Maureen (Mo) Stine, a native of the City of Chicago, has cultivated a distinguished career deeply rooted in environmental stewardship and interpretive education. Her professional journey took root during her undergraduate studies at Southern Illinois University (SIU) in the mid-90s. Summers found her serving as a recreational leader for the Chicago Park District's urban camp program, while weekends were dedicated to volunteering for public guided interpretive hikes along the Rim Rock National Recreation Trail in the Shawnee National Forest. In 1999, Maureen earned her Bachelor of Science in forestry from South Illinois University. Across subsequent years, she travelled the country, offering her expertise to numerous non-profit organizations and governmental agencies. In 2009, she established Natureology, her innovative park interpretation business, which has since become synonymous with excellence in environmental education.Throughout her tenure spanning over two decades, Maureen has remained steadfast in her commitment to professional development and industry advocacy. She holds esteemed certifications, including Certified Heritage Interpreter with the National Association for Interpretation, Certified Professional with the National Recreation and Park Association, and Certified Environmental Educator-Professional with the Michigan Alliance for Environmental and Outdoor Education. Additionally, she has facilitator certifications from various national and state environmental education projects. In 2021, Maureen became a certified forest therapy guide through the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy Guides and Programs. Notably, her signature public programs encompass immersive forest bathing experiences and engaging instructional ice fishing outings for groups. With her wealth of expertise and unwavering dedication, Maureen Stine continues to leave an indelible mark on the field of environmental interpretation and outdoor education.
"""Maureen Stine, Master Class Interpreter, has created a wonderful guide for anyone interested in incorporating Forest Bathing into their guided public programs. Grass Left Standing is packed with a wealth of resources, case studies and best management practices applicable to all interpreters who take people into nature with the intent of developing personal connections to our natural resources. Forest Bathing goes beyond the five senses and evokes our emotions. In a world with many stressors, Forest Bathing is a resource that can provide positive and healing outcomes."" Kathleen Dougherty Oakland Audubon Young Birders' Club, Naturalist and Birder, Michigan Alliance for Environmental and Outdoor Education Life Member ""Drawing on her experience as a park interpreter, Maureen Stine eloquently connects the dots between merely observing nature and immersing oneself in nature: and the myriad benefits of the journey from one to the other."" Jeff Nedwick, Michigan Outdoor Writers Association ""Grass Left Standing is a treasure trove of Maureen's deep understanding of forest bathing. It is beautifully written with a heart exposed and the wonderful benefits to us are fully researched. A great read for anyone curious about what can happen when you step into the woods with an open heart."" Rev. Barbara A. Borgeld, Licensed and Ordained Holistic Minister, Nationally Registered Jin Shin Jyutsu Practitioner ""Through an interpreter's perspective, Maureen introduces the healing art of shinrin-yoku and describes techniques on incorporating these guided experiences into outdoor education program offerings.Integrated case studies reflect the therapeutic benefits among diverse audiences as Mo shares her own journey of professional and personal growth and healing. We are invited to embrace the forest and cultivate connections for our program participants during this inspiring read."" Jennifer C. McDowell, Director of Education, Kingwood Center Gardens Affiliations: National Association for Interpretation (NAI) Michigan Alliance for Environmental and Outdoor Education Social media: https: //www.linkedin.com/in/natureology"