Joining me today is a guest who truly embodies the spirit of being an animal adventurer, Susie Spikol. Susie is a naturalist, educator, and author of the captivating book, "The Animal Adventurer's Guide."If you're an animal lover who enjoys following animal tracks and chasing fireflies, then this episode is for you. Susie will discuss the importance of connecting kids to nature in the digital age, her love for animals with "bad reputations," and share tips for nighttime animal observation using a flashlight.With over 30 years of experience as a naturalist and educator, Susie knows the activities that kids and families love. This episode is all about practicality. With Susie's invaluable reminders, we can rediscover the enchantment of the world right outside our doorstep.“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-----------------------About SusieSusie Spikol is a naturalist at the Harris Center for Conservation Education in Hancock, New Hampshire. If you ask Spikol her favorite animal, she will not be able to choose. She has spent her entire life loving animals, especially the ones that have “bad reputations” like the petite but venomous short-tailed shrew and the famously stinky striped skunk. In her three-decade long career, Spikol helps people of all ages fall in love with and connect with the natural world. From going on midnight owling expeditions and early morning bird walks to catching frogs and following bear tracks on snowshoes, she spends many of her workdays outside in search of animals and their signs. Known by some as the Princess of Poop, Spikol’s award-worthy scat collection has been the talk of her small town when it was once showcased at the town library. When she isn’t at work leading people of all ages on nature walks or in her office sorting her scat collection, she spends time writing about nature and can be found outside with her three children and two dogs having their own wild adventures.Links Discussed in This EpisodeOrder a Copy of Minimalist Moms: Living and Parenting with SimplicityMinimalist Resource: GoGrowKids (The Push Driver)Beneficial Resource: All things David SobelBook: Childhood and Nature: Design Principles for Educators by David SobelBook: Wild Play by David SobelBook: Beyond Ecophobia: Reclaiming the Heart in Nature Education by David SobelCan't Stop Talking About: Gnomes!Book: Gnomes by Wil HuygenConnect with Susie:InstagramWebsiteBook: The Animal Adventurer's Guide by Susie SpikolEnjoy this Podcast?Learning how you can get rid of clutter and live an intentional and purposeful life has never been this simple. If you enjoyed today’s episode of the Minimalist Moms Podcast, then hit subscribe and share it with your friends!Post a review and share it! If you enjoyed tuning into this podcast, then do not hesitate to write a review. You can also share this with your fellow mothers so that they can be inspired to think more and do with less.Have any questions? You can contact me through my website, find me on Instagram, or like The Minimalist Moms Page on Facebook.Thanks for listening! For more updates and episodes, visit the website. You may also tune in on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, or Stitcher.——————————————Episode Sponsors |The Minimalist Moms Podcast would not be possible without the support of weekly sponsors. Choosing brands that I believe in is important to me. I only want to recommend brands that I believe may help you in your daily life. As always, never feel pressured into buying anything. Remember: if you don't need it, it's not a good deal!Liquid IV | Grab your Liquid I.V. in bulk nationwide at Costco or you can get 20% off when you go to LiquidIV.com and use code MINIMALIST at checkout.Earth Breeze | Right now, my listeners can subscribe to Earth Breeze and save 40%! Go to EARTH BREEZE.com/minimalist to get started. HelloFresh | Go to Hellofresh.com/minimalist16 and us