Nicole Gorman—an East End Long Island native from Baiting Hallow—has always been a believer in what you do for early childhood education matters. Given her background and degree, coupled with her love of the North Fork, she launched a unique offering that integrates learning and playing with nature itself. Nicole sat down with Outer Boro Broad to talk about her foray into entrepreneurship with the launch of the North Fork Nature School and why she truly believes in its mission.

Q: Tell me about where you grew up?

A: I grew up on the East End of Long Island in the little hamlet of Baiting Hollow. It was a magical place where I rode my bike to the beach, ran across sod fields, and spent countless hours exploring the trails behind my neighborhood and swinging on the sacred rope swing. During the summers I would visit my grandparents in East Marion where the days were filled with seining for minnows, playing at Orient Point State Park, and afternoons in Greenport getting ice cream and riding the carousel.

Q: What is your experience as an educator post-college?

A: Post-college I worked as an elementary school substitute teacher and during the summer, a camp director and swimming instructor. It was through my experience as a camp director that I found my passion for working with young children outdoors.

Q: What’s the experience like at the North Fork Nature School?

A: The experience at North Fork Nature School is free flowing, uninterrupted and authentic learning and play in nature. Where young children have the opportunity to truly explore the world around them and to imagine and create freely.

Q: What was the need on the North Fork that led you to launch this business?

A: Through researching other programs on the North Fork, I noticed that the focus was on farming and not nature as a whole. I also found programs that were nature-centered, but not 100% outdoors and using outdated methods such as themes. So, I created a program that’s different and fills the gaps.

Q: What age group do you focus on and why?

A: I primarily focus on ages 2.5-5. The reason I focus on Early Childhood is because it’s a magical experience observing a child learn something for the first time. Also, young children are so enthusiastic not only about learning, but about life!

Q: How do you envision growing the school in the next five years?

A: I envision the school taking on more like-minded educators and accepting more learners. Also, for the school to be a staple of the community.

Q: Where are some of your favorite places on the North Fork to eat and drink?

A: I’m a huge fan of Legends, The North Fork Shack, and Touch Of Venice. Places to drink I love Lenz, Taps & Corks, and Jamesport Farm Brewery.