Kelsey Taylor

Every summer, the NoMi Forest Explorers walk in the Kaleva Heritage Days Parade, and last year we also held our first fundraiser on parade day. We had a yard sale, and had so much fun! We decided to do another fundraiser this year too! On July 18th during Kaleva Days, our young explorers are setting up a lemonade shake-up stand and kids market in Kaleva. They'll be selling handmade goods, fresh lemonade, and putting every single dollar toward NoMi Forest Explorers' Land Acquisition Savings Fund — our dream of one day owning a permanent piece of land for our community to explore, learn, and grow together. We're asking our community to help sponsor the stand so these kids can show up ready to serve and sell with confidence. Every dollar you contribute here goes directly toward making this stand possible, so that every dollar they earn can go straight into the land fund. We're raising money to purchase two lemon presses (so the kids can really get squeezing!) plus enough dry goods and supplies to not just run this stand on July 18th, but carry us through our next lemonade stand in August too. Fresh lemons we'll source again, but everything else we want to have stocked and ready to go. What is NoMi Forest Explorers? NoMi Forest Explorers is a Northern Michigan nonprofit dedicated to nature-based learning, community connection, and getting kids (and grown-ups!) outside and into the woods. We run forest school programs, community hikes, nature crafts, farm experiences, and more — all rooted in a deep love for the natural world and the communities we call home. One of our biggest long-term goals is to acquire land — a permanent home base for our programs where generations of Northern Michigan families can explore for years to come. How your donation helps: $10 — every little bit adds up and means the world to these kids $25 — covers a part of dry goods like sugar and cups $50 — helps stock our supplies for the day ️ $100 — gets us halfway to our goal and covers a lemon press! $250 — fully funds the stand and sets us up for August too! Sponsors will be shouted out on our social media AND featured at the stand on July 18th — so your name (or your business!) will be part of the day right alongside these amazing kids. Thank you for supporting NoMi Forest Explorers! Learn more at www.nomiforestexplorers.com

Help Send Kelsey Taylor to the ANR Weeklong Conference in Marquette! Hi, I'm Kelsey Taylor with Nomi Forest Explorers, and I'm passionate about connecting people - especially families and young people - to the natural world and the resources that support our communities here in Michigan. I've been invited to attend the ANR (Agriculture and Natural Resources) Weeklong Conference in Marquette, Michigan - an incredible, immersive professional development opportunity that brings together educators, advocates, and community leaders from across the state to deepen their knowledge of Michigan's natural resources, environmental education, and outdoor learning. This conference isn't just a few hours in a classroom. It's a full week of hands-on, in-the-field learning that includes lodging, meals, and classes - all in one package. I'll be learning alongside professionals from across Michigan, building skills and connections I'll bring directly back to the work we do here at home. As a proud MAEOE (Michigan Association for Environmental and Outdoor Education) member, I am currently working toward my Environmental Educator Certification (EEC) through MAEOE - and attending this conference would count in a huge way toward fulfilling my certification requirements. This isn't just a conference for me; it's a significant, concrete step in my professional journey as an environmental educator. Earning this certification means I'll be better equipped than ever to serve NoMi Forest Explorers and the families and kids who depend on what we do. I am applying for a $100 scholarship, which brings the total I need to raise to $445. That's it — and your support can make it happen! Every dollar donated goes directly toward getting me to Marquette - and everything I learn out in the field comes straight back to NoMi Forest Explorers and our entire community. This investment in my professional development means better programs, deeper knowledge, and more meaningful experiences for the families, kids, and community members we serve. When I grow, NoMi Forest Explorers grows, and so does the impact we're able to make together. Whether you can give $5, $25, or more — it all makes a difference and is deeply appreciated. Thank you for believing in this work and in our community. Learn more about ANR: michigan.gov/ANR Conference details: MAEOE Event Page With so much gratitude, Kelsey Taylor NoMi Forest Explorers

Help NoMi Forest Explorers Build a Nature-Inspired Learning Center! Hi, I’m Kelsey Taylor, and I’m reaching out to invite you to support NoMi Forest Explorers, a nonprofit dedicated to fostering a lifelong love of nature in children and families. Through hands-on learning and outdoor experiences, NoMi empowers the next generation to connect deeply with the earth, each other, and themselves. Now, we’re growing—and we need your help! We’re raising funds to build a dedicated Learning Center: a cozy, intentional space where kids and families can gather, learn, and thrive year-round. This will be the heart of our programming, allowing us to offer even more enriching experiences for the community. Our vision includes: • A sensory room designed for children of all abilities • A full kitchen for shared meals and learning life skills • Outdoor spaces for exploration, creativity, and connection • A welcoming, warm space to host workshops, classes, and family meetups Your donation will go directly toward: • Installing a well and septic system • Connecting electricity • Outfitting the kitchen with appliances and tools • Filling the space with all the furniture, learning materials, and supplies that make it functional and inviting Every donation—big or small—will help NoMi Forest Explorers: Provide educational workshops that inspire environmental stewardship Host community events that promote outdoor play and family bonding Offer a reliable and inclusive gathering space for kids and caregivers Join me in supporting this essential mission. Together, we can nurture a deeper connection between children and the natural world and ensure that future generations grow up grounded, curious, and connected. Thank you so much for your generosity and support. —Kelsey Taylor & the NoMi Forest Explorers Team