Belwin Conservancy is thrilled to introduce Max Borge and Emily Hayne, two educators who will lead hands-on environmental learning experiences for Stillwater Area Public Schools students in grades 2 – 5.
Max and Emily bring deep experience in environmental education and a shared passion for helping young people connect with the natural world in meaningful ways.
Max grew up in Northern California, where he spent much of his childhood wandering the hills and woodlands in the surrounding area. This experience, coupled with an opportunity to assist with sea turtle conservation in Central America, cemented his love of the outdoors. Max says, “Growing up, I was fortunate to witness the many ways different cultures connect with their natural surroundings, which deeply fascinated me. Environmental education has allowed me to explore and communicate what resonates with various audiences in fostering a connection with nature.”
Emily has a background in environmental education and social science research. She has worked throughout the Midwest teaching K–12 students in forest, prairie, and wetland systems. “I pursued environmental education to share my appreciation for nature and facilitate experiences outdoors that help people of all ages connect to nature in meaningful ways,” Emily says. “I am hopeful that everyone can create unique relationships with nature that support the health of our social and ecological communities.”
Q & A
What has been the most exciting or rewarding part of teaching through this new partnership so far?
Max: The palpable excitement and curiosity of the students. Each class is eager not only to explore but also to identify and learn about what they’re observing in our local habitats. Even the students who are less confident in open spaces have been keen to check things out.
Emily: Witnessing students who have never been to Belwin express excitement and curiosity about the plants and animals of this land. Students ask thoughtful questions about nature, and they show a lot of excitement to learn outside.
What do you think makes Belwin a unique or special place for students to learn?
Max: At Belwin, visitors get to experience a variety of healthy habitats that reflect the care of the staff who work here. In addition, many classes have expressed surprise about how close Belwin is to them. I believe these two things make students more likely to continue exploring their surroundings even after their visit.
Emily: As a land-based nonprofit, Belwin has a rich history of environmental stewardship. Belwin staff and volunteers place a lot of care towards the land for habitat restoration and health, making the Education Site an engaging place for outdoor learning. Learning at Belwin means students explore several of these restored habitats, including forests, prairies, wetlands, and oak savannas, through the lens of science education and environmental stewardship.
What do you hope students take away from their time at Belwin?
Max: I hope that students leave not only with a sense of confidence and curiosity in exploring nature, but also with a developed empathy towards it. Environmental stewardship comes more easily to those who can make a personal connection with it. I hope these experiences make the environment more accessible to all students.
Emily: I hope students take away that they can look closely at the natural world to learn in fun and creative ways. There is a lot we can learn from nature and it can be rewarding to notice the details of a plant, fungus, or animal. The act of noticing, being curious, and asking questions is a wonderful process of inquiry and science learning.
About the Partnership
Belwin Conservancy’s new partnership with Stillwater Area Public Schools offers immersive, standards-aligned science education experiences for students in grades 2 – 5.
- Through a blend of classroom and field-based learning, students will:
- Explore local ecosystems and discover Minnesota wildlife
- Develop an understanding of environmental stewardship
- Practice scientific observation and inquiry skills
- Build a personal connection with nature
This partnership connects classroom learning with real-world exploration, helping students deepen their understanding of the environment and their role in caring for it.
Made Possible Through Community Support
The partnership is made possible through the generous support of donors to Belwin, along with the St. Croix Valley Foundation, the Valley Branch Watershed District, and the Brown’s Creek Watershed District.
Because of this support, local students will have the opportunity to explore, discover, and learn in one of Minnesota’s most inspiring outdoor classrooms.
