Calendar of events
Upcoming Samara events, workshops, & speaking engagements
Interested in scheduling Dr. Rachel A. Larimore for an event? Learn more here.
The Grove Family Provider Connection Call
This monthly call offers family providers an opportunity to discuss challenges specific to home-based settings. Connect with peers in similar situations and receive support tailored to the unique and evolving needs in nature- and home-based settings.
The Grove Drop-in Community Conversation with Rachel
The Drop-in Community Conversation is a one hour session where Rachel (and some of your peers!) are available on Zoom. This is your opportunity to exchange ideas, ask questions, and engage in casual discussions with colleagues and Rachel at a time that suits you!
This event is for Grove members only. Click here to learn more about The Grove—a community of nature-based educators learning and growing together.
Leading Change Toward Nature-based Teaching: A Focus on Preparing Ourselves as Leaders
Talk of social-emotional health of children is common in early childhood, but we rarely stop to consider how adult relationships, with ourselves and others, influence our professional roles in early childhood. In this session, Dr. Larimore will guide you to explore the many social-emotional factors that impact your ability to lead change toward a nature-based teaching approach.
Preschool Naturally: An outdoor & nature-based learning campference
We are excited to co-host this event for preschool educators! This conference, in a camp-like setting, will be a chance to dig deep into practice through theory and hands-on workshops. Workshops will be led Dr. Rachel Larimore (Samara’s founder), Ferncliff Nature Preschool staff, and A-State Childhood Services staff.
The Grove Drop-in Community Conversation with Rachel
The Drop-in Community Conversation is a one hour session where Rachel (and some of your peers!) are available on Zoom. This is your opportunity to exchange ideas, ask questions, and engage in casual discussions with colleagues and Rachel at a time that suits you!
This event is for Grove members only. Click here to learn more about The Grove—a community of nature-based educators learning and growing together.
The Grove Family Provider Connection Call
This monthly call offers family providers an opportunity to discuss challenges specific to home-based settings. Connect with peers in similar situations and receive support tailored to the unique and evolving needs in nature- and home-based settings.
The Grove Focused Call: From Disengaged to Active Ally: How to Engage Families in Nature-based Education
Families are essential partners in young children’s learning and development–even in nature-based education programs. Yet creating a successful partnership with families is easier said than done! In this 1-hour webinar Rachel will challenge you to consider the various ways you engage families throughout the year around the nature-based teaching approach.
The Grove Family Provider Connection Call
This monthly call offers family providers an opportunity to discuss challenges specific to home-based settings. Connect with peers in similar situations and receive support tailored to the unique and evolving needs in nature- and home-based settings.
The Grove Drop-in Office Hour with Rachel
Drop-in Office Hour with Dr. Rachel Larimore is a one-hour sessions where Rachel is available on Zoom for Grove members to drop-in for a conversation. This is a great chance to get answers to your questions about nature-based early childhood education, or receive tailored feedback from Rachel specific to your situation. We offer these informal sessions for Grove members so they can more easily join at time that suits them—and without the feeling of “oh, the call already started so I can’t join.” Rather, Rachel is present for 1 hour and she’d love to see you!
This event is for Grove members only. Click here to learn more about The Grove—a community of nature-based educators learning and growing together.
The Grove Drop-in Office Hour with Rachel
Drop-in Office Hour with Dr. Rachel Larimore is a one-hour sessions where Rachel is available on Zoom for Grove members to drop-in for a conversation. This is a great chance to get answers to your questions about nature-based early childhood education, or receive tailored feedback from Rachel specific to your situation. We offer these informal sessions for Grove members so they can more easily join at time that suits them—and without the feeling of “oh, the call already started so I can’t join.” Rather, Rachel is present for 1 hour and she’d love to see you!
This event is for Grove members only. Click here to learn more about The Grove—a community of nature-based educators learning and growing together.
The Grove Family Provider Connection Call
This monthly call offers family providers an opportunity to discuss challenges specific to home-based settings. Connect with peers in similar situations and receive support tailored to the unique and evolving needs in nature- and home-based settings.
The Grove Drop-in Office Hour with Rachel
Drop-in Office Hour with Dr. Rachel Larimore is a one-hour sessions where Rachel is available on Zoom for Grove members to drop-in for a conversation. This is a great chance to get answers to your questions about nature-based early childhood education, or receive tailored feedback from Rachel specific to your situation. We offer these informal sessions for Grove members so they can more easily join at time that suits them—and without the feeling of “oh, the call already started so I can’t join.” Rather, Rachel is present for 1 hour and she’d love to see you!
This event is for Grove members only. Click here to learn more about The Grove—a community of nature-based educators learning and growing together.
The Grove Focused Call: A conversation with Rusty Keeler
A conversation with natural playscape designer Rusty Keeler. We'll chat about preparing natural play areas for the upcoming school year, his thoughts on the current state of the field, and more. Join the conversation live or send your questions in advance.
Natural Start Alliance's Nature-based Early Learning Conference
Join hundreds of professionals around the globe for the Nature-Based Early Learning Conference, hosted by the Natural Start Alliance. Explore the role of nature and education in promoting healing, addressing injustice, and helping children, families, communities, and the planet thrive.
The Grove Drop-in Office Hour with Rachel
Drop-in Office Hour with Dr. Rachel Larimore is a one-hour sessions where Rachel is available on Zoom for Grove members to drop-in for a conversation. This is a great chance to get answers to your questions about nature-based early childhood education, or receive tailored feedback from Rachel specific to your situation. We offer these informal sessions for Grove members so they can more easily join at time that suits them—and without the feeling of “oh, the call already started so I can’t join.” Rather, Rachel is present for 1 hour and she’d love to see you!
This event is for Grove members only. Click here to learn more about The Grove—a community of nature-based educators learning and growing together.
The Grove Drop-in Office Hour with Rachel
Drop-in Office Hour with Dr. Rachel Larimore is a one-hour sessions where Rachel is available on Zoom for Grove members to drop-in for a conversation. This is a great chance to get answers to your questions about nature-based early childhood education, or receive tailored feedback from Rachel specific to your situation. We offer these informal sessions for Grove members so they can more easily join at time that suits them—and without the feeling of “oh, the call already started so I can’t join.” Rather, Rachel is present for 1 hour and she’d love to see you!
This event is for Grove members only. Click here to learn more about The Grove—a community of nature-based educators learning and growing together.
Trillium Montessori: Montessori & Ecological Consciousness Summit
Join us for a groundbreaking virtual summit on June 17-19, 2024 that brings together experts, scientists, activists, and educators to explore how Montessori principles and pedagogy can nurture ecological consciousness in children and cultivate a generation of sustainability leaders.
The Grove Focused Call: Nurturing brain development using nature and classroom design with Dr. Kathryn Murray
Designing spaces that calm the brain and embrace the sense of safety, emotional connections between people and objects and opportunities to think, imagine, wonder, and learn are dependent on the environment we create. The environment shapes us and we shape the environment to enable rich, playful learning to happen naturally. This session will provide an overview of the Brain-SET Environments Formula, a revolutionary pedagogy being implemented around the world.
Nature-Based Emergent Curriculum: The Power of Place for Planning (Webinar)
This edWebinar will first explore the fundamental principles of the nature-based approach. Then, Dr. Rachel Larimore will explore how we can live these principles in day-to-day teaching practices—especially if the goal is an emergent curriculum rooted in play and children’s interests. By focusing on the seasonal events that occur in our local place in the world, we can intentionally integrate nature into teaching practice—no matter our current situation.
The Grove Drop-in Office Hour with Rachel
Drop-in Office Hour with Dr. Rachel Larimore is a one-hour sessions where Rachel is available on Zoom for Grove members to drop-in for a conversation. This is a great chance to get answers to your questions about nature-based early childhood education, or receive tailored feedback from Rachel specific to your situation. We offer these informal sessions for Grove members so they can more easily join at time that suits them—and without the feeling of “oh, the call already started so I can’t join.” Rather, Rachel is present for 1 hour and she’d love to see you!
This event is for Grove members only. Click here to learn more about The Grove—a community of nature-based educators learning and growing together.
The Grove Focused Call: A Conversation with Amy Butler
This month's focused call with be a conversation with educator Amy Butler about nature-based education in elementary settings and her new book "Educating Children Outdoors." Join the conversation live or send your questions in advance!
Ohio’s Annual AEYC Conference (2024)
Join thousands of educators from Ohio, across the nation, and around the globe for an extraordinary experience at the foremost event tailored for early childhood educators, directors, and advocates! Samara’s Chief Visionary, Dr. Rachel A. Larimore, will be presenting two concurrent sessions at this year’s conference!
Starting a New Nature-Based School: Plans, Partnerships, & Devilish Details
Dreaming of starting a school? Confident in early childhood education, but less confident about the business side of things? This webinar is for you!
The Grove Drop-in Office Hour with Rachel
Drop-in Office Hour with Dr. Rachel Larimore is a one-hour sessions where Rachel is available on Zoom for Grove members to drop-in for a conversation. This is a great chance to get answers to your questions about nature-based early childhood education. This is also a place to receive tailored feedback from Rachel specific to your situation. We offer these informal and relaxed sessions for Grove members so they can more easily join at time that suits them—and without the feeling of “oh, the call already started so I can’t join.” Rather, Rachel is present for 1 hour and she’d love to see you!
This event is for Grove members only. Click here to learn more about The Grove—a community of nature-based educators learning and growing together.
The Grove Focused Call: Adults with ADHD and Neurodiverse Characteristics: How Do I Support My Staff… and Myself?
We know how to serve the children. How about the adults? After this call, you will be ready to clearly recognize and assist staff who have ADHD and neurodiverse characteristics. See how to approach ADHD and neurodiversity not as a problem but an invitation. Walk away with specific tools to enhance the learning environment for everyone! Join us as we gain valuable insights from “The ADHD Whisperer” Rachel B. Selig, M.Ed. Rachel is passionate about removing barriers and supporting inclusivity for adults with ADHD, and neurodiverse characteristics.
The Grove Drop-in Office Hour with Rachel
Drop-in Office Hour with Dr. Rachel Larimore is a one-hour sessions where Rachel is available on Zoom for Grove members to drop-in for a conversation. This is a great chance to get answers to your questions about nature-based early childhood education. This is also a place to receive tailored feedback from Rachel specific to your situation. We offer these informal and relaxed sessions for Grove members so they can more easily join at time that suits them—and without the feeling of “oh, the call already started so I can’t join.” Rather, Rachel is present for 1 hour and she’d love to see you!
This event is for Grove members only. Click here to learn more about The Grove—a community of nature-based educators learning and growing together.
Nature-Based Learning: Inspiring & Supporting Staff to Help Children Learn with Nature
This webinar, designed to support program leaders and administrators, will briefly share the core principles of a nature-based approach and a Trail Map for Leading Change toward that approach. With that common language established, Rachel will focus on the steps to support your team to make the shift to a nature-based approach—and keep them happy and inspired along the way.
Evaluating Natureness: How to use the Nature-Based Education Rating Scale to improve nature-based early childhood teaching (Session 3)
Part 3 of 3 in a webinar series on using the Nature-Based Education Rating Scale (NABERS). NABERS is a tool crafted specifically for early education practitioners, researchers, and policymakers to help them effortlessly gather standardized information, assessing education settings in crucial areas such as: program goals, curriculum practices, staffing, environment, community partnerships, and family engagement.
*The recordings for all 3 installments in this webinar series are available to Grove Members. Click here to join today!
Evaluating Natureness: How to use the Nature-Based Education Rating Scale to improve nature-based early childhood teaching (Session 2)
Part 2 of 3 in a webinar series on using the Nature-Based Education Rating Scales system (NABERS). NABERS is a tool crafted specifically for early education practitioners, researchers, and policymakers to help them effortlessly gather standardized information, assessing education settings in crucial areas such as: program goals, curriculum practices, staffing, environment, community partnerships, and family engagement.
*The recordings for all 3 installments in this webinar series are available to Grove Members. Click here to join today!
Non-Profit or For-Profit? Finding the Best Path for Your Program (A Natural Start Alliance webinar)
Join nature-based education consultants David Catlin and Samara’s founder Dr. Rachel Larimore to get answers to this and other questions about the pros and cons of each of these different pathways. Rachel and David have developed a new resource to help programs consider their options, and they'll provide an overview, and take your questions during this webinar.
The Grove Drop-in Office Hour with Rachel
Drop-in Office Hour with Dr. Rachel Larimore is a one-hour sessions where Rachel is available on Zoom for Grove members to drop-in for a conversation. This is a great chance to get answers to your questions about nature-based early childhood education. This is also a place to receive tailored feedback from Rachel specific to your situation. We offer these informal and relaxed sessions for Grove members so they can more easily join at time that suits them—and without the feeling of “oh, the call already started so I can’t join.” Rather, Rachel is present for 1 hour and she’d love to see you!
Please note this event is only for members of The Grove. Not a member? You can join The Grove here to access this event & more.
Evaluating Natureness: How to use the Nature-Based Education Rating Scale to improve nature-based early childhood teaching (Session 1)
Part 2 of 3 in a webinar series on using the Nature-Based Education Rating Scales system (NABERS). NABERS is a tool crafted specifically for early education practitioners, researchers, and policymakers to help them effortlessly gather standardized information, assessing education settings in crucial areas such as: program goals, curriculum practices, staffing, environment, community partnerships, and family engagement.
*The recordings for all 3 installments in this webinar series are available to Grove Members. Click here to join today!
Why do we do THAT?!: Making Intentional Decisions in the Nature-based Early Childhood Classroom
*The recording of this webinar is available to Grove Members. Click here to join today!
The Grove Drop-in Office Hour with Rachel
Drop-in Office Hour with Dr. Rachel Larimore is a one-hour sessions where Rachel is available on Zoom for Grove members to drop-in for a conversation. This is a great chance to get answers to your questions about nature-based early childhood education. This is also a place to receive tailored feedback from Rachel specific to your situation. We offer these informal and relaxed sessions for Grove members so they can more easily join at time that suits them—and without the feeling of “oh, the call already started so I can’t join.” Rather, Rachel is present for 1 hour and she’d love to see you!
This event is for Grove members only. Click here to learn more about The Grove—a community of nature-based educators learning and growing together.