Books

My writing blends science, story, and lived experience, offering practical and creative ideas alongside a deeper reflection on what it means to raise children who care for the world they inherit. These books are designed for educators, parents, and community leaders seeking hopeful and practical ways to nurture environmental responsibility.

Line drawing of a bird perched on a branch with a leaf on the right
Line drawing of a bird perched on a branch with a leaf on the right

“If we want children to flourish, to become truly empowered, let us allow them to love the earth before we ask them to save it.”

-David Sobel

Featured Release

The Wild Path Home: A Guide to Raising the Earth Stewards of Tomorrow

Co-authored with Cathy Dueck | Released in 2025

This guide serves as a companion for parents and educators, offering a developmental roadmap to support children in building meaningful relationships with nature.

It translates 35 years of environmental leadership into a tangible path toward hope and agency.

Close-up of a person walking on a moss-covered log in a forest, wearing jeans and sneakers, with sunlight filtering through trees in the background, and text overlay about earth stewardship.
Close-up of a person walking on a moss-covered log in a forest, wearing jeans and sneakers, with sunlight filtering through trees in the background, and text overlay about earth stewardship.
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Without question, this is the finest book on raising children I have ever seen. Today’s child emerges into a world of strife, loss, and fear. Regenerating life depends on transforming our beliefs and dictums about how to raise a child. Nature will determine if we are worthy to be here on Earth. Every child deserves to encounter, know, and love nature in all its intelligence, complexity, and magnificence. Such a child will realize they are nature and can transform the future for all children. —Paul Hawken, author, Carbon, Regeneration, and The Book of Life

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Award-Winning Resources

Cover of a book titled 'The Book of Nature Connection' by Jacob Rodenburg, promoting 70 sensory activities for all ages, featuring a photo of a tree trunk with two children's hands, one in an orange jacket grasping the tree, and decorative illustrations of plants, berries, and a bee.
Cover of a book titled 'The Book of Nature Connection' by Jacob Rodenburg, promoting 70 sensory activities for all ages, featuring a photo of a tree trunk with two children's hands, one in an orange jacket grasping the tree, and decorative illustrations of plants, berries, and a bee.
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This book shares creative sensory activities designed to strengthen a child’s connection to the natural world. It provides simple, powerful ways to foster a lifelong bond between children and the ecosystems they call home.

The Book of Nature Connection:
A Guide to Enhancing Our Relationship with the Natural World

    • Double Gold Nautilus Book Awards

    • Moonbeam Book Silver Award

    • Green Book Award

    • Finalist: Indie (Independent) Book Award

Cover of a book titled 'The Big Book of Nature Activities' by Drew Monkman and Jacob Rodenburg, featuring images of the moon, a butterfly, stones, sand, leaves, and text spelling 'NATURE.'
Cover of a book titled 'The Big Book of Nature Activities' by Drew Monkman and Jacob Rodenburg, featuring images of the moon, a butterfly, stones, sand, leaves, and text spelling 'NATURE.'
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The Big Book of Nature Activities

Co-authored with Drew Monkman

A comprehensive, widely used resource for families to reconnect with the natural world through hands-on discovery and play. It showcases fun nature activities tailored for each season of the year.

    • Gold Nautilus Book Award

    • Silver Medal Ben Franklin Book Award

    • Silver Medal Independent Book Award

Other Writing

Beyond these titles, I have written numerous articles for educators, parents, and community leaders in publications such as EcoParent, Green Teacher, and Cottage Country Connection. My work continues to explore how school grounds and nearby nature can deepen curiosity, build resiliency, and connect outdoor learning to the curriculum.

Articles & Essays
Field Notes
Video Library