Our Vision
We envision a Dane County where every child has the right and opportunity to safely explore, play, and build lasting relationships with nature.
Our Mission
Our mission is to create meaningful invitations to play outdoors—through classes, camps, and community experiences—that ignite curiosity, support child-led exploration, and deepen each family's bond with the natural world.
Our Team
Christie Moser is Founder & Owner of Naturing in Madison. She cannot walk past a pinecone, wildflower, rock, bug or bird friend without stopping to say hello. She loves exploring the outdoors with her two kids and re-experiencing the magic of childhood through their eyes. Christie has a MS in Art and Design History, Nature Teacher Certification from the Association of Nature Based Education, and Wisconsin Master Naturalist certification. She is deeply passionate about child-centered play, wildcrafting, and fostering life-long connections with our natural world.
As a scientist of little things, Katie loves to dive into the natural world with a curious mind and messy hands! Her family of 5 enjoys being outside as much as possible, whether they are lounging on a blanket reading books, walking and exploring in the forest, or playing games. At Naturing in Madison, Katie loves encouraging the littlest explorers to experience big adventures in their local parks and green spaces.
Amy Osinga is a certified Yasei Shinrin Yoku (Wild Forest Bathing) guide, a practice which helps people to connect mindfully in nature. She has a Bachelors in Conservation and Ecology, and a Masters in Elementary Education. Amy has worked with children of all ages in community gardening, visual arts, outdoor classrooms, traditional classrooms, and nature-play experiences. Nature is a life-long passion for Amy. She is fiery about the importance of children connecting meaningfully in nature for health and well-being, and in turn for the benefit of nature conservation and restoration. In her free time Amy likes to spend time with friends and family, garden, travel, and be outside!
After ten years of teaching in the schools, Katie now loves having nature as her classroom! She is passionate about fostering creativity and a love of learning in children. She enjoys nature photography, writing, travel, and hiking with her kids.
Robin Smekal is a garden enthusiast with an almost green thumb. She enjoys exploring nature parks, rolling along bike trails, and sharing the love of the outdoors with her family. Now as a mom, she finds joy in reconnecting with tiny wonders and living among nature treasures.
Amy Schmudlach is a Madison native, mom of 3 littles and co-owner of a canoe company. She loves outdoor adventures both big and small, from finding a new nature park in the city to carting her kids along on multi day bike packing trips. She is happiest when she's outside and enjoys sharing her joy of the outdoors with kids and families!