Nature Quest®
Guide Training
A 40-Day Journey into Nature, Intuition, and the Art of Transformational Guidance
Discover how to guide others into a profound relationship with the living world.
The Program
Become an Independent Nature Quest® Facilitator
Through 40 days of immersive learning, six live online sessions with Catriona MacGregor, and an extraordinary five-day teaching retreat, you will deepen your own relationship with nature while developing the skills to become an independent Nature Quest® facilitator.
Guided by Catriona's decades of experience, you will develop the professional skills to design and facilitate your own Nature Quest experiences with integrity, sensitivity, ecological understanding, and care.
Go deeper into the living world. Discover your gifts as a guide. Help others awaken to the wisdom and wonder of nature.
What You Will Learn
Curriculum
Six parts across 40 days — 35 days of home-based learning followed by a 5-day in-person immersion.
Each home-study day includes a short teaching, an experiential activity outdoors, journal reflection, and a facilitator-development exercise. Trainees complete the full curriculum, a Nature Quest Guide Journal, and a 5-day in-person immersion with Catriona to earn certification.
Part I
Foundations of Nature Quest®
- Introduction to the Nature Quest philosophy, principles, and the role of the facilitator
- Awakening the senses and learning to listen to nature
- Mindfulness and meditation in natural settings
- Nature as teacher: observation, receptivity, and relationship
- The art of intention and creating sacred space
- Silence, solitude, and contemplative walking
- Integration, journal reflection, and first live session with Catriona
Part II
Reading the Land & the Wisdom of Place
- Reading the land: topography, terrain, water, geology, and the character of place
- Ecological observation, patterns, and natural signs
- Tree wisdom, tree energy, and contemplative relationship with trees
- Plant wisdom: identification, ecological relationships, and symbolism
- Connecting with the energy of different natural environments
- Identifying meaningful places for contemplation and Nature Quest activities
- Reading the land practice and second live session
Part III
Wildlife, Spirit Animals & the Elements
- Wildlife behavior, habitat, and respectful observation
- Spirit animals and animal symbolism as pathways for personal reflection
- Meaningful wildlife encounters, intuition, and discernment
- Earth: grounding, stability, belonging, and physical connection
- Air: breath, thought, awareness, and inspiration
- Fire: transformation, courage, creativity, and renewal
- Water: emotion, flow, receptivity, and reflection; third live session
Part IV
Aether, the Four Directions & Inner Awareness
- Aether: the fifth element, awareness, and interconnectedness
- The four directions: orientation, seasonal cycles, and symbolic meaning
- Creating a personal four-directions reflection practice
- Breathwork in nature: grounding, gentle regulation, and mindful breathing
- Advanced nature meditation: stillness, presence, and inner listening
- Dreams, synchronicities, intuition, and nature-based symbolism
- Integrating elemental awareness; fourth live session
Part V
The Art & Responsibility of Guiding
- The role of the facilitator: presence, humility, empathy, and deep listening
- Helping participants interpret their experiences while respecting their own meanings
- Designing and sequencing individual and group Nature Quest activities
- Outdoor safety: weather, navigation, wildlife, and emergency procedures
- Psychological safety, ethical boundaries, and trauma-aware facilitation
- Preparing a complete Nature Quest experience: screening, site assessment, integration
- Fifth and sixth live sessions, practice presentations, and retreat preparation
Part VI
In-Person Facilitator Immersion
- Opening circle, relationship-building, and field safety orientation
- Reading the land, tree and plant connection, and teaching demonstrations
- Wildlife awareness, elemental exercises, and guided personal Nature Quest
- Trainee-led Nature Quest experiences with peer feedback and coaching
- Final facilitation demonstrations, closing circle, and certification next steps
Common Questions
Frequently Asked
Take the Next Step
Inquire About Training
Share a little about yourself and your interest. Catriona will be in touch personally.
Want to experience a Nature Quest before training to guide one?
Explore Nature Quest® Retreats