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Jamaal Ali
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Jamaal Ali—affectionately known as “Fungi”—has been a part of the Barnacles & Bees community for nearly six years. Over that time, he has served as a parent mentor, led our Family Nature Play class, and made a lasting impact as a lead teacher in our nature-immersion programs.
Fungi is a certified Nature-Based Educator through the Eastern Region Association of Forest and Nature Schools (ERAFANS), and he’s always eager to deepen his knowledge of the natural world. Whether he’s hiking, building shelters, or foraging for mushrooms, Fungi brings hands-on curiosity and enthusiasm to every outdoor adventure.
He has recently transitioned into a new role on our Admin Team as Program Director—or as we like to call him, our Trail Guide—helping to guide staff and programs with the same care, creativity, and thoughtfulness he brings to the forest.
Outside of Barnacles & Bees, he shares his love of nature and exploration with his two children, Mazzy and Lando, his wife Beth, and their dog Ziggy Starfluff. He’s also an avid tabletop RPG player and archery enthusiast.
Fungi believes deeply in child-led learning and the value of risky play—always balancing freedom with support. As he likes to say, “If your child isn’t covered in mud and sand, I haven’t done my job correctly.”
Fungi is a certified Nature-Based Educator through the Eastern Region Association of Forest and Nature Schools (ERAFANS), and he’s always eager to deepen his knowledge of the natural world. Whether he’s hiking, building shelters, or foraging for mushrooms, Fungi brings hands-on curiosity and enthusiasm to every outdoor adventure.
He has recently transitioned into a new role on our Admin Team as Program Director—or as we like to call him, our Trail Guide—helping to guide staff and programs with the same care, creativity, and thoughtfulness he brings to the forest.
Outside of Barnacles & Bees, he shares his love of nature and exploration with his two children, Mazzy and Lando, his wife Beth, and their dog Ziggy Starfluff. He’s also an avid tabletop RPG player and archery enthusiast.
Fungi believes deeply in child-led learning and the value of risky play—always balancing freedom with support. As he likes to say, “If your child isn’t covered in mud and sand, I haven’t done my job correctly.”