Backyard Nature Academy Newsletter February 2026

From the Director          

Dear BYNA Families,

As we move deeper into winter, the forest around Havenroot reminds us that learning doesn’t pause with the season — it simply changes form. While some trees stand bare and quiet, moss glows bright green, winter birds gather at feeders, and underground roots are storing energy for spring.

This month, our students have explored botany, winter bird adaptations, nonvascular plants, and the science of how ecosystems remain active even when they appear still. Watching children connect the dots between soil, sunlight, seeds, and survival has been powerful.

Thank you for being part of a community that believes childhood belongs outside.

With gratitude,
Michelle

 

 

This Month at Havenroot

 

Wild Wednesday: Botany for Kids
Students investigated how plants survive winter, identified evergreen and deciduous species, and planted seeds to observe germination at home.

•  Winter Bird Identification
We learned to use binoculars properly and practiced identifying chickadees, juncos, and nuthatches using behavioral clues.

•  Forest Floor Exploration
Students examined moss and licorice fern while learning the difference between vascular and nonvascular plants.

• Campfire Story Circle
Starting Saturday March 28th, We will be doing monthly family programs at Havenroot. This first program is campfire stories - bring your best animal encounter stories and prepare to share the tale around the fire as we sip warm drinks and admire the stars at Havenroot. Last saturday of every month - there will be a different program! 

 

Nature Spotlight: Plants in Winter

Winter may look dormant, but plants are still very much alive.

Evergreen species like sword fern and Oregon grape continue photosynthesizing on mild days. Moss absorbs moisture like a sponge and rehydrates after rain. Deciduous trees conserve energy by dropping their leaves, while underground roots and rhizomes store sugars created during the growing season.

The forest in winter is a lesson in resilience and adaptation.

 

 What’s Coming Up

•  Early Spring Program Registration -Preschool Explorers starting in April!
•  Update on Our Permanent Yurt Project
•  Family Nature Adventure Series
•  Native Plant Study & Habitat Design - help us plant a pollinator garden!

Keep an eye on email and social media for dates and details.

 

Why Outdoor Learning Matters

Research continues to show that nature-based education supports emotional regulation, executive function, creativity, and resilience — especially for neurodivergent learners.

Outdoor classrooms encourage movement, sensory engagement, and real-world problem solving. Instead of memorizing isolated facts, children build systems thinking — understanding how plants, animals, weather, and soil interact.

At BYNA, we are committed to creating spaces where children feel capable, curious, and connected.

 

 Building Toward Permanence

As many of you know, we are working toward establishing a permanent yurt at Havenroot to replace our current temporary structure. A weather-resilient learning space will allow us to expand programming year-round and better serve families in our community.

We are actively pursuing grant funding and community support to make this vision a reality. More updates coming soon.

 

 

How You Can Support BYNA

• Share our programs and social media posts with your community
• Come to a program and bring a friend
• Follow and engage with us on social media www.facebook.com/backyardnature
• Contribute to our permanent nature center campaign

Donate Here - https://www.backyardnatureacademy.net/general-8

Together, we are building something lasting.

 

 

Stay Connected

Website: www.backyardnatureacademy.net
Email: backyardnatureeducation@gmail.com
Social: https://www.facebook.com/alpnaturesalem

 

Meet the Board

Michelle Shula

Founder & Education Director

Michelle founded Backyard Nature Academy with the belief that meaningful childhood experiences begin outdoors. With over 20 years of experience in nature-based education, she holds a B.S. in Natural Resources and has worked with the National Park Service, U.S. Forest Service, and local park systems. As an Oregon State University Master Naturalist, Michelle designs programming rooted in ecological science, experiential learning, and community connection. She is passionate about helping families build lasting relationships with the landscapes they call home.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Renee 

Member at Large – Education

Whisper brings a deep commitment to experiential learning and child-led discovery to Backyard Nature Academy. With a background in education and experience in wildlife rehabilitation, she supports the development of programs that foster curiosity, resilience, and ecological understanding. Whisper believes the outdoors offers children powerful opportunities to grow in confidence and connection.Whisper started her career in the majestic redwood forest as a wildlife conservation biologist,  working with Hoopah/Yurok tribal government, various forestry companies, and professors on numerous conservation efforts. Now, she brings that passion for nature to sharing understanding and love for nature to the littles, believing fostering deep care and principles of stewardship for the land in children is the most effective way to protect the future.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Emily Meriindorf

Administration & Botany

Emily combines her expertise in horticulture and wildlife rehabilitation to support Backyard Nature Academy’s mission of ecological literacy. As the owner of a gardening business, she specializes in physically bringing natives of all kinds into backyards of the Willamette Valley. Her focus on creating and maintaining balanced ecosystems that support biodiversity and long-term sustainability help teach her clients and Backyard students alike. Emily is passionate about helping children understand how plants, animals, soil, and water work together to form thriving natural systems.

 

 

 

 

 

Christy Reynolds

Board Secretary+

Hi! My name is Christy Reynolds, if you have been to our Wild Wednesday class you already know me as Miss Michelle’s classroom assistant. I also serve on the Board of Directors as our secretary. I live in Eugene with my two kitties, Yeti and Susu, and I am passionate about nature, psychology (especially neurodiversity), painting, and cheese. It’s been so much fun being part of Backyard Nature Academy for the past few months, and I’m excited to see how it will grow over the years!

Christy supports Backyard Nature Academy both in the classroom and at the board level, serving as Secretary. Many families know her as Ms. Michelle’s classroom assistant during Wild Wednesdays. With a strong interest in psychology—especially neurodiversity—she values creating inclusive environments where children can thrive. Christy lives in Eugene with her two cats and enjoys painting, nature exploration, and good cheese. She is excited to help guide BYNA’s continued growth and impact.