It is our passion to lead nature hikes and share the joy and wonder of our beautiful Marin county open spaces.
Kyyio and Sam offer unique nature experiences to help you connect with nature and open to the healing it offers you through exploration in playful movement and discovery with mindfulness and observation exercises woven throughout the walks. They offer a variety of different options to connect with nature from naturalist adventures to mindfulness in nature to hiking yoga. Classes can be tailored to individual needs.
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Naturalist Adventures
A typical hike begins with a group check-in and a brief introduction by the participants. After getting to know one another, we'll embark on a 3-6 mile hike (depending on the class and day) which may ascend up to 1,200 feet. Along the way, we will observe the local flora and fauna, pointing out some native plants and looking for evidence of animals. Taking time for Cool Nature Moments, we will encourage you to get up close and see things from a different viewpoint than usual. We will hydrate, snack, and stretch along the way, and perhaps find a really great spot for a picnic break (depending on the class). We'll engage in interesting conversation regarding your health and wellness, the present and future state of our planet and environment, local ecology and history, inspirational lifestyles by folks trying to make a positive difference in their communities, and plenty more.
Hiking Yoga
We will hike 2-6 miles along a local trail, and stop to observe nature, breathe, and stretch.
Mindfulness in Nature
Walking slowly, paying attention to all our senses, to the elements, to our relationship to the earth, we develop a deep connection to nature that can heal our hearts and minds.
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Kyyio and Sam combine over 35 years of naturalist experience connecting youth and adults to nature.
Kyyio's deep love of nature began here in Marin county as a child and expanded throughout her life. She had a calling in high school to find work that would help preserve and protect the earth. Guided by the principles of eco-psychology, native wisdom, and Buddhist philosophy, Kyyio understands the reciprocal relationship we have with nature that allows nature to heal us in the process of protecting her.
With a degree in Environmental Education and a minor in Outdoor Leadership, Kyyio spent over 20 years as a naturalist and program director in the field of Outdoor Education helping connect youth and adults to nature and deepening their understanding of ecology. She wrote her Master's thesis on the "Benefits of Connecting Children to Nature". As the Director of Outdoor Education at the Point Bonita YMCA she helped provide direct outdoor environmental education programs to tens of thousands of students. She also developed and led the PBY Healthy Parks, Healthy People public program for many years. She started her work as a naturalist working for the Santa Cruz and Marin County Outdoor Science schools and the Great Smoky Mountain Institute at Tremont. Kyyio also completed an Outward Bound Instructor's course after college and maintains her Wilderness First Aid certification. She has studied Nature Practice Foundations and Flow with Natasha Giraudie, a student of Dalai Lama and Thich Nhat Hahn.
Kyyio wants to help you deepen your relationship with yourself and nature to promote healing, clarity, and renewed purpose.
Sam's Naturalist background
Sam holds a B.S. degree in Biology- Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation Biology from UT Austin and has worked as a Naturalist for a variety of organizations over the years learning to share the wonder and beauty of our local ecosystems.
Pt. Bonita YMCA Outdoor and Conference Center, Sausalito, CA Sept. 2001 – March 2020
SF Bay Whale Watching, Sausalito, CA April 2006 - April 2012
College Of Marin, Kentfield, CA March 2013 – Present
Inn to End, San Francisco, CA Oct 2012 – Present
Cavallo Point Lodge, Fort Baker, Sausalito, CA June 2010 – March 2020
San Francisco Whale Tours, San Francisco, CA May 2010 – June 2012
Hostel Adventure Program, San Francisco, CA Jan 2007 – Jan 2009
Other Certifications:
