This Mother’s Day, we wanted to do something a little different. So we asked the real experts — moms — to share their stories, hacks, and hard-earned wisdom from parenting the future defenders of the places we love.
What came back is a beautiful, chaotic, and messy collection of moments that remind us how powerful it is to raise the next generation outside. But these stories also speak to something bigger — the strength, patience, and creativity it takes to show up, again and again, to make space for nature in family life.
Whether you’re deep in the parenting trenches or just tagging along for the adventure, we hope these stories make you smile, nod in recognition, and maybe even feel a little more connected to mother nature — and to each other.
So here’s to the moms who pack the snacks, calm the chaos, and carry the love (and maybe also three extra jackets, just in case). We see you at the trail head, kneeling to name the plants, lifting wiggling bodies across the monkey bars, and pulling a wagon around the neighborhood with quiet determination. We’re grateful for the connection you’re nurturing — one dirt covered outfit at a time.
What came back is a beautiful, chaotic, and messy collection of moments that remind us how powerful it is to raise the next generation outside. But these stories also speak to something bigger — the strength, patience, and creativity it takes to show up, again and again, to make space for nature in family life.
Whether you’re deep in the parenting trenches or just tagging along for the adventure, we hope these stories make you smile, nod in recognition, and maybe even feel a little more connected to mother nature — and to each other.
So here’s to the moms who pack the snacks, calm the chaos, and carry the love (and maybe also three extra jackets, just in case). We see you at the trail head, kneeling to name the plants, lifting wiggling bodies across the monkey bars, and pulling a wagon around the neighborhood with quiet determination. We’re grateful for the connection you’re nurturing — one dirt covered outfit at a time.
ALYSSAmom of two OUTDOOR IDENTITY Shoreline snack mule FOR THE LOVE OF ALL SNACKS Pouch anything, fruit snacks, yogurt bites (raisins), granola bars. |  |
MOMENTS THAT STUCK (LIKE BURRS)
Camping trips and boat rides are a favorite during the summer. Nap/bed time is a myth during these adventures leading to absolute chaos, but the endless smiles that fade into an overstimulated coma are worth it.
NATURE KNOWS BEST (AND SO DOES MOM)
Leave any frustrations at the door. Let them explore, stop and look, test limits (safely and not boundaries), ask questions that you'll likely need to make up the answers to, stop again, and embrace the imaginary.
LESSONS LEARNED (OFTEN THE HARD WAY)
Know that anything and everything will end up in their mouth at some point (dirt, sand, pebbles, twigs, lake water, etc). Know that every parent watching a melt-down has been there too. You're also likely racing and don't know it.
Camping trips and boat rides are a favorite during the summer. Nap/bed time is a myth during these adventures leading to absolute chaos, but the endless smiles that fade into an overstimulated coma are worth it.
NATURE KNOWS BEST (AND SO DOES MOM)
Leave any frustrations at the door. Let them explore, stop and look, test limits (safely and not boundaries), ask questions that you'll likely need to make up the answers to, stop again, and embrace the imaginary.
LESSONS LEARNED (OFTEN THE HARD WAY)
Know that anything and everything will end up in their mouth at some point (dirt, sand, pebbles, twigs, lake water, etc). Know that every parent watching a melt-down has been there too. You're also likely racing and don't know it.
 | ERINmom of two OUTDOOR IDENTITY Wildling Wrangler FOR THE LOVE OF SNACKS Dried mango, meat sticks, pringles, popcorn, PB&J |
MOMENTS THAT STUCK (LIKE BURRS)
Teaching my kids the names of spring ephemerals and why they're important and cool on a hike and then stumbling upon a basking garter snake who let us observe for a while. We also heard many birds my kids know by ear. It was idyllic.
NATURE KNOWS BEST (AND SO DOES MOM)
SLOW DOWN.
Let them lead.
(and bring snacks)
LESSONS LEARNED (OFTEN THE HARD WAY)
Do: make them carry their water and snacks!
Don't: have expectations for distance, time, etc just enjoy being in the woods with your kids.
Do: let them get dirty/wet if it means they're learning (either about the natural world or their own boundaries). Clothes are washable, experiences like that don't come around everyday.
Don't: get caught up in documenting the experience, put your phone/camera away and be present.
Do: bring a first aid kit. An emotional support bandaid goes a long way for group morale.
CARAmom of one MOMENTS THAT STUCK (LIKE BURRS) My daughter and I were on a hike at Saugatuck Dunes State Park, and I told her to keep an eye out for mushrooms (her favorite little outdoor discovery). She paused, looked out into the ravine and yelled with her biggest toddler voice "Mushrooms! Where are you!?" NATURE KNOWS BEST (AND SO DOES MOM) Spend some time at your kids' eye level. I realized the things I was pointing out were things I noticed and could see, but weren't difficult for her to find. |  |
LESSONS LEARNED (OFTEN THE HARD WAY)
Do: wear sunscreen, bring extra pants, extra water, and dog waste bags for accidents, make sure your kids have the right footwear, tell someone where you're going and when you'll be back, ALWAYS check for ticks.
Don't: worry about the dirt, forget your safety plan, be handcuffed to a time constraint.
 | HEATHERmom of two OUTDOOR IDENTITY Nature Lady FOR THE LOVE OF SNACKS mandarin orange cups + we pack our own sammies |
MOMENTS THAT STUCK (LIKE BURRS)
Camping during one of our first adventures as a new family, we forgot the tent(!!) and were already close to Escanaba (a good 3 hours from Petoskey). Camper rental service to the rescue and we got to try out a small camper with kids and dogs. The truck was so full it seemed impossible that we'd forgotten the main need, but alas we did!
NATURE KNOWS BEST (AND SO DOES MOM)
snacks snacks snacks.
Finding a fun spot for after the hike to chill for a bit. Allowing time for the slowness of exploration. Our daughter resists heading out for an adventure, but once we're on it she is full of wonder about all the little things.
LESSONS LEARNED (OFTEN THE HARD WAY)
Don't sweat it if they don't have the right shoes, or forget a sweatshirt. That's learning (and learning for me too).
Let them.....
TINAmom of one OUTDOOR IDENTITY Hammock-y: fun and comforting at the same time – always down for a good nap. FOR THE LOVE OF SNACKS We are pretty loyal to berries and string cheese. |  |
NATURE KNOWS BEST (AND SO DOES MOM)
What if I say “outside” IS my hack? When my son was an infant and inconsolable as babies can be, stepping outside was a guaranteed way to get him to stop crying and screaming. I’m not sure if it was the sound of the birds, the fresh air, the sun, or a combination of all of them but he would instantly calm down. Still, at almost 4 years old, he thrives outside and even has his bedtime sound machine set to bird sounds.
LESSONS LEARNED (OFTEN THE HARD WAY)
Let them take the lead and don’t rush. It’s so easy to keep urging kids along when you’re out on a trail, but letting them take some ownership in the experience, and being patient when they continually stop to look at a rock is crucial to developing their comfort with the outdoors. You’ve seen millions of pinecones and it’s easy to take that for granted, but to a kid it’s a brand new thing to explore and learn about.
What if I say “outside” IS my hack? When my son was an infant and inconsolable as babies can be, stepping outside was a guaranteed way to get him to stop crying and screaming. I’m not sure if it was the sound of the birds, the fresh air, the sun, or a combination of all of them but he would instantly calm down. Still, at almost 4 years old, he thrives outside and even has his bedtime sound machine set to bird sounds.
LESSONS LEARNED (OFTEN THE HARD WAY)
Let them take the lead and don’t rush. It’s so easy to keep urging kids along when you’re out on a trail, but letting them take some ownership in the experience, and being patient when they continually stop to look at a rock is crucial to developing their comfort with the outdoors. You’ve seen millions of pinecones and it’s easy to take that for granted, but to a kid it’s a brand new thing to explore and learn about.
 | LAURAmom of two OUTDOOR IDENTITY Nurtured by Nature FOR THE LOVE OF SNACKS We usually make fun "snack bags" - a kid trail mix of sorts - gold fish, pretzels, dried fruit and usually mini marshmallows for a treat. |
MOMENTS THAT STUCK (LIKE BURRS)
I will always remember the first time my oldest son caught his first fish all on his own. I've never seen him smile brighter and be so proud of himself. This was an extra special moment because it was at our (4th generation) family cottage and on the same river I learned to fish from. He hasn't stopped casting since and we can spend hours on that river chatting or just enjoying the sounds of the river and the nature around us, now with little brother in tow.
NATURE KNOWS BEST (AND SO DOES MOM)
Let go of any thoughts of staying clean, pack extra clothes and always have snacks.
The more unstructured the play, the better. Let them lead.
LESSONS LEARNED (OFTEN THE HARD WAY)
Always be prepared with the right clothing for the weather, nothing brings on the whining than a kid that is too cold or too hot.
KATEmom of two OUTDOOR IDENTITY Free-Range with a Backup Snack Pack |  |
FOR THE LOVE OF SNACKS
We like snacks that double as sports. Cherry pit spitting is a summer classic. But lately, we’ve been deep into competitive pickle tossing — as in, trying to launch pickles into each other’s mouths from a distance. It’s weird, yes. Is it genius? Debatable. Is it sticky? Absolutely. But it keeps them laughing for hours, and really, that’s the best kind of snack.
MOMENTS THAT STUCK (LIKE BURRS)
In the summer, we like to boat to a nearby island that my kids have unofficially — and unanimously — renamed “Toad Island.” My oldest makes a beeline off the boat, finds a toad within seconds, and the bonding begins. The toad gets a beach day, goes for a swim (usually involuntarily), rides home in a bucket throne, and is lovingly rehomed under our front deck. Every single one is named “Sweetie.” I’m not saying there’s a secret amphibian society forming under there…but I wouldn’t rule it out.
NATURE KNOWS BEST (AND SO DOES MOM)
Two game-changers from the early days of tiny humans: First, putting a car seat in the bike trailer. Total game-changer. Babies get a breeze, I get a workout, and everybody wins. Second, sled-dog parenting. Two baby marshmallows in snowsuits, nestled in a sled, and our dog pulling them through a blizzardy wonderland while I tag along like some kind of winter sherpa. Bonus points for hitting the local party store to stock up — nothing says “prepared parent” like bundling your babies next to a six-pack of snacks.
LESSONS LEARNED (OFTEN THE HARD WAY)
Do: Bring less. Less stuff = less to carry = less to whine about = more time for actual fun.
Don’t: Freak out about bugs. This is mostly a note-to-self, because my kids think all creepy crawlies are cuddly friends.
Do: Embrace the chaos. Dirt, sand, puddles, mystery goo? Say yes. It all washes off (eventually).
Don’t: Forget snacks. Ever. Seriously. Don't.
We like snacks that double as sports. Cherry pit spitting is a summer classic. But lately, we’ve been deep into competitive pickle tossing — as in, trying to launch pickles into each other’s mouths from a distance. It’s weird, yes. Is it genius? Debatable. Is it sticky? Absolutely. But it keeps them laughing for hours, and really, that’s the best kind of snack.
MOMENTS THAT STUCK (LIKE BURRS)
In the summer, we like to boat to a nearby island that my kids have unofficially — and unanimously — renamed “Toad Island.” My oldest makes a beeline off the boat, finds a toad within seconds, and the bonding begins. The toad gets a beach day, goes for a swim (usually involuntarily), rides home in a bucket throne, and is lovingly rehomed under our front deck. Every single one is named “Sweetie.” I’m not saying there’s a secret amphibian society forming under there…but I wouldn’t rule it out.
NATURE KNOWS BEST (AND SO DOES MOM)
Two game-changers from the early days of tiny humans: First, putting a car seat in the bike trailer. Total game-changer. Babies get a breeze, I get a workout, and everybody wins. Second, sled-dog parenting. Two baby marshmallows in snowsuits, nestled in a sled, and our dog pulling them through a blizzardy wonderland while I tag along like some kind of winter sherpa. Bonus points for hitting the local party store to stock up — nothing says “prepared parent” like bundling your babies next to a six-pack of snacks.
LESSONS LEARNED (OFTEN THE HARD WAY)
Do: Bring less. Less stuff = less to carry = less to whine about = more time for actual fun.
Don’t: Freak out about bugs. This is mostly a note-to-self, because my kids think all creepy crawlies are cuddly friends.
Do: Embrace the chaos. Dirt, sand, puddles, mystery goo? Say yes. It all washes off (eventually).
Don’t: Forget snacks. Ever. Seriously. Don't.
EMILY
mom of two
OUTDOOR IDENTITY
Hang loose lady
FOR THE LOVE OF SNACKS
Granola bars and pouches
MOMENTS THAT STUCK (LIKE BURRS)
Backcountry skiing with my infant in the sled behind me. After a big downhill I felt the harness feel a bit off so I turned around and saw the chubby cheeks of my daughter covered in snow (I had tipped the sled). She just looked at me like "what the heck?" and smiled.
NATURE KNOWS BEST (AND SO DOES MOM)
Pack snacks!
LESSONS LEARNED (OFTEN THE HARD WAY)
Do take them anywhere with water.
Hang loose lady
FOR THE LOVE OF SNACKS
Granola bars and pouches
MOMENTS THAT STUCK (LIKE BURRS)
Backcountry skiing with my infant in the sled behind me. After a big downhill I felt the harness feel a bit off so I turned around and saw the chubby cheeks of my daughter covered in snow (I had tipped the sled). She just looked at me like "what the heck?" and smiled.
NATURE KNOWS BEST (AND SO DOES MOM)
Pack snacks!
LESSONS LEARNED (OFTEN THE HARD WAY)
Do take them anywhere with water.
CAITLIN
mom of two
OUTDOOR IDENTITY
Dirt scout
FOR THE LOVE OF SNACKS
Fruit leather never fails.
MOMENTS THAT STUCK (LIKE BURRS)
Our first multi-day camping adventure with our son in Copper Harbor. Although sleep was scarce and mornings were early with little option to block light out of our camper, it was one of the most memorable family trips we’ve had so far. Full circle moment for me, remembering family adventures when I was his age!
NATURE KNOWS BEST (AND SO DOES MOM)
Snacks, water, and a strong back. All jokes aside, there is so much to see (and distract with) outside with littles.
LESSONS LEARNED (OFTEN THE HARD WAY)
Always bring a layer and assume they'll have to pee (or....), whatever amount of bribery it takes - make it happen.
Dirt scout
FOR THE LOVE OF SNACKS
Fruit leather never fails.
MOMENTS THAT STUCK (LIKE BURRS)
Our first multi-day camping adventure with our son in Copper Harbor. Although sleep was scarce and mornings were early with little option to block light out of our camper, it was one of the most memorable family trips we’ve had so far. Full circle moment for me, remembering family adventures when I was his age!
NATURE KNOWS BEST (AND SO DOES MOM)
Snacks, water, and a strong back. All jokes aside, there is so much to see (and distract with) outside with littles.
LESSONS LEARNED (OFTEN THE HARD WAY)
Always bring a layer and assume they'll have to pee (or....), whatever amount of bribery it takes - make it happen.
MEGHAN
mom of two
FOR THE LOVE OF SNACKS
Goldfish. Trailmix. Raisins. Chips. Graham Crackers. Really anything in the pantry that’s easy to grab and go.
NATURE KNOWS BEST (AND SO DOES MOM)
Appreciate that unfamiliar, “big,” or loud landscapes can feel threatening to a little kiddo. And although it can be frustrating, I learned (two steps forward, one step back, half-step sideways, tripping down the hill, and falling on my face!) to balance respecting their fear with a nudge forward. We’re big into stuffed animals in our house, and sometimes letting the kids bring one in a backpack helps deescalate – it’s nice to have a friend, and sometimes it’s easier to be brave when you’re being brave for someone else :)
LESSONS LEARNED (OFTEN THE HARD WAY)
Do: make it fun & imaginative.
Don’t: outwardly fixate on what your parenting brain may be looking out for (lions and tigers and bears, oh my!).
Do: teach your kids what you know about the outdoors, and how the different pieces and parts fit together.
Don’t: go full naturalist on them.
JEANNETTE
mom of two
OUTDOOR IDENTITY
Lead yourself so you can lead others
FOR THE LOVE OF SNACKS
Whatever THEY pack. We've given them the gift of agency and ownership for themselves.
MOMENTS THAT STUCK (LIKE BURRS)
We drive to Alaska as a family from Michigan. 6 weeks in a 12 passenger van.
NATURE KNOWS BEST (AND SO DOES MOM)
We’ve taught the kids from an early age:
1. They are responsible for packing and their gear.
2. "Water break" is something we say as a family to encourage water breaks.
3. Make good decisions.
LESSONS LEARNED (OFTEN THE HARD WAY)
Don't take away their learning - let them get wet (don't tell them to put on their jacket) and they figure it out faster. Let them forget something - they won't the next time.
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