Meet Dezire Clarke Meindersee

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Dezire Clarke Meindersee. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Dezire, thank you so much for joining us. You are such a positive person and it’s something we really admire and so we wanted to start by asking you where you think your optimism comes from?

My generosity comes from a love of sharing joy and connection—especially through experiences rather than material things. I find a lot of fulfillment in offering someone something that lights them up, whether it’s a moment, a memory, or even something I own. If someone compliments something of mine and clearly enjoys it, I often feel compelled to give it to them. It just feels natural.

I think part of this comes from how I was raised. My mom is a minimalist and often talks about “death cleaning”—letting go of what no longer serves you, to make space for what matters. That mindset influenced me a lot. I’ve developed my own rhythm of keeping my drawers and closets organized, uncluttered, and intentional. I really believe in the joy of tidying—not just for its own sake, but for how it helps me stay clear, generous, and rooted in the present.

So in many ways, my generosity stems from a desire to live lightly and give freely. It’s less about stuff and more about sharing energy, space, and joy.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

At Cedar Tree Learning, I create nature-based experiences that honor childhood as sacred. I guide children and families into deeper relationship with the land, each other, and themselves through immersive outdoor programs rooted in play, wonder, and connection.

What excites me most about this work is witnessing how children come alive in nature. When they’re given time and space to explore freely—without the rush of clock time or the constraints of traditional classrooms—they bloom. Their curiosity, resilience, and sense of belonging deepen. I feel incredibly lucky to hold space for that growth.

My background in play therapy and early childhood education helps me craft experiences that support the whole child—emotionally, socially, and developmentally. I’m also passionate about inclusion and advocacy. In recent years, I’ve worked alongside other outdoor educators and Oregon state leaders to help shape policies that make nature-based programs more accessible and equitable for all families.

Something I’d love folks to know about Cedar Tree Learning is that we’re more than just a forest school—we’re a community. Families often stay with us for years, and together we celebrate the seasons, share nature crafting, and watch our children grow into grounded, joyful humans.

We’re currently enrolling for our upcoming Spring and Summer Sessions, and we have a few No School Day camps coming up—perfect for a nature boost when schools are closed. We’re also growing our gear swap, offering hand-selected outdoor essentials with a focus on sustainability and quality.

Whether you’re a parent, educator, or fellow lover of the wild, Im grateful for you believing in the power of nature and childhood wonder.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Looking back, three things have been especially impactful in my journey:

1. Trusting Children.
Learning to truly trust children—trust their pace, their process, their emotions, their curiosity—has been foundational. It’s easy to say we value child-led learning, but living it requires deep unlearning. It asks us to release control and step into the unknown right alongside them.
Advice: Spend time observing children without intervening. Practice letting go of outcomes. Let them lead, and take notes—not to analyze, but to reflect on how much is already unfolding without our direction. My mothers words, “my job is to ünfold, not to mold children.”

2. Tending Relationships.
Whether with the land, families, co-teachers, or children, relationships are at the heart of everything. Building trust takes time and care. It’s about consistency, honest communication, and a willingness to repair when needed.
Advice: Slow down. Prioritize connection over curriculum. Make space for the messy middle, the human parts of working in community. It will teach you more than any training ever could.

3. Staying Rooted in Purpose.
There will always be distractions—funding, regulations, burnout, comparison—but what has kept me grounded is returning to why I do this work: because I believe every child deserves access to nature, play, and a sense of belonging.
Advice: Write down your core values and revisit them often. Let them guide your decisions. And surround yourself with people who believe in your vision, even when it’s still taking shape.

One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?

I’m always open to collaboration—especially with folks who share a deep respect for children, the earth, and community care.

I’m particularly interested in partnering with:

-Educators and facilitators who are rooted in nature-based, anti-oppressive, or play-centered practices

-Artists, storytellers, and healers whose work nurtures wonder, connection, and belonging

-Policy advocates and changemakers working toward equitable access to outdoor learning

-Local makers and sustainable brands whose offerings align with our values and serve children and families

If you’re someone who dreams of co-creating something slow, soulful, and rooted in the rhythms of the natural world—let’s talk. I believe in collaboration as a way to expand our impact and deepen our collective work.

You can connect with me by email at dez@cedartreelearning.com, or through our website at www.cedartreelearning.com—there’s a contact form there as well. I’d love to hear what you’re dreaming up.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.cedartreelearning.com
• Instagram: cedartreelearning
• Facebook: cedartreelearning
• Linkedin: Dezire Clarke Meindersee

Image Credits

allphotos were taken by me during our outdoor play