This day-long retreat inspired LA educators to welcome native plants and interactive nature-focused learning into their classrooms. During our workshop, we led 50 educators in painting a 100 foot long mural. The piece features native species from the museum’s robust habitat gardens.

After painting, we gathered participants to hear about their experience. They expressed feelings of openness and joy during the painting process; gratitude for how approachable a mapped-out wall feels; and appreciated the non-verbal connection fostered through collective painting side-by-side.

The collaborative mural transforms the classroom corridor at the Natural History Museum. The artwork creates a bright and lively walkway for museum staff, educators, and thousands of kids from the LA community who learn about dinosaurs and ecosystems in those classroom spaces.

We sent educators home with a custom packet of wildflower seeds and a take-home lesson plan that invites students to connect to local nature through an interdisciplinary art installation.

If you are interested in learning more about the lesson plan, feel free to check it out and use it in your own classroom or home as a way to foster connection with local nature.