Our Story

Lauren spent 13 years working as an Educator within the public system. About 8 years in, she began to notice a growing need among students and staff for support. She noticed this need especially in the areas of mental health, connection to the land, and community building. She realized that she could use her passion for the outdoors to help address these issues.

Lauren spent many years learning and refining her craft for outdoor education. She worked with several mentors and took advantage of many opportunities for professional development. Lauren spent over a year studying and completing coursework and experiences with the Child and Nature Alliance of Canada to become a certified Forest and Nature School Practitioner. She also engaged in an intensive study and mentorship with the Roots and Wings Community Village in New York State. Lauren combined these new teachings and ways of learning within the public system but she yearned for more freedom and room to explore with others.

In this period of growth and dreaming, Lauren and her husband Al were gifted the opportunity to purchase a beautiful property in Beasley. As soon as she set foot on the land, Lauren knew it was a place she wanted to work on with others! Thus, Wild Things Forest, was born! Lauren was inspired to create this outdoor, connection-based program, designed to help bring people back to nature’s gifts and teachings.