, and deep connections. She’s very excited to be an advisor for Wildwood Nature Explorers and to nurture and celebrate community, curiosity, and wonder. She serves on the Wildwood Nature Explorers Board in an advisory capacity.