Handing Down Natural Knowledge

Wild places like Alaska and the Galápagos hold infinite learnings for young travelers who are nurturing new relationships with the natural world. The certified field educators at the helm of the National Geographic Global Explorers program are experts at interpreting the fascinating stories of species and their habitats so that kids and teens can return home inspired by the planet and primed to protect it. Here, these mentors share what drives them to lead the next generation of explorers.

Tim Martin, Naturalist, Alaska

“You only get one opportunity to see a grizzly bear for the first time. After that first experience, the next best thing is to share in that moment with others. Fostering an explorer’s mindset with youth is an experience that is always rewarding.

We only protect what we care about. We only care about what we know. We only truly know about things we have experienced. My hope is that the experiences I share with young explorers on expeditions inspire them to care about these wild places and that they will become ambassadors to help protect and preserve them for future generations.”

Ramiro Adrian Naturalist, Galápagos

"Kids and teens have the opportunity to create new ways of interacting with the world around us, and in the National Geographic Global Explorers program, we foster this by helping young travelers change their relationships with wild places. When we go snorkeling with underwater creatures or hiking to see species in their natural environments, kids are inspired to ask questions and connect ideas, and we as field educators share in this learning process. It is amazing to find answers to the kids’ questions in observable, real-world moments."

Kimberly Baldwin Naturalist, Alaska

"I deeply believe that fostering positive interactions between youth and nature is the way to motivate future citizens in awareness and passion for stewardship. The youth love the activities in the National Geographic Global Explorers program. They will always remember some of the big excursions, like driving the Zodiacs. Sometimes, a young explorer writes in their journal about a simple moment she and I shared just looking closely at a captured crab or flower. You never know what they will find profound in their experience."