“Ashley transforms a room into a rich, explorative space!” — Danny Cosgrove, Executive Director of the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center

In addition to being a published author, Ashley Erdely is an educator, writer, devoted parent, and passionate nature enthusiast. She grew up on a 130-acre llama ranch in Northern Michigan, where having llamas as best friends felt completely normal. Her childhood was shaped by camping trips and visits to national parks across the country—experiences that deeply influenced her decision to become a teacher and inspired a lifelong mission to help children build meaningful connections with the natural world.

After a decade of teaching in public school classrooms, Ashley co-created a thriving 6th-grade outdoor school program for Hood River County Schools (Oregon), developed curriculum for a private environmental education school, and co-founded a local branch of a Forest Free School for preschoolers in her community. She is also a specialist in dyslexia and a college essay coach.

This fall, she’s stepping out of the classroom and into her newest role: published author on tour. Ashley looks forward to book signings, wildflower events, and leading hands-on workshops for kids and caregivers — sharing her love of native plants, storytelling, and outdoor exploration with as many young learners as possible.

She lives in the heart of the Columbia River Gorge Scenic Area in White Salmon, Washington, with her husband, daughter, and (unofficially) 750 species of wildflowers. You can usually find her outside—digging for worms in the garden with her daughter, leading nature workshops for curious kids, or raft-camping with her family on one of the region’s many wild rivers.

Ashley's Featured Titles

Wildflowers of the Pacific Northwest For Kids (A Timber Press Field Guide)

Timber Press |
Children’s

For the next generation of wildflower hunters, this fun and fact-filled guide helps children learn about and love the region’s most common blooms. 

Featuring over 50 wildflower species commonly spotted in the Pacific Northwest, this dynamic and engaging guide is targeted toward readers between 8-12 years old. Brimming with accessible science and keys to identifying each flower, it also highlights the interesting, unusual, and entertaining facts about wildflowers and their pollinators that kids love. Written and designed by teachers for kids, this is the perfect tool for the classroom and the perfect companion on the trail. Likely a young reader’s first field guide, Wildflowers of the Pacific Northwest for Kids will spark a young person’s interest in wildflowers and the wider world around them.

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Meet the Wildflowers

Meet and explore native wildflowers of your region of the Pacific Northwest; why they’re fun and why they matter. (Can be adapted for ages Pre-K – 1st, Grades 3-5, Grades 6-8)

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How Wildflowers "TALK"

Discover how wildflowers “talk” (even without mouths!) and take a playful look at plant-pollinator teamwork. (Can be adapted for ages Pre-K – 1st, Grades 3-5, Grades 6-8)

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Write Like a Naturalist

Learn to transform observation into vivid nonfiction; plus a behind-the-scenes look at publishing and how to be an author. (Can be adapted for ages Pre-K – 1st, Grades 3-5, Grades 6-8)

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From Idea to Book

Go behind the scenes of nonfiction publishing from spark to publication. Brainstorm, map ideas, and begin creating your own book concept. (Can be adapted for grades 3-5 or grades 6-8)

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Little Legs, Big Adventures

Discover simple ways to support child-led nature play with tools and inspiration to turn everyday outdoor moments into meaningful connections. (For caregivers and children ages 2-6).

Coming Soon!

Ashley’s Events Page

Kids’ Wildflower Art Contest

Honors, Awards & Recognition

Coming Soon!

Media clips

Media Kit

By clicking the link below you will be directed to a Google Docs Folder
where you can download author photos and cover images.

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