I love to share my passion for nature study as well as my writing process. Presentations can be tailored for pre-K through fifth grade classrooms, or for libraries, nature centers, or after-school programs. 

Programs

Be a Community Scientist!

Community science is an important tool in conservation research. And, the best part is, anyone can do it! Using The Great Pollinator Count (April 2025 release), Bird Count, or Bioblitz! Counting Critters as a centerpiece, children will explore the wild creatures around them, while honing math and science skills including counting, classification, documentation, and data sharing. In addition to an interactive reading, each program introduces the concept of a wildlife census or biodiversity count and culminates in an onsite count, either with animal replicas indoors or wildlife in an outdoor environment.

Pre-K to Grade 1, 30 minutes; Grades 2 to 5, 45 to 50 minutes

Give a Hoot About Owls

Children learn fun facts about owls, try out their owl voices, and compare birds that migrate with those that stay at home. This program can be either geared toward storytime at libraries and nature centers, or for a school visit. It includes a reading of Night Owl Night, in which the main character Sova follows her dream of encountering a favorite animal in the wild and helps her scientist mother gather information to protect it. This program can be offered with an owl-themed craft or with an inquiry activity geared toward children formulating their own research questions.

Pre-K to Grade 1, 30 to 40 minutes

Writing from Nature

When you look out your window, there’s always something to write about.  In this workshop, Susan starts with the inspiration behind her picture books and shares tips about her writing process, as well as her journey as a children’s author. Then, encouraging the use of close observation and inquiry, Susan guides students to develop their own questions about their environment and launch an individual research project to create a work of nonfiction or STEM-based fiction.

Grades 1 to 5, 50 to 60 minutes

Praise from Educators

Thank you so much for joining us for Story Edventures! The book is wonderful, your story about how you got into birding and writing was engaging, and the students were so into it . . . they could have asked questions (and showed you their drawings) all day!  It was so nice working with you. You definitely inspired me to go birding with my family this weekend!

           —Ashley Hegewald, Coach, FIELD Edventures, Wisconsin Wildlife Federation, Poynette, WI  

The students learned about birds, bird sounds, how to make a bird count chart and record using tally marks, and needed equipment to bird count. I had a clear sense of wonder this weekend listening for bird sounds and spotting too many to count.

—Carolyn Harris, First Grade Teacher, Carver Elementary School, Newport News, VA

 It was such a pleasure to work with Susan Edwards Richmond to bring her delightful children's book, Bird Count, to our group of Young Naturalists in a virtual read aloud and discussion! Susan kept the children engaged during the story and patiently answered their questions; we would gladly have her back for a future program.

          —Aurora Dizel, Youth Education Coordinator, Darby Creek Valley Association, Drexel Hill, PA

Presentation Fees

Half-Day Visits: $500; Full-Day Visits: $800; Single Program Visits ($300); Library Story Times ($200): available within 60 miles of Stow, MA.

Add travel expenses for sites more than 60 miles from Stow, MA

Please Note: I am also available for virtual visits to classrooms and other venues. My fees for virtual visits are negotiable, but approximately half of in-person fees. Please contact me directly at susanrichmond@verizon.net to discuss details.