Nonprofit Wild You Inspires Valley Residents to Explore Nature

Wild You offers educational programs and outdoor activities to connect people with the environment.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 7:54pm

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An abstract, impressionistic photograph capturing the blurred silhouettes of children exploring a natural setting, with soft, warm pools of light and color creating a dreamlike, atmospheric mood.Wild You's immersive nature programs aim to inspire the next generation of environmental stewards through hands-on learning and exploration.Poland Today

Wild You, a nonprofit organization in Poland, Ohio, is focused on inspiring people to connect with and learn about nature through educational programs and outdoor activities. Started in 2018 by naturalist Julie Bartolone, Wild You offers a variety of initiatives like frog catching nights, canoe lessons, themed hikes, and Nature Schools for kids ages 3-10 to get them engaged with the natural world.

Why it matters

With increased screen time and less time spent outdoors, Wild You's programs aim to address the disconnect between people, especially children, and the natural environment. By exposing participants to hands-on learning and exploration, the nonprofit hopes to foster empathy, appreciation, and future stewardship of the environment.

The details

Wild You's Nature School programs for ages 7-10 typically include an activity, craft, lesson, and outdoor exploration, while the Nature Preschool caters to ages 3-6. One recent program called 'Nature Detectives' taught kids to look for animal evidence like tracks, scat, and shed skin. The nonprofit also does outreach at local schools, bringing interactive science lessons to fill an educational void.

  • Wild You was founded in 2018.
  • The nonprofit holds regular programs throughout the year.
  • A fundraiser event is scheduled for April 25, 2026.

The players

Wild You

A nonprofit organization in Poland, Ohio that offers educational programs and outdoor activities to connect people, especially children, with nature and the environment.

Julie Bartolone

The founder and naturalist behind Wild You, who started the nonprofit in 2018 with the goal of inspiring people to explore and learn about the natural world.

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What they’re saying

“You know, it's a lot of screen time, and we're not going outside as much as we used to. And that's what our nonprofit encourages.”

— Julie Bartolone, Founder and Naturalist, Wild You

“Not only is it fun, it's important. And from a young age, you're exposing them to these things, which in the future can be empathy for certain creatures, or that child can grow up to, you know, work in a field that maybe protects that habitat.”

— Julie Bartolone, Founder and Naturalist, Wild You

What’s next

Wild You is always looking for volunteers to help with their educational programs and outdoor activities. Interested nature lovers can visit the nonprofit's website to learn more about upcoming events and ways to get involved.

The takeaway

Wild You's mission to reconnect people, especially children, with the natural world through hands-on learning and exploration is crucial in an era of increasing screen time and disconnection from the environment. By fostering empathy and appreciation for nature at a young age, the nonprofit hopes to inspire the next generation of environmental stewards.