Outdoor learning is a strategic approach to increasing student engagement, strengthening literacy skills, and building connections within a school community. Educator and administrator Dr. Justin Nies shares how Magee Elementary School in the Kettle Moraine School District implemented a year-long initiative to bring learning beyond the classroom. He explains how outdoor spaces can be used intentionally, reflects on his path into leadership, and highlights how a focus on belonging and transparency supported staff and student success.

Links + Resources:

Fostering Systems for Innovation Summer Institute (Applications due 5/10/26): https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/WIDPI/bulletins/414ca5b

Wisconsin DPI Newsletter: https://dpi.wi.gov/news/dpi-connected/subscribe

Last Child in the Woods (Book): https://bookshop.org/a/10747/9781565126053

Children & Nature Network: https://www.childrenandnature.org/

Reach Out to Justin Here: niesjustin@kmsd.edu

Show your support for environmental education by becoming a member: waee.org/join

Follow the show online:

Facebook: @WisconsinAssociationforEnvironmentalEducation

Instagram: @wisconsinassociationforee

LinkedIn: wisconsin-association-for-environmental-education-inc

YouTube: @wisconsinassociationforee

View all book recommendations from the podcast: https://bookshop.org/lists/healthier-happier-smarter

Thank you to our sponsors:

James E Dutton Foundation: https://www.jameseduttonfoundation.org/

Natural Resources Foundation: https://www.wisconservation.org/

WAEE Funding Partners: https://www.waee.org/our-supporters

Green & Healthy Schools Wisconsin: https://green-and-healthy-schools-wi-dnr.hub.arcgis.com/

If you’d like to become a sponsor, contact us at podcast@waee.org

A sense of awe might be one of the most powerful teaching tools we have.

In this episode of the Happier, Healthier, Smarter Podcast, we’re joined by Mary Michaud, educator, public health professional, and certified horticultural therapist at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. She shares how her deep connection to nature shaped her career and inspired her to create outdoor learning spaces, while challenging students to rethink traditional school environments.

We also explore the science behind why nature matters, from attention restoration theory to the well-being benefits of outdoor learning. Mary offers practical strategies for outdoor classrooms, encourages appropriate risk-taking for children, and shares simple ways to reconnect with nature in everyday life.

Links + Resources:

Nature Play for Healthy Development Blog: https://medium.com/@MaryMichaudHlth/nature-play-for-healthy-development-be5763bea15a

What the Robin Knows by Jon Young: https://bookshop.org/a/10747/9780544002302

Follow Mary’s Art on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ginkgoartsandletters/

Show your support for environmental education by becoming a member: waee.org/join

Follow the show online:

Facebook: @WisconsinAssociationforEnvironmentalEducation

Instagram: @wisconsinassociationforee

LinkedIn: wisconsin-association-for-environmental-education-inc

YouTube: @wisconsinassociationforee

View all book recommendations from the podcast: https://bookshop.org/lists/healthier-happier-smarter

Thank you to our sponsors:

James E Dutton Foundation: https://www.jameseduttonfoundation.org/

Natural Resources Foundation: https://www.wisconservation.org/

WAEE Funding Partners: https://www.waee.org/our-supporters

Green & Healthy Schools Wisconsin: https://green-and-healthy-schools-wi-dnr.hub.arcgis.com/

If you’d like to become a sponsor, contact us at podcast@waee.org

Season 1 of Healthier, Happier, Smarter: Faces and Places of Wisconsin Environmental Education takes listeners across Wisconsin to explore how environmental learning comes to life in classrooms, communities, natural spaces, and cultural landscapes. Through conversations with educators, youth leaders, public health professionals, and community organizations, we highlight the many ways people are connecting with the outdoors and inspiring the next generation of environmental stewards.

This season features student perspectives, health-focused discussions on the benefits of nature, and a range of episodes uplifting innovation, tradition, equity, and hands-on learning. From early childhood to high school climate action, from cultural connections to outdoor programs, listeners get a broad look at how environmental education supports wellbeing, learning, and community resilience.

Season 1 offers stories, insights, and inspiration for anyone passionate about supporting healthy people, healthy schools, and a healthy planet.