The People behind the scenes
Meet the creators of Gritty Explorers
Kristin, owner of Love & Grit Farm and Carmen, owner of Table Talk with Carmen in collaboration have developed an outdoor farm to forest program to enrich children in the community.

Kristin (left) Carmen (right)
Kristn Rydland
Founder & Owner of Love of Grit Farm
Kristin, owner of Love & Grit Farm, while she’s a farmer, she’s also a mom to 3 children who love exploring their backyard. You can find Kristin out in her garden, feeding chickens, goats, pigs, and connecting with other local farmers– she could talk about farm life all day.
Carmen Mbwana
Founder & Owner of Table Talk with Carmen
Carmen, owner of Table Talk with Carmen, is a Speech Language Pathologist, Nutritionist and a mom to 2 girls. Her passions are eating locally, encouraging families to have dinner together, and teaching Cooking Classes locally. You can find Carmen creating new recipes in her kitchen often using veggies from Farmer Kristin– she could talk about food all day.

★★★★★
Gritty Explorers has transformed my child’s connection to nature. The program’s blend of play and learning fosters curiosity and confidence, allowing kids to thrive in outdoor settings. My child has developed new friendships and skills while exploring the farm and forest. I highly recommend this program to any parent looking to enrich their child’s life with nature-based experiences!
Mom of a Gritty Explorer
Gritty Explorers
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Nature Connection
Gritty Explorers immerses children in nature, allowing them to discover the wonders of farm life and seasonal changes through engaging activities. This program nurtures a love for the outdoors while promoting learning and exploration.
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Community Building
Our program emphasizes the importance of community, helping children form friendships and develop social skills through collaborative play and shared experiences in nature.
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Skill Development
Participants enhance their motor skills and observational abilities through hands-on activities, exploring local flora and fauna while gaining confidence in outdoor settings. This holistic approach fosters growth and curiosity.