Nature Links for Lifelong Learning

Nature Links offers nature-based continuing education for adults with disabilities across the country. We teach a broad-ranging curriculum, including cooking, gardening, and independent living skills, as well as environmental studies and expressive arts. We provide participants with opportunities to participate actively in their learning, build friendships, cultivate a sense of place, and empower a sense of civic responsibility.

Our Services

  • Online Nature-Based Education

    Nature Links offers two engaging online classes each Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. From exploring art in nature to understanding our role in conservation, our diverse curriculum covers animals, landscapes, food, music, and more. Designed for adults with disabilities, these classes foster a love of learning and exploration from the comfort of home.

  • Social Connection

    Nature Links provides an opportunity for participants to build friendships and peer relationships which is vital for their emotional well-being. Our safe and supportive community provides an opportunity for adults with disabilities to form meaningful friendships and social bonds with others who care deeply about the environment.

  • Community Engagement

    Nature Links classes often include visits from guest speakers from around the world, including biologists, poets, business owners, conservationists, musicians, artists, chefs and more. The connections formed with community members in our guest-led classes help to improve our students’ sense of purpose, self-worth and inclusion in their communities.

Our Team

Katie Brydon,

Executive Director

Katie Brydon is the Executive Director and Lead Teacher for Nature Links. After graduating from Emerson College with a degree in education, she spent 15 years writing curriculum, developing inclusive initiatives, and leading self-advocacy programming for people with disabilities as the National Program Director for Best Buddies. In more recent years, she has consulted with nonprofits to hone a diverse set of skills, from leading nature-based classes with Maine youth, to building community partnerships for women in tech.

Always passionate about equity and committed to curiosity, Katie seeks to empower individuals by fostering a love of learning through meaningful experiences that connect people to nature and each other. When not teaching, you can find Katie in the Maine outdoors, hiking, ice skating, camping, or kayaking, always with her family, usually with friends, and definitely with the best snacks.

Other Contributing Teachers

  • Peter Court

    Peter Court is a puppet artist and educator based in Durban, South Africa. Peter is the Director of Creative Madness, an award-winning company with international experience in theatre and education. Peter joined us for a series on puppet making and performance.

  • Ann Boudreaux

    Ann is a musician and educator based in Blue Hill, Maine. Ann has taught music appreciation classes for Nature Links, helping us learn about and gain an appreciation for many different types of music around the world.

  • Hilary Tobin

    Hilary is an artist and teacher from Brooklin, Maine. Hilary runs Island Meadow Arts, an art education organization. Hilary teaches art classes for Nature Links, focusing on photography, watercolor painting and crafts.