ABOUT NATUREWISE COLUMBUS
Our mission is to connect children in Columbus with the environment through Ribbit!, our free community magazine that inspires curiosity, learning, and a sense of stewardship for the natural world.
We envision Columbus as a vibrant community where children feel at home in nature, fostering an innovative and sustainable environment for all.
We work with diverse stakeholders in the community to connect children to nature, achieve shared goals, and create lasting impact together.
Ensuring environmental education is available to all children in Columbus, making learning and participation easy and inclusive.
We help children foster a sense of agency to make a positive impact on the environment and the community.
We strive to make learning about nature enjoyable and exciting for children.
Board President
As an educator, Tara brings a deep understanding for the importance of nurturing critical thinking skills and environmental awareness in children and how these skills play essential roles in shaping future generations.
Board Secretary
With their expertise as a marriage and family therapist, Geena offers a deep understanding of the importance of environmental identity for children and their families.
Board Treasurer
Jessica Dickson is an environmental scientist who is passionate about supporting nature and STEM education and helping children connect with the natural world.
As an ecological economist, Glen has a deep understanding of the value of nature and environmental protection and supports efforts that help children build a lasting connection to the natural world.
Chelsea’s background as a biologist, with expertise in conservation and ecosystem dynamics, brings valuable insights to developing meaningful and engaging environmental education for children.
Bettina founded Naturewise Columbus to create Ribbit! Magazine as a free community resource for children across the city. She wanted to bring environmental education and STEM learning to life in a way that helps children connect with the world around them.
Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC)
Dr. Edwina Teye, a leader in sustainable water resource planning and environmental stewardship, advises Ribbit! Magazine in strategic planning to ensure our content aligns with environmental goals and fosters long-term impact.
The Ohio State University
The STEM Impact Collaborative at The Ohio State University brings their expertise in science communication and education to guide Ribbit! Magazine by advising on engaging, inclusive, and inspiring content that connects families with nature and science.
Columbus & Franklin County Metro Parks
Cody Berkebile, as a Senior Naturalist, helps Ribbit! Magazine with guidance on seasonal nature education and creating content that fosters a deeper connection with the natural world in and around Columbus.
Colin is a video assistant for Ribbit! Magazine, with a background in nature and portrait photography and a strong creative eye.
Yusuf’s expertise as a community-focused artist and educator supports Ribit! Magazine’s visual identity.
In 2025, Ribbit! continued to grow across Columbus. We expanded into more schools, libraries, and community spaces, and increased our print run to keep up with demand. What we built is now showing up in classrooms and homes, where kids are reading, asking questions, and noticing the nature around them.
Naturewise Columbus 