Joy. That’s what I felt was missing from our educational system during my time as a 1st-3rd grade teacher, early childhood professor, and family literacy program director. When it comes to our nature’s history, most lessons, courses, and experiences are taught from the white perspective, and the experiences of those who are Indigenous, Black, and Other People of the Global Majority too often go untold.

This is especially true in the classrooms, community groups, and learning environments centered around nature, environmental education, and outdoor recreation. And unfortunately this creates a disconnect for many people to those environments – which they often carry with them throughout their lives. For more on this, read an article I wrote which has continued to inspire my work today.

I founded Unearthing Joy to unearth those stories, uplift our ancestors and their contributions, and inspire joy for all of earth’s children, families, and communities. By marrying the beauty of nature, learning, and joy, I have seen hearts become full and eyes light up as children and adults discover new connections to our nature.

What started as an outdoor program for local families has quickly grown to include guidance to organizations creating nature programs for their own communities. There is untold history in every corner of our world, and Unearthing Joy brings those stories to life, while enabling them to be shared and celebrated.

I want families and communities, especially those who have been historically excluded, to find joy in nature as I have throughout my own life, and Unearthing Joy is determined to make that a reality.

Peace & Joy,
Ashley Brailsford, Ph.D., Founder