Jeff Barrett

Jeff's passion for the outdoors and adventure began in childhood, exploring the ravines near the Don Valley in Toronto on the traditional territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation. This early connection to nature sparked a lifelong commitment to environmental stewardship and outdoor learning. His career reflects this philosophy: teaching outdoor education at prestigious institutions like Upper Canada College and Outward Bound, founding Routes Adventures Inc. (a wilderness program for youth in transition), developing ecotourism initiatives with Indigenous communities across Canada and internationally, and guiding expeditions to all seven continents and the Canadian Arctic.

For years, Jeff worked to bring outdoor learning to individual communities and organizations. But when looking for schools for his own children, he realized something crucial was missing: a systemic approach to integrating nature-based learning into education itself. This insight led to the founding of Grow WILDE. Today, as Founder & Executive Director, Jeff channels his decades of experience toward a bolder vision—one where outdoor and permacognitive learning transforms entire education systems, empowering educators, communities, and policymakers to foster the next generation of curious, resilient, and environmentally conscious changemakers.