Nature, Healing, and Finding Joy Through Community and Education with Nicole Jackson

In this episode, Dexter and Jason are joined by Nicole Jackson, environmental educator, urban birder, nature photographer, and co-organizer of Black Birders Week. Nicole shares her journey into environmental education, the healing power of nature, and her passion for making outdoor spaces more inclusive. From grassroots work in Ohio to national initiatives like Let's Go Outside! with Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Nicole's story is a powerful reminder that nature belongs to everyone.

The conversation explores her community-based projects, creative work on an upcoming documentary, and wraps with a fun rapid-fire round that offers a glimpse into what brings her Bird Joy.

Highlights:

* How Nicole's love of nature began in Cleveland * Healing from trauma through nature * The evolution of Black Birders Week and Black in National Parks Week * Making environmental education accessible through Let's Go Outside! * Her upcoming youth-focused birding documentary * Favorite birds, memories, and books from the rapid-fire Q&A

Resources & Links:

* Nicole Jackson [https://www.instagram.com/blkngrnbeauty/] – Instagram * Let's Go Outside! – Cornell Lab of Ornithology [https://academy.allaboutbirds.org/product/lets-go-outside-how-to-connect-kids-with-birds-and-nature/] * Black Birders Week – BlackAFinSTEM [https://www.blackafinstem.com/] * Black in National Parks Week [https://blkinnationalparks.com/] – #BlackInNationalParksWeek * BIPOC Birding Club of Wisconsin [https://www.bipocbirdingclub.org/] * In Color Birding Club [https://www.incolorbirding.org/]

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