Learning Through Connection: Kyra Binkhoelter’s Journey as an Education Field Fellow

During her two years as an Education Field Fellow with Voyageurs Conservancy, Kyra Binkhoelter gained a deep understanding  that environmental education is rooted in relationships. In her own words: “I have found that meaningful learning can happen through connection, reflection, and shared experiences rather than just delivering information.”

Kyra’s time with the Conservancy broadly reframed her understanding of and approach to environmental education. Notably, she learned the importance of intentionally incorporating Indigenous perspectives, histories, and ways of knowing into environmental education. She came to value these inclusions as a foundational part of environmental education and emphasizes how much more meaningful and accurate place-based learning becomes “when it recognizes the long-standing relationships that Indigenous communities have with the land and water.” Environmental education then expands beyond ecology and conservation to include culture, history, access, and belonging, which creates more inclusive learning experiences that encourage critical and reflective thinking. 

As an Education Field Fellow, Kyra also developed new technical education skills, including curriculum development. In developing these skills, Kyra learned to align state and national standards with engaging activities, lessons, and long term curriculum planning. She is leaving feeling confident planning and delivering programs to all ages.

Kyra worked with upwards of 300 students in the park and made visits to over 200 students in their schools each year. She became familiar with many existing barriers to environmental education, especially for children from urban settings and those who have had less access to the outdoors. At the same time, Kyra learned how quickly children experience an increased sense of belonging and enjoyment in the outdoors, when given the opportunity to learn about and experience wild spaces, highlighting the power of non-traditional classroom settings. Kyra remembers how she was struggling to engage and capture the attention of students during one particular indoor lesson. However, as soon as those students moved outdoors, they immediately became much more engaged and “excited to look through the magnifying glasses” and reflect on their observations. 

During her time as a Field Fellow, Kyra was simultaneously completing her Masters of Environmental Education at the University of Minnesota Duluth. This dual track provided her with the unique opportunity to translate her academic research into practical applications for educators’ professional development practices and outcomes. Kyra successfully completed her Masters this past May.

Reflecting on her time as a Field Fellow, Kyra says “most importantly, I feel like I’m walking away with a clearer understanding of the kind of educator and professional I want to be.” She continues, “Someone who leads with curiosity, humility and can build long-lasting relationships.” Kyra is excited to build a career grounded in environmental justice and environmental education to more meaningfully address inequities.