Exploring outdoor stewardship, education, and adventure with outdoorsy educator, Mikayla Moors

Outdoorsy

In this episode of Outdoorsy, Madeleine welcomes outdoor educator, artist, and former park ranger, Mikayla, to discuss her unique journey in outdoor stewardship and education. Mikayla shares her deep connection to nature, cultivated through years of outdoor adventures and professional experiences. They discuss her work in conservation biology, the challenges and rewards of working in the outdoor industry, and her passion for making the outdoors accessible and inclusive for everyone.
Mikayla delves into her various roles—from park ranger to forestry worker—and offers valuable advice on how to get involved in the outdoor industry, emphasizing that you don’t need a college degree to make a difference. She also talks about the importance of empathy, kindness, and respect in outdoor spaces, highlighting the impact of social media on national parks and the delicate balance between promoting outdoor activities and preserving the land.
Listeners will gain insight into the complexities of Leave No Trace principles, the importance of inclusive outdoor spaces, and the power of volunteering. Mikayla's practical advice for those new to the outdoors, and her focus on education and accessibility, make this a must-listen episode for anyone passionate about the environment.
Chapters and time stamps:
00:00 – Welcome & Introduction to Mikayla
02:00 – Mikayla’s Early Love for the Outdoors
05:25 – Challenges of Being a Park Ranger & Managing Conflict in the Outdoors
07:37 – Finding Community in the Outdoorsy World
11:00 – Being Ditched on a Mountain: Lessons Learned
12:57 – Practical Tips for First-Time Hikers & Adventurers
13:55 – Volunteering & Trail Stewardship: Giving Back to the Outdoors
17:23 – Turning Passion Into a Career: From Ranger to Forestry Worker
22:53 – Gatekeeping & the Ethics of Sharing Outdoor Spaces on Social Media
27:10 – The Outdoor Crisis: Impact of Overcrowding & Budget Cuts on Parks
30:47 – Balancing Inclusivity and Preservation in Outdoor Spaces
37:19 – What Does 'Outdoorsy' Mean to Mikayla?
42:07 – Final Thoughts on Inclusivity & Outdoor Education
Follow Mikayla on social media for outdoor education and career advice in the natural resources field. She provides helpful tutorials and resources on breaking into the outdoor industry without a college degree.
https://www.instagram.com/mountain.mikayla/
https://www.tiktok.com/@mountainmikayla
https://beacons.ai/mountainmikayla
Interested in volunteering? Visit the Colorado 14ers Initiative or your local park organizations to get involved in trail maintenance and stewardship programs.
Join the Outdoorsy Discord server to connect with like-minded outdoor enthusiasts and find local groups to adventure with: https://www.patreon.com/Outdoorsy.