"I want them to look back and say, 'This was my school'—not just a park I visit."

What if a child’s first classroom wasn’t surrounded by four walls, but by 2,500 acres of wild Maryland landscape? In this episode, host Missy Rentz sits down with Katrina Fauss, Principal Park Naturalist at Black Hill Discovery Center, to explore the transformative power of nature-based education.

Hidden just miles from the bustle of Washington, D.C., Black Hill Regional Park is more than just a scenic backdrop for hikers and boaters—it is a "hidden gem" serving as a vital reservoir for the region and a living laboratory for the community. Katrina shares how their unique Forest Preschool and "play-first" philosophy are fostering a lifelong sense of wonder in children and adults alike.

In this episode, we discuss:

• The "Hidden Gem" of Montgomery County: Discover the history of Black Hill, from its 19th-century gold mining roots to its current role protecting 4 billion gallons of emergency drinking water.
• Nature as a Classroom: The philosophy behind Forest Schools and why "playing in the mud" is a critical developmental milestone.
• The "Birth to Death" Continuum: How the park serves every age group, from 10-day-old hikers to 99-year-olds on pontoon tours.
• Wildlife & Recreation: Tips for spotting the resident nesting Bald Eagles, navigating 20 miles of trails, and making the most of Little Seneca Lake.
• The Power of Connection: Why county parks became essential "fabric of life" sanctuaries during the pandemic and beyond.

About Our Guest:

Katrina Fauss is the Principal Park Naturalist at Black Hill Discovery Center. With over a decade of experience in nature-based education, she is a passionate advocate for play-based learning and environmental stewardship.

Resources Mentioned:

• Black Hill Discovery Center: MontgomeryParks.org
• Register for Programs: ActiveMontgomery.org
• Natural Start Alliance: (Resources for finding nature preschools nationwide)
• Association of Nature-Based Educators

Follow The Parks Podcast: For full show notes and links to everything mentioned in today’s episode, visit TheParksPodcast.com.

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In this episode of The Parks Podcast, host Missy Rentz sits down with Tara Ross and Nancy Martinz, former National Park Service law enforcement rangers and the creators of the hit podcast Crime Off the Grid.

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