Recently, we surveyed participants in our Northern Woodlands Goes to School program, which provides free Northern Woodlands magazines for education. There were some inspiring responses. They showed how our magazine and online content can serve a range of different student interests and ages.
From a high school teacher in western New York:
I use [the magazines] for a Natural Resources course to show [students] future career options and interesting facts about our unique woodlot. We read the articles as part of our curriculum to keep up to date. We use it for identification of organisms as well. I love that the magazine blends climate change issues in a non-politicizing way with woodlots to show students how it will impact their lives and what they could possibly do about it.
From a woman homeschooling her son in northern Vermont:
I read the entire magazine to my 8-year-old. We walk in the woods, identify trees, forage for wild edibles, talk about habitats, study the life cycle of insects and animals (we love reading The Outside Story online), we planted pollinator gardens, we make art inspired by the magazine, and sometimes use old copies to cut up and collage.
It’s gratifying to read these descriptions of how people are sharing our magazine and online work with new learners. I contacted the mom quoted above to thank her for taking the time to respond to the survey, and asked if we could publish a photo of one of her son’s collages. She sent several images, including those shared on this page.
The winter issue is when we give thanks to everyone in our community who has helped to support and share our work. On page 68, there’s a list of all the individuals, organizations, and foundations who made charitable gifts to our nonprofit during our past fiscal year, which ended September 30. This support represents roughly half of our budget, and it’s essential for us to keep moving forward. On behalf of our staff and volunteer board of directors, thank you!
Of course, there are many others who have contributed to Northern Woodlands’ success. Our thanks as well: to topic experts who freely share their time and ideas, to like-minded organizations who collaborate with us in ways great and small, to friends of the nonprofit who offer behind-the-scenes guidance, to our loyal advertisers, whose ads bring so much color and interest to every issue and help to reflect the many ways people value the woods.
And thanks to our readers – especially those of you who have shared the magazine with others this year, or mentioned us on social media. We’re so grateful for your enthusiasm and good company.
I love the woods. But it’s the people who make this work such a joy. Onward to 2022.
Elise Tillinghast, Executive Director/Publisher