The Nature Connection Trust
In 2025, Trails & Tots transitioned to become a Charitable Trust.
The Nature Connection Trust is now our entity, with Trails & Tots being a programme arm of the Trust.
Our kaupapa can be found here.
Our SUPPORTERS
In 2024 we were fortunate to receive funding through the PSP Curious Minds project grant (Venture Taranaki). With this funding we were able to run a citizen science project, Te Hononga Taiao | The Nature Connection, looking at the impact of nature-based programs for new parents.
To view the final project report, click here.
We'd also like to acknowledge the ongoing support from Sustainable Taranaki in coordinating nature cleanups; and Sport Taranaki for being supportive play and outdoor advocates and collaborators.
Our Sponsors
Interested in supporting one of our programmes?
Send us an email: trailsandtots@gmail.com
Our Board of Trustees
Jennifer Julian
Founder - Chair
Jenn is an experienced educator, with a Masters degree in Outdoor Experiential Education, Curriculum and Pedagogy. She has taught Outdoor Education for just about every age group, from early childhood through to lecturing at the university-level, facilitating a wide variety of skill-based and experiential learning in the outdoors.
Jenn has held qualifications in a number of outdoor pursuits (avalanche safety, ski instructing, rock climbing, bush, flat water paddling, and mountain biking) and has significant experience in risk management and outdoor first aid provision. She has also worked and volunteered with a range of conservation groups.
Becoming a mother transformed Jenn's understanding of and appreciation for time outdoors. She recognizes the immense value connection with nature has for parents and whānau.
She feels passionate about inclusivity and accessibility of time in nature, and hopes The Nature Connection Trust can support more individuals in connecting with Taranaki taiao in meaningful ways.
Alexandra Vernal
Alexandra is a social psychologist specialised in behavioural science and environmental policy. She’s worked with communities and organisations across Latin America and Aotearoa, supporting projects that focus on wellbeing, motivation, and positive change. Her work explores how small shifts in mindset, environment, and support can help people adopt more sustainable and healthy lifestyles, feeling more connected and happy.
Originally from Peru, Alex now lives in New Plymouth with her partner and two young kids. She was drawn here by the mountain, the ocean, and the wind (ideal for windsurfing and spontaneous adventures). Passionate about research and understanding how nature can influence people’s wellbeing, she was the science lead for Te Hononga Taiao, a 2024 research project exploring what supports new parents to spend time outdoors.
Rachael Berndt
Rachael is passionate about creating opportunities for people to feel connected—to nature, to movement, and to each other. As a senior leader with experience in community engagement and innovation, she has a strong belief in the power of movement to foster health, happiness and human connection.
Outside of work, Rachael enjoys bush walks and exploring the outdoors, often with her two teenagers. She also loves watercolour painting, finding creativity and calm in capturing the natural world. Her involvement with the Nature Connection Trust reflects her commitment to wellbeing and sustainability, aligning with her values of living actively and joyfully.
Emma Perks
Emma is the Lead Pelvic Health Physiotherapist & Founder of Full Circle Physiotherapy.
Emma is well known within the Taranaki community for her expertise, support and advocacy for women through all stages of their lives.
A mother of 2 girls (now 9 & 11), she knows first hand how important it is for Mama's to support themselves both physically, mentally and emotionally within those first few years of being a parent.
Trails and Tots/The Nature Connection Trust is an organisation that provides vital movement and social opportunities for parents to attend with their little ones and lead by example for their tamariki. Emma is honoured to be a Board member and knows the value the offerings can provide to clients she sees postnatally.
Taranaki
Trails & Tots (The Nature Connection Trust) would also like to acknowledge the beautiful taiao and whenua that we are grateful to be able to live and recreate on. Ngā mihi nui Te Papa-Kura-o-Taranaki and surrounding area.
We strive to be kaitiaki of the land and support tamariki in building connecting with, and care for, local taiao.
