Muddy Sneakers

Muddy Sneakers Core Value: Experiential Learning Hands-on instruction via the outdoor classroom can deeply impact a child’s formal education. We are committed to small group, place-based learning that reimagines the traditional classroom. We cultivate curiosity, observation, inquiry, and relationships that foster scientifically literate future generations.

🎉 What an incredible year we had! 🎉 During the 2023–2024 school year, 4,159 5th graders from 64 NC public schools engaged in 71,882 hours of learning with Muddy Sneakers! Throughout 288 field expeditions, 70 public spaces in our state were used as classrooms, sparking curiosity and awakening within students a connection to the natural world. Let's do it again... bring on 2024–2025!!!

❗Partnerships for the 2024 – 2025 school year are filling fast ❗ Only a limited number of year-long experiential outdoor science education partnerships remain. Educators, don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your 5th graders’ understanding of the newly updated NC Essential Standards for Science! Check out our program guide for partnership details and registration information: https://lnkd.in/eYthZT_D

Muddy Sneakers Core Value: Belonging We have a responsibility as outdoor educators to introduce nature as an equitable, inclusive, and empowering space for all people.

Here we grow again... We're adding a second Development Manager to our team! 🎉🎉🎉 We’re looking for a skilled fundraiser to drive a minimum of $500,000 in revenue annually to support our mission: to awaken in children a deeply felt connection with the natural world — one that inspires curiosity, stimulates learning, and brings new life to classroom performance. To learn more and to apply, visit our website: https://lnkd.in/g9DbHNe5

Muddy Sneakers attended Glenn C. Marlow Elementary's Career Fair last month to give students a taste of what it’s like to be in the environmental education field. We can’t wait to see what the future holds for these young scientists! #stemcareer #stemeducator #environmentaleducator #careerday

Muddy Sneakers Core Value: Access We believe children of all backgrounds, cultures, and abilities benefit from and have a right to meaningful experiences in the outdoors that foster a connection to nature.

🌊🦎 Happy Aquatic Animal Day! 🦎🌊 Today, let's dive into the fascinating world of salamanders and celebrate these incredible aquatic creatures for the vital roles they play in our environment. Here are some reasons why salamanders are true aquatic heroes: Indicators of Water Quality: Salamanders, like the Neuse River waterdog found in North Carolina, are excellent indicators of water quality. Their presence in freshwater habitats signals healthy ecosystems with clean water and abundant resources for aquatic life. Bioindicators of Ecosystem Health: As sensitive organisms, salamanders respond quickly to changes in their environment. By monitoring salamander populations, scientists can assess the overall health and integrity of aquatic ecosystems, helping to guide conservation efforts and protect vital habitats. Keystone Species: Salamanders play a crucial role as keystone species in aquatic food webs. As both predators and prey, they help regulate populations of aquatic invertebrates, contributing to the balance and stability of ecosystem dynamics. Nutrient Cycling: Through their feeding habits and waste excretion, salamanders contribute to nutrient cycling in freshwater habitats. They help recycle essential nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus, which are vital for the growth of aquatic plants and algae, thus supporting the entire aquatic food chain. Habitat Engineers: Salamanders, especially those with aquatic larval stages, such as the red-spotted newt, modify their habitats through their burrowing and foraging activities. Their interactions with the environment create microhabitats that benefit other aquatic organisms, enhancing overall biodiversity. Unique Adaptations: Salamanders possess a variety of unique adaptations that enable them to thrive in aquatic environments. From their permeable skin that allows for gas exchange underwater to their ability to regenerate lost limbs, these amphibians showcase remarkable evolutionary traits that contribute to their success in water. Cultural and Ecological Significance: Salamanders hold cultural significance in many regions and are valued for their ecological roles in maintaining healthy ecosystems. By conserving salamander habitats, we not only protect biodiversity but also preserve cultural heritage and ensure the sustainability of freshwater resources for future generations. Let's give a round of applause to salamanders for their incredible contributions to aquatic ecosystems and pledge to continue our efforts to conserve and protect their habitats. Together, we can ensure a brighter future for these remarkable aquatic animals and the environments they call home! 🌎💙 #AquaticAnimalDay #Salamanders #Conservation #Biodiversity #muddysneakers

Join our team! We’re currently hiring for several positions, including Instructors, Program Manager, and Director of Development. Check out our current openings and apply online at https://lnkd.in/g9DbHNe5

Several members of our program team attended the Science for All Summit at the Morehead Planetarium and Science Center where they exchanged knowledge and ideas with colleagues to advance inclusion, diversity, equity, and access in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields. In addition, Muddy Sneakers team members Cynthia and Shannon presented a session entitled Exploring Case Studies of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) Professional Development in Environmental Education Organizations alongside Michelle, of Environmental Educators of North Carolina. We’re so proud of this team’s commitment to embracing opportunities to help all learners of all abilities participate in our programs! 👏👏👏 #scienceforall #STEMeducation #professionaldevelopment #environmentaleducator #environmentaleducation