About Ajani
Hey, I’m Ajani.
A naturalist, photographer, and curious explorer who believes that connecting with nature helps us reconnect with ourselves and each other. I’m the creator of Ubuntu Nature, an education and outreach initiative built around a simple idea: when we connect with nature, we remember how connected we already are. "Ubuntu" means "I am because we are".
Through photography, writing, and community outreach, I aim to make nature education more accessible, relatable, and fun, especially for BIPOC kids and families who don’t always see themselves represented in outdoor spaces.
What I Do
As an Arlington Regional Master Naturalist (ARMN) and volunteer instructor with the Nature Core Outdoor Explorers program, I work with kids in grades 1–5 to help them discover the wildlife and wonder in their own backyards.
I also serve as a mentor for new Master Naturalist trainees, helping them develop confidence and curiosity as they step into the field.
In 2024, I was honored to receive the Virginia Master Naturalist “New Volunteer of the Year” award, recognizing my work in environmental education, community engagement, and volunteer leadership.
Beyond teaching, I serve on the Board of Directors for the Northern Virginia Bird Alliance, where I help guide our mission to protect birds and their habitats. I’m also part of the Community Engagement and Diversity & Inclusion committees, where I help design inclusive outreach programs and support new birders of all backgrounds.
My Approach
Whether I’m leading a nature walk, mentoring new volunteers, or sharing a photo of a beautiful black bear, I bring curiosity, creativity, and compassion to everything I do.
I love helping others notice the small, often overlooked details in the natural world, like the patterns on a mushroom cap, the call of a migrating bird, or the way kids light up when they realize they’re part of nature too.
At the heart of Ubuntu Nature is connection: with nature, with community, and with ourselves. That same spirit runs through my first children’s book, Almost Forest Famous, coming in January 2026. It’s a fun and heartfelt story about curiosity, belonging, and the web of life that ties us all together.
If your school, organization, or community group is interested in nature storytelling, workshops, or educational visits, I’d love to connect.