About Jacob
My Roots
I grew up on the edge of a conservation area, roaming through woods, wetlands, and neighbourhood parks. Nature wasn’t just a place I visited - it was where I felt most at home.
Those early experiences shaped not only my path, but my sense of what matters. They instilled in me a deep belief that every child deserves the chance to belong to the natural world. Today, my work is guided by Indigenous ways of knowing, principles of regenerative design, and a belief in education as a powerful force for healing and renewal.
Professional
Biography
I am an environmental educator, author, and speaker with more than 35 years of experience helping children, educators, and communities reconnect with the natural world. I currently serve as Executive Director of Camp Kawartha, a summer camp and environmental education centre where I work with a dedicated team to inspire stewardship, wonder, and care for the Earth.
My work is rooted in a simple belief: when children are given time, space, and meaningful experiences in nature, they develop empathy, resilience, and a lasting sense of responsibility for the living world around them. This belief has guided my teaching, writing, and program development for decades.
I teach environmental education at Trent University and hold degrees in environmental studies, geography, and education. Over the years, I have written widely on children and nature for publications including EcoParent, Green Teacher, and Cottage Country Connection.
My books translate these decades of experience into actionable guides for your home or classroom.
Career Highlights & Initiatives
The Pathway to Stewardship and Kinship
At the heart of my work is the Pathway to Stewardship and Kinship, a developmental framework I conceived and co-created alongside the wonderful Cathy Dueck, whose vision, leadership, and dedication helped bring the project to life. Along with more than 45 community partners, local school boards, schools and early childcare centres, we developed the Pathway to guide children, from birth through adolescence, in forming deep, lasting relationships with the natural world.
Rooted in the belief that stewardship grows from connection, the Pathway offers a shared roadmap for families, educators, and communities to nurture a lifelong sense of belonging and responsibility to the Earth. The project has been cited in a United Nations biodiversity report and recognized with the Outstanding Flagship Project Award by the United Nations University as a global exemplar of education for sustainable development.
Sustainable Leadership
Beyond writing and teaching, I have worked to create learning spaces that embody the values they teach. Instead of only asking kids to reduce their environmental impact, I want them to bear witness to what “good” looks like. What inspires, activates and empowers them to create a greener future.
That is why I conceived and led the development of the Camp Kawartha Environment Centre, one of Canada’s most sustainable education buildings, located at Trent University, as well as the negative carbon health centre at Camp Kawartha. I also helped establish the Eco Mentor Program in partnership with Trent University and Fleming College, a hands-on environmental education certificate program that has since been adopted by several universities across Ontario.
Recognition & Awards
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Double Gold Nautilus Book Awards (The Big Book of Nature Activities
Gold Nautilus Book Award (The Book of Nature Connection)
Silver Medal Ben Franklin Book Award (The Book of Nature Connection)
Silver Medal Independent Book Award (The Book of Nature Connection)
Moonbeam Book Silver Award (The Big Book of Nature Activities)
Green Book Award (The Big Book of Nature Activities)
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Robin Dennis Award (2024) – From the Council of Outdoor Educators of Ontario: In recognition of outstanding contributions to the promotion and development of outdoor education in Ontario.
Inductee to the Peterborough Pathway of Fame (2022)
Paul Harris Award (2021) – From the Peterborough Rotary Club
Otonabee Conservation Excellence Award (2019) – For passionate determination, inspiration, and innovation in fostering awareness and understanding of the world around us.
Award of Excellence - Outstanding Educator (2017) – Canadian Network for Environmental Education & Communication (Honourable Mention).
Leadership in Environmental Education Award (2010) – Ontario Society of Environmental Educators.
Richard’s Education Award (2007) – From Ontario Nature, for significant contribution in helping youth and adults understand the intricacies of nature.
Named as one of 9 inspiring leaders for the North American Children And Nature Movement.
Building a Future of Kinship
Jacob’s work is a testament to the power of restorative education. Whether you are a parent looking for guidance, an educator seeking new tools, or a leader planning a community initiative, there is a place for you in this vision of a regenerative future.