Wayfinders on the Hudson: A Conversation About Outdoor Education with Leah Gozhansky and Gwen Merkin

Wayfinders on the Hudson: A Conversation About Outdoor Education with Leah Gozhansky and Gwen Merkin

From The Nature of Mental Health by William Henry

May 10, 2026 · 1h 14m · Episode 13

About this episode

Leah Gozhansky and Gwen Merkin discuss the impact of outdoor education on individuals and communities.

Join Leah Gozhanski and Gwen Merkin from Wayfinders on the Hudson as they explore the transformative power of outdoor nature programs for children and adults alike. Discover how outdoor education fosters connection, curiosity, and community among young learners and their families. Today's episode is an experiential one. Please feel free to join us on the trail, in your yard, or in a park as we experience what it is like to be part of a Wayfinders program. If you would like, take your own "WOW walk" and participate in a Wayfinders opening circle. Guests: Gwen Merkin, MA City Planning, LEED AP, Wild Earth Teacher Training, Certificate in Ecopsychology: Gwen is a climate and cultural repair activist. In addition to Wayfinders, Gwen consults with individuals and families working to reduce their carbon footprint, and to inspire and transform neighborhoods and communities. Gwen's experience completing the Wild Earth Apprenticeship & Teacher Training - an in-depth experiential training on nature mentoring, wilderness living skills, & creating connective nature experiences - motivated her to fulfill her long-standing dream of developing Wayfinders. Leah Gozhansky, M.A…

People in this episode

Host: William Henry

Guests: Leah Gozhansky, Gwen Merkin

Topics covered

  • outdoor education
  • nature programs
  • transformative experiences
  • community building
  • children and families

Keywords

  • outdoor education
  • nature programs
  • Wayfinders
  • community
  • children
  • curiosity
  • connection

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Wayfinders on the Hudson, Wild Earth, Ardsley High School, Bard High School Early College

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