Sian Crowley is an award-winning environmental educator, storyteller, photographer and designer dedicated to fostering a deep connection to nature.
As the founder of The Seed Pod, she has built a social enterprise that merges environmental education with the arts, creating engaging resources that inspire curiosity, creativity, and action. Through The Seed Pod podcast and free environmental Learning Pods jam-packed full of printable, innovative education resources—Sian has helped learners of all ages explore the natural world and develop a strong sense of kaitiakitanga/guardianship.
Her work aims to make environmental learning accessible, playful, and impactful for both educators and learners.
With a background in ecology, biodiversity, and environmental studies, Sian has worked with organisations including as BLAKE, the Department of Conservation, Kids Greening Taupō, Forest & Bird and the NZ Association for Environmental Education to develop immersive, hands-on learning experiences. She has led community-wide restoration projects, school education programmes, teacher professional development, marine education programmes, designed national environmental education initiatives, and mentored young leaders in conservation.
Sian has played a key role in strengthening environmental education across Aotearoa, serving in leadership positions with NZAEE and Forest & Bird Youth. Her impact has been recognised internationally, with accolades including the North American Association for Environmental Education’s 30 Under 30, the 2024 Canon Oceania Education Grant, Inspiring Stories Impact Award, and the Forest & Bird Te Kaiarahi o te Taiao Youth Award.
Sian’s mission is to create meaningful, lasting connections between people and nature. Whether through hands-on projects and workshops, immersive VR experiences, or beautifully designed resources, she is dedicated to inspiring the next generation of kaitiaki and ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to engage with, learn from, and protect the natural world.
