Andrew Prazar is all about being outside. He loves nothing more than immersing himself in the beauty and wonders found in the natural world and encouraging others to do the same — so much so that he’s made a career of it.
The founder of North Shore Nature Programs in Georgetown, Andrew offers a variety of programs — both onsite and in schools and libraries throughout the region — designed to get kids away from their screens and into the fresh air.
Familiar to many in the Greenbelt community, he also leads a number of popular educational activities for children as part of our Family Nature Series and several adult programs, including a newly launched birdwatching club. A dedicated supporter, Andrew is also a monthly donor who contributes to our mission year-round.
“I especially love working with kids because they have such a natural curiosity and they’re incredibly observant,” says Andrew. “They’ll notice something different about a plant or insect that you’ve seen a hundred times and force you to take a closer look. They remind you how interesting and magical it all is, and they keep you humble.”
He also draws energy from the boundless enthusiasm and excitement that kids bring to his programs. "It's incredibly rewarding to see children who may struggle in a classroom setting or face social challenges truly thrive during outdoor activities," he says.
Andrew founded North Shore Nature Programs in 2013 after several years of teaching experiential outdoor education at other environmental organizations on the North Shore. During this time, he also received a Master’s degree in Environmental Education at the University of New Hampshire. What began as a modest venture has expanded steadily over the years.
“I decided to strike out on my own because I wanted to create programs that aligned with my personal values and focused on the most effective ways to educate kids about their local environment," Andrew explains.
This approach was informed by research showing that when children have recurring experiences with a consistent mentor or educator in nature, those lessons and experiences become more formative, deeply influencing how they think about environmental issues later in life. His after-school programs and summer camps were designed around this concept.
In addition to the programs he runs at Greenbelt, Andrew is also a dedicated donor and strong supporter of its mission. “Greenbelt does a fantastic job identifying core habitats and wildlife corridors and preserving them in perpetuity. I also appreciate the emphasis on community engagement and educating people about the importance of land conservation — lessons I also try and share with children and their parents.”
Andrew’s deep connection to the outdoors can be traced back to his childhood spent exploring the forests and streams around his family’s home in Exeter, New Hampshire. The son of an avid birdwatcher, he also developed an early interest in identifying and observing animals in their natural habitats. These experiences sparked a lifelong love for outdoor activities and ultimately guided him toward his current career path.