Volume 31 Issue 3, Summer 2026
by Tracey Baroody, Director of Education
When people think about nature journaling in the context of school curriculum, they might view it as an enrichment activity that is just a break from “real” classroom instruction. Or an outdoor activity that helps students slow down, notice the world, and develop a deeper appreciation for nature. While all those things are true, nature journaling is more than an enrichment activity. So just how does the Peterson Young Naturalist Program (PYNP) support formal education?
Nature journaling sits at the intersection of science, literacy, observation, art, environmental education, and socialemotional learning. That’s why it maps so naturally onto what teachers are trying to accomplish with state-directed environmental literacy goals. Virginia’s Science Standards of Learning (SOLs) emphasize observation, investigation, data collection, analysis, and the development of scientific thinking skills through authentic experiences rather than memorization.
The Peterson program provides the vehicle for meeting those standards because it engages students in careful observation, questioning, recording evidence, recognizing patterns, and communicating their discoveries. Far from being an extra or a time filler, the PYNP directly supports Virginia’s science framework goals.
Loudoun Wildlife is proud of that support and the accomplishments of teachers and students who participate. This year, we honored them at the first ever stand-alone Peterson Young Naturalist Program Awards Celebration, where both students and teachers received recognition from an inspired community for their accomplishments this year. What an amazing turnout, with 120 community members and Loudoun County teachers and administrators gathering to meet these accomplished K-12 students!
Our 20 winners enjoyed individual recognition for excellence in nature journaling (which included cash prizes and certificates for students and outdoor learning tools for teachers) but also gained insight into a newfound affinity for Roger Tory Peterson, America’s pioneering naturalist. His legendary Peterson field guides have shaped decades of community science, and his legacy continues through the founder of the PYNP, Dr. Miriam Westervelt. At the celebration event, Dr. Westervelt spoke about her stepfather’s many contributions to the environment, science, and art.
The teacher-designed lessons and the journaling work of the students are inspiring and beautiful to look at, and our guest speakers thought so, too. Thanks to Dr. Mojisola Adejumo for her words of affirmation and for hosting the event at her school. As principal of Cardinal Ridge Elementary, she knows firsthand the benefits of nature-based learning and ensures that all 900 students have access to the PYNP.
Thanks also to Matt Felperin of Northern Virginia Parks, who brought a special guest, Smoke the Eastern Screech Owl. Matt spoke to the students about the importance of their environmental stewardship. “I know how fun it is for anyone to see Smoke up close,” Matt said, “but I just had no idea how inspired I would be by all of you!”
2026 Young Naturalist Awards
The students (by grade) recognized for their outstanding nature journals are listed below, followed by their teachers and schools:
Emma Edwards (12), Lori Stone, Academies of Loudoun/AET
Bailey Osborne (12), Elena Meisner, Independence HS
Arshiya Sharma (12), Haley Gargan, Academies of Loudoun/AOS
Khaila Cole (12), Laura Currier, Lightridge HS
Almy Leiva Campos (12), Javel Gutierrez, Park View HS
Madeline Reaves (12), Tanya Mulvey, Tuscarora HS
Faith Pry (12), Amber Bartling, Woodgrove HS
Leah Rogers (7), Lynne Gianelos, Harmony MS
Christiana Yee (6), Manju Gomathinayagam, Farmwell Station MS
Elise Whitlock (6), Paige Rickey, Seneca Ridge MS
Vishnu Potturu (5), Yeahee Lee, Cardinal Ridge ES
Reese Hancher (4), Marlena Beach, Banneker ES
Mahita Nalla (4), Alisa Kinney, Rosa Lee Carter ES
Leo Valentine (3), Amanda Bartleski, Hutchison Farm ES
Clara Mills (3), Nicole Daquilante, Waterford ES
Caleb Potts (2), Jennifer Mangiapanella, Lincoln ES
Emerson Caravantes Aguilar (2), Ariana Murphy, Sully ES
Asha Nalla (1), Kristin Niketic, Liberty ES
Anika Gauldin (K), Marykirk Cunningham, Frederick Douglass ES
Dylan Heron (K), Terry Crosser, Hamilton ES
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