Resources

This resource aims to guide you to meaningfully engage community members to inform a Nature Everywhere vision and action plan.

This charming story takes readers on a tour of a newly minted children’s garden in North Carolina, complete with vibrant photographs. Truly a labor of love, dedicated volunteers worked tirelessly to transform two acres of vacant soil into nine themed gardens, including a sensory garden, pollinator garden, an outdoor classroom, bird sanctuary, a reading garden, a Peter Rabbit-themed “Mr McGregor’s Garden,” and a child-sized version of a traditional farm. Columbia Metropolitan.

Watch the recording of our Kids and Gardening event featuring Kashon DuBose, Founder and Executive Director of Cultivators and Sonya Harris, Master Gardener and Founder and CEO of The Bullock Garden Project. They share the work they are doing with their communities, hands-on gardening activities that parents, caregivers and educators can facilitate with children – even if they have a small space and poor soil conditions, and sage advice on how your family can get the most out of garden and farm projects.

My childhood was in the woods. Having Angela Hanscom, the founder of TimberNook, as my mother meant that I was...

This article by Eric Knepp, Parks Superintendent at the City of Madison, Wisconsin, provides a fantastic overview of the Nature Everywhere Communities initiative, led in partnership with the Children & Nature Network, National League of Cities and KABOOM!. As a Nature Everywhere Community, Madison is a wonderful example of a cross-sector team, with representatives from local government, Aldo Leopold Nature Center, and Olbrich Botanical Gardens, among others. He also extends a warm welcome to his city, for those attending the Nature Everywhere Conference this May 28-31. CitiesSpeak.

“Bush kinders,” or nature preschools, are becoming increasingly popular in Australia. This article makes the case that bush kinders can benefit from curriculum frameworks and educator training. It also offers helpful tips so educators get the most out of their sessions in the outdoors. The Sector.

This resource supports local teams seeking to engage community members in creating a shared vision and action plan to increase nature access. Community engagement is a process that puts community members in a position of power and centers their priorities, assets, needs and desires. The resource was created to support Nature Everywhere Communities, but it is applicable to any local team interested in meaningful engagement with the local community.

In Pennsylvania, a donation of 170 pieces of adaptive bikes and strollers is helping children of all abilities enjoy nature. Each item has been customized for the needs of each child, and the children even picked out the colors of their equipment. One mother described how the stroller will allow her child to visit more places: “She wants to go fishing,” she explained. “Then we’re going to go on a whole bunch of adventures this summer… She loves nature.” WNEP.

For many youth in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, safe and accessible green space can be hard to come by — an unfortunate circumstance, considering the plethora of health benefits...

In today’s rapidly digitizing world, our youths’ lives are increasingly dominated by screens. As of the time of writing this article, we are observing a concerning upward...

In a recent study from the University of South Australia, researchers explored the impact of nature play areas versus manufactured play spaces on children’s development. They found that children aged 3 to 5 demonstrated more imagination and social interaction in nature play areas, where they spent over half their time when given the choice between the two spaces. The Sector.

We love this compelling commentary by Jackie Goldberg, president of the Los Angeles Unified School District Board of Education. She describes the desolation of LA schoolyards during hot days (which are becoming increasingly common) and makes the case for green schoolyards — not just for students, but for their communities. “Extreme weather is our new normal,” she says, “and for the sake of kids in this state, our schools must adapt to it.” EdSource.

Despite the well-documented benefits of nature, many face social, structural and systemic barriers to accessing green spaces. Plus, camping, dirt and mosquitos don’t always sound like a fun time to everyone — we get it! In this article, discover how to find a personalized version of connecting with nature that suits you best. “Nature is all around us, even in the most urban places in the world,” explains Yvette Stewart of Audubon Texas. “If people want to start tuning into it, the best thing to do is just pause outside.” Vox.

While hiking in Idaho, journalist and mom Tracy Ross confronted both the difficulties of raising children in the age of screens and the looming threat of climate change. In this heartfelt piece, Ross explores how time outside has shaped her family and how she hopes to inspire her youngest daughter to connect with nature in a world where cell phones reign — a sentiment echoed in global initiatives like Screen-Free Week, which encourages families to step away from screens to experience more peace, connection and fun. Vox.

Across the U.S., access to safe, welcoming green spaces is disproportionately distributed. Discriminatory land and housing policies, as well as other methods of systemic segregation, have excluded Black communities, Indigenous communities and other people of color from public lands and natural spaces. “Kids experience and navigate life through play, and not having access to great places to play is detrimental to their full development,” explains Lysa Ratliff, CEO of KABOOM!. “We know what we need to do. We just need to build more playgrounds and parks for our kids.” The Grio.

Graduate student and educator Ary Amaya’s work bridges academia and Indigenous wisdom to ensure that Native ecology drives local land management. Amaya spearheads an Indigenous-led reforestation initiative spanning 27 acres in Los Angeles, California, partnering with local students to take ground observations, monitor newly planted trees and measure canopy coverage. “These students are helping us think about how we as Indigenous people not only reforest and reenvision what ecological restoration looks like in the city,” Amaya explains, “but also how that’s rooted in Indigenous sovereignty and self-determination.” UCLA Newsroom.

This Digest explores pathways to environmental stewardship, particularly through connectedness to nature and other nature experiences

Upstream solutions for an opportunity-rich future for children. Adventure, joy and a more inclusive outdoors. Shifting dynamics in the relationship between grantmakers and grantees. The real-world impact...

Nature access is a matter of public health. In Oregon, start-up NatureQuant has aggregated dozens of factors into a new measurement they call the NatureScore, which provides a snapshot of the amount and quality of nature in neighborhoods across the U.S. – thereby representing geographic access to nature’s health benefits. In this article, interactive maps and data visualizations reveal the inequitable distribution of nature along class, race, income and education levels. A better understanding of these disparities comes with the opportunity for positive change. “The best way to boost a city’s NatureScore is to plant trees,” columnist Harry Stevens explains. Washington Post.

Nature-filled schoolyards – or green schoolyards – provide a wealth of well-documented benefits for children’s health, well-being and learning. A growing number of communities are also considering...

As we approach another Earth Day, it's a great time to teach kids about the importance of caring for our planet – and to get them actively...

As rates of anxiety and depression among youth continue to rise, nature emerges as a powerful ally. Studies show that spending time in green spaces improves well-being, memory and social connections while reducing stress and ADHD symptoms — highlighting the urgent need for fair access to nature. “We would be remiss not to provide equitable access to all kids,” reports Cathy Jordan, Children & Nature Network’s director of research, “especially those who have the most to gain.” American Psychiatric Association.

We love this article’s practical, real-life advice to help address common barriers to outdoor learning. Though the piece is written with teachers in mind, we think the tips could be helpful for guardians and practitioners, too. We Are Teachers.

We’re huge fans of Dr. Jane Goodall, whose Roots & Shoots program empowers youth to take action for the environment. On April 3, 2024, Dr. Goodall celebrated her 90th birthday — a milestone occasion marking a lifetime of advocacy and inspiration. In honor of this landmark, 90 female wildlife and landscape photographers from around the world are participating in a print sale of their photographs, with proceeds going to the Jane Goodall Institute. Check out the powerful images in this gallery. The Guardian.

In this evocative piece by Scottish poet John Burnside, he muses on the wonder that can be found in nearby nature, both by children and grown-ups alike. He quotes conservationist Rachel Carson, who wrote, “If I had influence with the good fairy who is supposed to preside over the christening of all children, I should ask that her gift to each child in the world be a sense of wonder so indestructible that it would last throughout life.” New Statesman.

This report, authored by former Federal Reserve economist Rob Grunewald, investigates the economic returns that can accompany investments in greening school grounds. Grunewald based much of his report on data from a study of a large-scale green schoolyard project in Denver, Colorado, that converted 99 traditional elementary schoolyards to green schoolyards over a 12-year period.

In the U.K., a study funded by the National Trust revealed that children are unable to spend as much time in nature as they wish, with accessibility as the main barrier. Another recent study found that “a third of British children spend less than an hour a day outside in summertime.” The trust is now calling on the U.K. government to live up to previous commitments to ensure every person will have access to a green space within a 15-minute walk of their homes. The Guardian.

Public policy and funding decisions at all levels of government directly impact children’s ability to engage with and learn from nature. Policies and advocacy efforts around the...

We’ve had the honor of collaborating with many inspiring women over the past year. In recognition of Women’s History Month, we’re spotlighting just a handful of them.

This paper reviews research on the relationship between a young person’s nature experiences and subsequent pro-environmental behavior as an adult. A literature search of an academic database is supplemented by discussions with experts in the field.

As preschoolers, my two young boys would hang longingly outside the fence of our neighborhood public school and ask if they could join the pickup soccer game....

“As long as you have a green roof over your head, everything will be okay.” So goes Lucy Stott’s adaptation of her grandfather’s mantra. Born of a long line of New Yorkers, Stott was fortunate to have access to a green space via her elementary school’s outdoor classroom – a green roof. In the concrete jungle, green rooftops can provide shade, capture airborne pollutants and reduce rooftop temperatures. Enough green rooftops can even lower citywide ambient temperatures by up to 5°F. In this article, Stott, now in her freshman year of college, shares some of the research behind the benefits of green roofs, as well as her own personal experience. Living Architecture Monitor.

Over the past decade, the Cities Connecting Children to Nature (CCCN) initiative — a joint national partnership between the Children & Nature Network and the National League of CIties — has helped nearly 50 cities across the U.S. to prioritize youth nature connection. A new report conducted by two independent research firms helped quantify the impact of CCCN’s nine years of support in helping cities connect children to nature. Now, the new Nature Everywhere Communities initiative builds upon CCCN’s successes, with the Children & Nature Network, National League of Cities and Kaboom! partnering to advance equitable access to nature everywhere children live, learn and play. CitiesSpeak.

Students around the globe are feeling the effects of climate change, with hotter weather and other climate-related disasters on the uptick. Hotter temperatures have negative effects on students’ test scores. Climate disasters like storms and droughts cause children to leave school and join the workforce early to support their families, while hurricanes and wildfires cause children in higher-income countries to miss school days. Even children exposed to climate disasters in utero can face impacts, with higher rates of ADHD reported among kids whose mothers were pregnant during Hurricane Sandy. On top of all this, researchers predict that climate change will exacerbate existing inequalities in education worldwide. Conversation.

In a beautiful, urgent blend of memoir, ecology and history, Pulitzer Prize-nominated novelist Lydia Millet “urges respect for the staggering interconnectedness of existence.” Balancing grief and wonder, Millet helps us face and process the ecological ruin that we’ve wrought on our planet, our species and those with whom we share our home. She investigates the question, “Where does our childhood love of nature go?”, among other pressing queries. Scientific American.

The Madison Advisory Council has been crucial to the planning and development of our 2024 Nature Everywhere Conference. Composed of fourteen distinguished leaders from...

"Being in nature - it's a luxury, right?" Paloma Cardoza, a child of immigrants, leveraged her educational background in habitat restoration to work with a major...

A kindergarten-only school in Toronto, Canada, has teamed up with a local farming group to introduce little ones and their parents to nature through a community garden. At guided sessions, participants learn about growing carrots and the local ecosystem. The program brings nature’s benefits to residents and restores habitat in a dense urban neighborhood, while providing free organic produce to community members during a time when food can be increasingly hard to afford. CBC.

In Australia this April, Lismore Rainforest Botanic Gardens will host an interactive, theatrical experience designed to inspire and connect children to the natural world. Part theater, part quest and part wacky science field trip, children will embark on a Magic School Bus-esque adventure complete with talking fungi, booming rocks and nests of song, while being prompted to collect clues, solve puzzles, navigate obstacle courses and work collaboratively with each other and the forest to save the environment from disarray. Australian Rural & Regional News.

Watch the recording of our Babies, Toddlers and Preschoolers in Nature event featuring Alexis Burroughs, Jessica Carrillo Alatorre, and Gabriel Pickus. They discuss benefits of nature engagement for young children, tips on how to prepare for the elements, tangible tools for nature play, whole-child centered learning with nature as the teacher and more!

Women aren’t the only ones leading today’s environmental movement — girls are doing their part, as well. Fourth grader Thaaragai Aarathana has collected 1,000 kg (over 1.1 U.S. tons) of plastic during her dives off the coast of Chennai in India. On her very first dive, she discovered “many beautiful fish — and basically an equal amount of plastic.” So she decided to do something to help. Watch the video to meet Aarathana, her father and the rest of her allies working to clean up marine pollution in their community. DW.

Western Australian nonprofit Nature Play WA works to ensure that children have access to the time and space needed to freely play. In this piece, Nature Play WA CEO Kelsie Prabawa-Sear details the importance of unstructured independent play in the outdoors. Citing academic research on the topic, she notes that many of today’s children are suffering from over-supervision. “If you’re looking for a place to start, I suggest asking the kids what they’d like to do. Ask them what makes them feel free and happy,” she says. West Australian.

Author, ecologist and human-rights journalist Dr. Trish O’Kane found her way to birding and ornithology in an unlikely way: when returning to her home in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina, she was struck by the resilience of the birds who’d survived the devastation. Now a senior lecturer in ornithology at the University of Vermont, she pairs her college students who have experience birding with elementary students as “bird buddies,” creating opportunities for community-building across age groups. “One of the main goals of my class is to build a flock,” she explains. Revelator.

This document is intended to provide guidance to City of Austin Parks & Recreation staff, contractors and vendors hired through the City of Austin, and other Partners (Austin ISD and other schools, Non-Profits, etc.) in the design, installation, maintenance, and management of nature play spaces. This document is intended to provide guidance to City of Austin Parks & Recreation staff, contractors and vendors hired through the City of Austin, and other Partners (Austin ISD and other schools, Non-Profits, etc.) in the design, installation, maintenance, and management of nature play spaces.

From virtual reality to the growing recognition of nature connection as a human right, a wide range of societal trends and factors influence the worldwide movement to...

Dudley Edmondson was a young kid when he learned about the power of nature.  The writer and photographer experienced a lot of challenges while he was...

The Children & Nature Network strives to support and increase the leadership and diversity of young people benefiting from and contributing to meaningful connections to nature, outdoor...

This article, along with the powerful accompanying video, examines the barriers to winter sports that many Black participants can experience. Organizations like Hoods to Woods and Brown Girl Outdoor World offer supportive communities to help Black, Indigenous and other People of Color enjoy the benefits of outdoor winter recreation. Zeb Powell, the first Black snowboarder to win a gold medal in X Games history, reflects on the movement: “It’s a crazy energy I’ve never seen on the mountain. We are the community. And we can lean on each other to talk about how to grow the sport our way.” ABC News.

A recent review of existing research around the world has found that botanical gardens are the most effective type of green space to mitigate heat during heatwaves — an increasingly common occurrence in today’s global climate. Botanical gardens reduced air temperatures during city heatwaves by an average of 5 degrees Celsius, or 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Wetlands, parks, playgrounds and trees planted along streets also had drastic cooling effects. “By implementing just some of the measures we describe, cities can become more resilient, and their citizens can be healthier and happier too,” explained Prof Prashant Kumar, the lead author of the study. The Guardian.

Chinese researchers observed fourth-grade students over a semester, during which they participated in weekly activities in a campus garden. The study found that more than 60% of the students had a greater interest in nature after just four months. The garden also helped alleviate their study-related stress. China.org. Read more (Interested in more of the latest research relating to children and nature? Check out our Research Library — with lots of studies coming from China! — and subscribe to our monthly Research Digest.)

Late January saw the 12th World Environmental Education Congress in Abu Dhabi, which connects thousands of experts from around the world to share advances in environmental education and education for sustainable development. The International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Commission on Education and Communication held a workshop on Greening School Grounds and Outdoor Learning, with Children & Nature Network staff Jaime Zaplatosch Ehrenberg and Brenda Kessler helping to lead the presentation. IUCN.

In North Carolina, the Woodson Branch Nature School has steadily expanded its programs to include weeklong projects in eco-arts, outdoor regenerative agriculture, outdoor education and forest time. School founder Debbie DeLisle was influenced by Richard Louv’s book “Last Child in the Woods,” and his term “nature-deficit disorder.” “He touched my heart, back in a very important time in my life when my kids were little,” DeLisle said. “They were getting stuck inside too long in front of screens, and it was having a profound effect on the development of the human brain.” Asheville Citizen Times.

In this short video, leaders from the Nkwejong Nature Everywhere community team in Lansing, Michigan discuss their participation in the Nature Everywhere Communities initiative. The team plans to expand its network and explore strategies for bringing its programming to scale in Michigan through community mapping, policy advocacy and action planning. The Nkwejong/Lansing team is just one of 19 U.S. communities selected to participate in Nature Everywhere, a roster which includes Sonoma County in California – also featured in a recent local news story of their own. WILX.

Near Yosemite, an art and environmental education camp in Mariposa County, California, draws upon the area’s scenic beauty, abundant riparian species and local Indigenous culture to offer place-based education to TK-6 students. “Our cultural arts are deeply tied to our natural environment,” said Clay Muwin River, a teaching artist at the camp and member of the Northeastern Passamaquoddy and Mi’kmaq nations. Thanks to a collaboration among the local school district, arts council and conservancy, students at the camp make dye from carefully harvested native plants, collect willow stems for basket-weaving and build pottery from clay unearthed from the creek. EdSource.

On May 28, 2024, hundreds will gather on the shores of Lake Monona for the largest international gathering of children and nature advocates worldwide. The Children &...

A visual design studio and a magazine in Bengaluru, India have joined forces to educate youth on subjects related to nature, climate change and ecological conservation through art workshops. During these sessions, students engage in activities like zine-making, where they explore ecological functions and best practices for engaging with the environment. This approach not only enhances understanding of these concepts but also allows children to practice storytelling and create educational products to share with their peers. Mint Lounge.

Members of Wisconsin’s Ho-Chunk Nation are creating and strengthening a community of environmental stewards through a Master Naturalist program. Run by the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s Office of Extension, the 40-hour immersion program integrates Hoocąk language with lessons on sustainability and foraging. Participants learn how to identify native plants and gain insights from tribal members on local restoration efforts, all while emphasizing generational knowledge and Ho-Chunk culture. NPR.

Bring nature inside with Native Plant Party, a new card game created by Central Ohio Naturalist Jared Goodykoontz. Invite different “party animals” into your yard with various native plants from the Eastern US. Planting wild bergamot will swarm your yard with pollinators, while cultivating wasp-friendly plants will earn you a bonus! Make sure to keep the deer and bunnies from eating all your work, and steer clear of pesticide companies! Check out this free, printable version of the card game made exclusively available for the Children & Nature Network.

Since its inception in 2012, the Indigenous Youth Mountain Bike Program has helped build relationships, encourage reconciliation and heal intergenerational trauma for thousands of participants across British Columbia. Now, the inspiring documentary “Dirt Relations: The Story of British Columbia’s Indigenous Youth Mountain Bike Program” is highlighting the nonprofit’s three founders. “It gives you a warm feeling to know, this is so much more than just riding a bike,” an alumni of the program reports. You can find the official trailer for the documentary here. North Shore News.

Across Canada, Black scientists, researchers and environmental advocates are leading initiatives to increase nature connection, protect the environment and fight environmental racism. Though the scope of their work varies, the stories from these advocates are similar in many ways — including the inspiration they draw from each other, the power of mentorship in their work and their shared commitment to building connections that strengthen their communities. The Narwhal.

This Digest provides practice-relevant recommendations for integrating technology and nature to enhance health, well-being, academic succession, and connection to nature.

This resource aims to support a visioning is a process through which community partners develop a vision statement that sets the course for the local children and nature initiative. Through public engagement, the community defines its purpose, core values, and ambitions for the future.

It was 2013. I was away from home for a work meeting when Danae called and told me that our daughter, Lydia, had an EEG test scheduled...

Rockford, Illinois, is just one example of many cities across the U.S. that are going a step beyond the standards associated with the Americans with Disabilities Act to thoughtfully design and construct truly accessible play spaces. Rockford officials will consult with local families who have children with disabilities to create a universally designed playground, fostering a welcoming and inclusive space for fun and relaxation. CBC News.

The once untethered days of outdoor childhood play have been replaced by organized activities and supervised afterschool programs, with some estimates reporting that unstructured play fell by close to 25% between 1981 and 1997. Free play gives children a chance to increase social skills by working together while also building an internal sense of agency and control, which studies show lessens the risk of anxiety and depression. Researchers are now worried that this loss of unstructured free time in kids’ lives may be taking a toll on the mental health of younger generations. KPBS.

While the outdoor recreation participant base is becoming more diverse, a 2022 report revealed that nearly three in four participants are white. Leaders in Minneapolis, Minnesota, are working to expand access to the outdoors and create more opportunities for Minnesotans of color to participate in recreational sports that have historically lacked diversity. “It’s an amazing thing to see other snowboarders out there that look like you,” said a participant of Melanin in Motion, a nonprofit offering low-cost youth and family snowboarding lessons at a local park. Sahan Journal.

A growing movement in children’s literature emphasizes reconnecting kids with nature and fostering awareness about climate change. Authors and illustrators are exploring various ways to engage children in the difficult subjects surrounding the climate crisis, including using humor or reimagined fairy tales to make climate-related topics more accessible. These stories represent the power of storytelling to ignite curiosity and conversation, as well as to address increasing eco-anxiety among youth. The Hindu.

New recommendations released by the Canadian Paediatric Society emphasize the importance of unstructured outdoor play for children’s development and their physical and mental health. While evidence-based safety measures like bike helmets, life jackets and safety gates shouldn’t be ignored, pediatricians encourage parents to allow children to take risks, even if it leads to minor cuts and bruises. CBC News.

Faribault, Minnesota, has been chosen to participate in “Nature Everywhere Communities,” a joint initiative of the Children & Nature Network, the National League of Cities and KABOOM! to advance equitable access to nature everywhere children live, learn and play. The community team comprises Faribault’s River Bend Nature Center, Somali Community Resettlement Services, Faribault Parks and Recreation, and the Minnesota State Academies for the Blind and Deaf. Through Nature Everywhere Communities, the Faribault team aims to enhance existing efforts and develop a comprehensive outdoor inclusion and access plan for the community. Faribault Daily News.

Even during the chilly months, it’s important to go outside and get your Vitamin N. Brenda Kessler, project manager at the Children & Nature Network, suggests a trip to an ice skating rink as an exciting winter activity. Explore a handful of other winter recommendations to do in Jersey City, New Jersey, both indoor and outdoor, that could inspire adventures in your own hometown! Redfin.

As a mom with two young children, I’ve personally experienced how nature can improve the mental and physical health of youth. Inconsolable baby? Put her in the carrier and go for a walk outside. Stressed third grader struggling with homework? Time to take a break and explore the woods in our neighborhood. My experience is backed by research from countless studies over multiple decades, demonstrating how connecting kids with nature improves their overall well-being.

On a brisk Saturday in late October, teams of teachers gathered at a nature preserve just outside of St. Paul, Minnesota. Surrounded by hardwood forests and spring-fed...

Our connection to the natural world is threatened as never before, and that threat undermines the gifts of nature and democracy. So how do we increase empathy, better understand our ecological community, fight the ongoing loneliness epidemic and water the roots of a healthier democracy? In this piece, Richard Louv, co-founder of the Children & Nature Network, argues that we must learn to love and care for the nature around us, while imagining a future that is not only sustainable but nature-rich, beautiful and healthier for children of all species. The MIT Press Reader.

Globally, youth continue to make their voices heard in the fight for climate justice. In September 2023, youth-led climate activist groups Arizona Youth Climate Coalition and UArizona Divest held a protest in downtown Tucson, Arizona, to demand state government leaders take greater action against climate change. One of the many speakers at the event was 16-year-old Tanish Doshi. “Get into nature – because then you will understand what we’re fighting for,” he said. Arizona Luminaria.

This Digest highlights how parents and teachers are important role models in connecting children with nature to promote their environmental stewardship and ease their eco-anxiety.

As we turn the page on an incredible year of nature reporting, Finding Nature News extends heartfelt gratitude to our readers and members of the Children &...

Promoting outdoor education is a bipartisan effort in Minnesota, where lawmakers are advocating for increased access to the state’s five accredited outdoor schools. A proposed bill aims to pilot a grant program specifically designed for outdoor learning. Under the bill, K-12 districts lacking adequate funding for overnight or day-use field trips to outdoor schools can apply for grants, giving all children the chance to learn from Minnesota’s natural world. MPR News.

In the United Kingdom, a noteworthy initiative encourages children to observe and document bird populations in their school surroundings, reporting their findings to the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB). The initiative provides crucial data on the overall well-being of bird populations while promoting environmental awareness and encouraging ecological stewardship. Explore this article for additional tips from RSPB on how to engage children in birdwatching worldwide. The Irish News.

In honor of what would have been John Denver’s 80th birthday, the Life 2.0 Podcast hosted a tribute episode to the great musician, celebrating his environmental advocacy and stewardship. The episode features Cheryl Charles, Ph.D., co-founder, president and CEO emerita of the Children & Nature Network. Hear Cheryl’s reflections on John Denver’s environmental impact, from his efforts to protect the wild areas of Alaska to his testimony in front of Congress on behalf of the National Environmental Education Act, beginning at timestamp 7:35. PodBean.

This Digest presents the numerous benefits of risk-taking in natural environments, while also calling attention to a marked reduction in risky outdoor play opportunities over the past decade.

Indonesian youth are taking a stand against the climate crisis and environmental degradation, urging presidential candidates to better address their concerns. On November 25, thousands gathered in Jakarta to share stories of climate anxiety and emphasize the need for adequate youth representation to address environmental issues. Activists highlighted the threat of rising sea levels and mineral development to their homelands. Asia News Network. Asia News Network.

Groton, Connecticut, is one of 19 communities selected for the Nature Everywhere initiative, led by the Children & Nature Network, National League of Cities and KABOOM!. As part of the two-year process, the town will assess the accessibility of green spaces for those without cars, evaluate school trail accessibility, identify where to prioritize open greenspace acquisition, raise awareness about nature access opportunities and explore the use of social networks to encourage people to engage with nature. Yahoo! News.

An ever-growing body of research continues to identify the numerous mental health benefits of providing children with access to greenspace. Not only does nature reduce the risk of illnesses like depression and dementia, Cathy Jordan, Ph.D. explains that nature has an “equigenic effect,” whereby youth from low socioeconomic backgrounds experience more benefit from access to nature as compared to youth from higher socioeconomic backgrounds. “We would be remiss not to provide equitable access to all kids,” says Dr. Jordan, “especially those who have the most to gain.” Psychiatric News.

The Nevada Division of Outdoor Recreation has been selected to participate in the Nature Everywhere initiative, led by the Children & Nature Network, National League of Cities and KABOOM!. Over the next two years, the Division will integrate outdoor education into the state’s PreK-12 public education system, leveraging the initiative to amplify the impact of existing efforts, guide statewide policies and catalyze community connections. With a focus on equitable access, the initiative will position Nevada as a leader in providing outdoor recreation access for all children. Tahoe Daily Tribune.

This time of year, families and communities gather for cultural and religious holidays around the world, often sharing gifts and wishes for the new year. We’ve pulled together some...

In Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the public school district unveiled five new greenspaces and playgrounds as part of its district-wide green schoolyard plan. In Rochester, New York, the city...

Manny Almonte is the founder and CEO of Young Masterminds Initiative, a nonprofit organization that utilizes a combination of peer learning, outdoor education and mentorship programs to teach young men of color the value of brotherhood, community and the pursuit of excellence. Almonte has increased access to the outdoors for countless youth and co-produced the award-winning short film “Wood Hood.” In 2022, we were honored to host Almonte during a screening of the film and are endlessly appreciative of the insights he provided during the event. Congratulations to Manny Almonte on an award well deserved! Young Masterminds Initiative.

In a groundbreaking lawsuit, 18 young people are taking legal action against the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The plaintiffs argue that current environmental regulations overlook young people’s unique vulnerabilities to environmental hazards, and accuse the EPA of failing to adequately protect children from the adverse effects of the climate crisis. “We’re facing constitutional negligence,” said one plaintiff. “The air we breathe has become a casualty of [the EPA’s] opposition.” The outcome of the lawsuit could set crucial precedents for future environmental justice cases. Grist.

Adventures Without Limits is an Oregon-based nonprofit that offers outdoor adventure opportunities for all people, regardless of their ability level, socio-economic status, gender, ethnicity or age. Their diverse programming encompasses everything from adaptive camping trips to ski outings, often including transportation and gear provisions. Jennifer Wilde, director of Outreach and Development, emphasizes the significance of these programs in fostering a sense of belonging in the outdoors: “Some kids that see Mount Hood from their houses haven’t been out in the snow,” she notes. “Our message is: You belong here and we’ll help you.” Willamette Week.

South of Montecito Union School in Santa Barbara, California, lies a three-acre parcel of land that has been converted from a dirt lot with a condemned building to a thriving landscape of native plants and hands-on learning spaces. Weekly excursions to the “Nature Lab” allow students to delve into topics such as water conservation, food production and healthy soil through the cultivation of in-ground and hydroponic gardens. The Lab serves as a fantastic example of how schools can engage students in outdoor experiential learning while actively supporting the natural world. Santa Barbara Independent.

Watch the recording of our November 29 Member Appreciation event moderated by Jesús Aguirre, Board Chair of the Children & Nature Network, and CEO of the Waterloo Greenway Conservancy with panelists Sarah Milligan-Toffler, C&NN President and CEO, Dylan McDowell, Executive Director for the National Caucus of Environmental Legislators and Amanda O’Rourke, Executive Director of 8 80 Cities. They discuss trends and approaches to health and well-being that might influence, impact or present opportunities for children and nature leaders in the coming year.

The Tri County Play Collaborative from South Carolina was recently selected to participate in the Nature Everywhere Communities initiative. A partnership between First Step agencies and community cultural institutions, the Collaborative aims to provide historically excluded parents and caregivers of young children with free or low-cost access to immersive experiences that promote early learning and nature connections. Over the next two years, the Collaborative will receive support to continue their work promoting nature connection and accessibility, ultimately developing an outdoor inclusion and access plan. Midlandsbiz.

Two local organizations in Santa Barbara, California, recently received nearly $400,000 in state grants to make local outdoor spaces more accessible to underserved youth. NatureTrack helps low-income K-12 students connect with the outdoors by offering free field trips to Santa Barbara’s trails and beaches, while the Wilderness Youth Project hosts subsidized nature-based programs in local communities. The funding, which comes from California’s $1 billion Outdoors for All Strategy, will help extend these opportunities to more youth and inspire the next generation of environmental stewards. Santa Barbara Independent.

In mid-November, leaders from 19 U.S. communities gathered to share their goals and visions for connecting children and families to the benefits of nature during “vision labs”...

Once a month, a group of Prescott, Arizona, residents receive an email with detailed instructions on where to meet, how to get there and what to bring....

In this piece, Ben Jealous, executive director of the Sierra Club, emphasizes the impact of systemic racism and redlining on equitable access to parks and greenspaces. In 2017, 76 percent of people of color residing in low-income communities across the U.S. also lived in nature-deprived areas, creating a significant nature gap that increases physical and mental health risks for children. “Closing the nature gap should be a priority to all of us who have fought long and hard to close the opportunity gaps faced by our kids and our communities,” writes Jealous. Sierra.

Creating inclusive playspaces goes beyond simply making playgrounds more physically accessible or incorporating resources that target a range of capabilities. A truly inclusive playspace should actively encourage interaction among children with and without disabilities to help break down social barriers, eliminate stigma and foster a more diverse and inclusive community. In Spain, parents are working to promote this message, increase the visibility of functional diversity and challenge policies that marginalize children with disabilities. El País.

The San Antonio, Texas-based nonprofit City Kids Adventures provides non-traditional outdoor recreational opportunities to inner-city youth with more limited access to such activities and spaces. Co-founders Leon and Leticia McNeil lead participants on weekend excursions to fish in the Gulf of Mexico, hike in the Davis Mountains or hunt in South Texas. Additionally, the organization introduces participants to communities outside of Texas by offering multi-week-long summer programs around the country that incorporate both outdoor activities and visits to college campuses. Texas Monthly.

You don’t have to be an expert naturalist, or do it all alone. We’ve created this toolkit to help you plan and share outdoor experiences with like-minded friends and families who are yearning for “more green, less screen.”

At the end of 2023, the Children & Nature Network Founders’ Council – a cross-sector group of experts that includes the organization’s co-founders – finalized a report highlighting some of the most compelling challenges and opportunities facing the children and nature movement today.

Climate education is an often overlooked, but essential, climate mitigation strategy. Research demonstrates that when classrooms incorporate climate change education, they can powerfully mobilize young people. However, scaling up efforts to incorporate climate education in curriculums must include increased training for teachers and the creation of inclusive lessons that address the social inequalities that lie at the root of the climate crisis. IISD.

The One Water Summit in Tucson, Arizona, concluded with a powerful session featuring Indigenous youth speakers ranging in age from 8 to 21 years old. The speakers asked attendees what they were doing to make more sustainable choices, urged attendees to better include Indigenous knowledge within their work and discussed concerns such as balancing housing development with water conservation. The session highlighted the need for a more inclusive and holistic approach to environmental policies, emphasizing the importance of Indigenous youth perspectives in shaping a sustainable future. KSUT.

This digest presents recommendations for addressing adolescent mental health through nature engagement

In Australia, the decline in children’s exposure to nature due to digital devices and busy lifestyles is being addressed through “bush kinders” programs. These programs, hosted by daycare centers, kindergartens or preschools, take young children into the natural environment for unstructured play. They aim to instill a regular enthusiasm for nature, going beyond occasional park visits to become an integral part of early childhood education, while also providing children with the opportunity to build STEM skills through interactions with the natural environment. The Conversation.

Explore resources that honor Indigenous people and land during Native American Heritage Month, and throughout the rest of the year.

When Alayna Schmidt, a graduate student at Western Carolina University, proclaimed her fondness for walking barefoot in the grass to some Asheville youths, 12-year-old Davaughn let loose...

When Jessica Carrillo Alatorre gave birth to her first daughter, she wasn’t given much medical guidance on how to soothe her baby. But her mother offered her...

Each year, the Children and Nature Network awards the Richard Louv Prize for Innovation In Nature Connection. Through our application and selection process, we discover remarkable leaders making a difference globally. These individuals showcase unparalleled dedication to the natural world, our climate and the well-being of our youth. Learn more about these inspiring leaders below.

This Digest explores the community and environmental benefits of green schoolyards.

Wild Youth Passages (WYP) is a year-long, nature-based, experiential therapy program for youth aged 13 to 18 who struggle with moderate to...

Many outdoor organizations aim to enhance people’s well-being through time spent outdoors – and they want to do it by offering science-backed programming that has been proven...

Since 2014, more than 50 cities across the United States have chosen to prioritize youth nature connection by participating in the Cities Connecting Children to Nature (CCCN) initiative, a joint national partnership between the National League of Cities and the Children & Nature Network. Nine years later, CCCN partnered with the independent research firms Education Northwest and The Sustainable Learning Projects to explore and quantify the initiative’s successes in a summative report. Published in October of 2023, the report highlights the activities that best supported cities in their efforts to connect children to nature.

At Nature’s Way, we believe that being outside in nature is an essential component of living your healthiest and happiest life – which is why we’ve harnessed...

The word “data” can conjure images of eye-crossing spreadsheets and digital labyrinths. But using data doesn’t need to feel daunting or complex. In Atlanta, Georgia, a cross-sector...

Watch the September 7 recording of our Back to School with Nature event featuring José G. González, Cathy Jordan, Ph.D. and Sheila Williams Ridge, Ed.D.

When Denice Rochelle road-tripped from her home in the state of Washington to northern California, she decided she wanted to camp, hike and fly kites along her...

On a balmy morning in Houston, Texas, more than 50 adults and children gathered in an elementary schoolyard. The group included a State Senator’s representative, school administration...

OutGrown’s Turn The Blues Green Journal is full of tips, tricks, and advice from mamas to get you ready to head outside, and journal prompts from a midwife to allow you a moment to pause and reflect on your new adventures.

Feel confident going outside with your child no matter the weather with these What to Wear guides from OutGrown. Includes resources for Winter, Summer, Rain and tips and tricks for babywearing.

This Digest focuses on children with special needs and inclusion as a social justice issue.

A flurry of activity in state legislatures across the U.S. has resulted in a variety of policies and funding that enhance, promote and encourage opportunities to connect...

Watch the recording of our August 10 event, “Designing Community Strategies and Building Cross-Sector Teams”. Through a conversation with leaders from the Cities Connecting Children to Nature (CCCN) initiative participants will learn about practical ideas for building a community team that incorporates diverse perspectives, skills, and backgrounds as well as strategies for achieving real and lasting change.

On a hot summer day, time seems to slow to a crawl, and our instinct is to head indoors, shelter in the air conditioning and drink something...

This back-to-school issue addressed nature and social-emotional learning.

Join C&NN to explore effective and inspirational practices at this intersection that are greater than their individual parts and to map your organization’s progress toward achieving positive youth development outcomes through quality nature engagement. Featuring conversation with Therese Ryley from Southwest Conservation Corps and Shandiin Nez from Continental Divide Trail Coalition.

Watch the recording of our July 20 event, "Introduction to Nature Everywhere”, which offers participants an overview of the Nature Everywhere vision and application process.

Editor’s note: This story comes from our Director of Events & External Relations, Laurie Rich, who led the planning for our 2023 Inside-Out International Conference. As...

With unwavering determination, environmental educator Amanda Segura set her sights on a remarkable vision: creating a sanctuary of learning, a nature preschool, in the heart of South...

Watch the recording of our July 10 event with author and Children & Nature Network co-founder Richard Louv.

In this Digest, we feature neurobiological assessments and biomarker studies that investigate how nature impacts the brain and nervous system.

Editor’s note: This guest column by author and Children & Nature Network co-founder Richard Louv is excerpted and adapted from his book,

Editor’s note: This guest column tells the story of one Hungarian family’s experience embarking on the Vitamin N Challenge, our annual campaign to help you and your...

How do you (and your family) spend time outdoors? Use this resource to explore the types of nature activities you are participating in, and to reflect on your experiences. This is also a great tool for setting new nature experience goals.

As part of her thesis research, scholar-activist Alayna Schmidt collaborated with Asheville Writers in the Schools & Community, now known as the Artéria Collective, to publish an art zine on Black & Brown youth’s persepectives, opinions and ideas of nature. The project was the result of a year-long project that involved around fifteen youths, from elementary to middle school age. Find Schmidt’s full thesis here.

For more than 25 years, Luis Alberto Camargo has been connecting children to the natural world. On June 15, Luis was named the 2023 Richard Louv Prize...

Peanut butter and jelly. French fries and ketchup. Batman and Robin. Campfires and sing-alongs. Some things are good, and when paired together, they become great. The...

The studies in this Digest highlight the role of Traditional Ecological Knowledge in restoring culture, enhancing connection to nature, addressing colonialist consciousness and improving health.

Learn about the impact of key Children & Nature Network initiatives in 2022.

Editor’s note: We’re thrilled to share excerpts from the new book “Naturally Inclusive: Engaging Children of All Abilities Outdoors,” authored by our Research Library curator Ruth Wilson....

“Nature has the power to protect us, to feed us and to help regulate the climate. It also holds the promise of keeping the skies cleaner, people...

Young adult leaders are bringing fresh voices and new ideas to the Children & Nature Network’s Inside-Out International Conference through...

This issue of the Digest focuses on youth involvement in the planning and implementation of nature-related initiatives.

This Digest offers evidence-based suggestions for using nature to promote the mental health and resilience of children impacted by adversity.

Heather Kuhlken can inspire a child to start loving nature with just a headlamp and a few minutes. Her trick is to go outside on a...

If you want better balance, you’ll need to fight for it. If you’re reading this right now, you’re probably already sold on the idea of "More green. Less...

Watch the recording of our Family Time in Nature event featuring Denice Rochelle, Founder and Director of The Bronze Chapter and Heather Kuhlken, Founder and Executive Director of the nonprofit organization Families in Nature.

Editor’s note: This story is being published to coincide with the month of Ramadan, a holy time for the Muslim...

The 2023 Inside-Out International Conference will be held June 12-15 at YMCA of the Rockies, in Estes Park, Colorado. This premier professional development event...

“I think, we have to recognize the joy that the world didn’t give us and that the world can’t take away, in the midst of the world...

The first night that Melvin Carter took his kids camping was in the back of a rec center in Saint Paul, Minnesota.  His children woke up...

The moment came just a few weeks into Nick’s* participation in outdoor OT sessions. Nick’s mom was chatting with Laura Park Figueroa, who led Nick’s sessions. Suddenly, Nick climbed...

This issue of the Research Digest focuses on early childhood education for sustainability (ECEfS), a relatively new area of interest internationally at the intersection of environmental education (EE), education for sustainable development (ESD) and early childhood education (ECE).

Editor’s Note: We’re pleased to share this story about Nicole Jackson, who has been a longtime leader and partner in the children and nature movement. She participated in Legacy...

The FINCH (Families Into Nature Connecting and Helping) resource is a practical guide packed with helpful information and guidance for community groups. It’s designed to help your group choose and offer nature-based activities for families, helping them to connect with nature and encourage action to help it. The guide is also packed full of self-led games, crafts and activities that a family can do independent of a community group or organization.

The AISD Educational Specifications, or “Ed Specs,” are design standards and concepts used by the school District to guide new school facility construction and major space renovations to create engaging and effective learning environments. School Districts are required by state law to adopt Educational Specifications.

Watch the February 23 recording of the first workshop of the Inside-Out Youth Leadership Development Series. In this session, we explored what makes a YAC successful and how to ensure meaningful engagement for youth. Hear from Tyler Massias from Earth Guardians, Diane Lill from Conservation Nation, and Kerstin Johansson and Ashleigh Cibelli-Pettus from the City of Austin on their experience with building relevant, authentic and responsive YACs.

The Inside-Out International Conference’s Youth Advisory Council (YAC) centers youth voices in conference planning and development. Our 2023 YAC includes leaders ages 18 to...

The Colorado Advisory Council (CAC) provides local perspectives in the planning and development of the Children & Nature Network’s 2023 Inside-Out International Conference. Our...

Watch the February 8 recording of our first Families Together in Nature event — Self-Care in Nature, featuring Nicole Jackson, Kari Kleven MSW, LICSW, Sonny LaForm, LSWAIC, MSW and Renā Trujillo.

“If you’re interested in getting kids outside, no matter what your perspective is, it's related to this broad narrative of why that might be important,” says Dr....

In this three-part series, Rosalind Allen, Education and Families Development Officer for the RSPB (Royal Society for the Protection of...

This infographic highlights 4 ways that children, caregivers and families can practice self-care in nature.

We’ve focused this Digest on lessons learned from green schoolyard projects around the world, including studies from 10 different countries. A dozen evidence-based recommendations for designing and using green schoolyards are offered.

In this three-part series, Rosalind Allen, Education and Families Development Officer for the RSPB (Royal Society for the Protection of...

When it comes to greening school grounds and outdoor learning, we can learn a lot from each other. From “cool urban islands'' in France and colorful nature...

Anthill Creations is a not-for-profit based in Bangalore, India, committed to making play accessible to all children by using industrial waste to build safe, sustainable playscapes. This case study from India is part of the Greening School Grounds and Outdoor Learning project, a joint initiative.

The Institute for Nature Education and Sustainability (IVN) is an organization in the Netherlands that supports greening school grounds that are community-centered, multifunctional and government-led. This case study is part of the Global Lessons on Greening School Grounds and Outdoor Learning project, a joint initiative.

Based in Perú, the Asociación para la Niñez y su Ambiente (ANIA) develops Tierra de Niños (TiNis), or Children’s Lands, as a way of greening school grounds that are replicable, child-led, sustainable and educational. This case study is part of the Global Lessons on Greening School Grounds and Outdoor Learning project, a joint initiative.

Through an ethnobotanical garden at Dar Taliba Ourika girls’ boarding house in Morocco, the Global Diversity Foundation supports greening school grounds with an emphasis on ancestral knowledge, sustainable practices, and diversity and inclusion. This case study is part of the Global Lessons on Greening School Grounds and Outdoor Learning project, a joint initiative.

Les Cours OASIS is a program of the city of Paris that supports greening school grounds with an emphasis on climate resilience, policy and community. This case study from France is part of the Global Lessons on Greening School Grounds and Outdoor Learning project, a joint initiative.

The Climate Ready Schools program at Canadian nonprofit organization Evergreen supports greening school grounds that are climate adaptive, child-centered, scalable and partnership-focused. This case study is part of the Global Lessons on Greening School Grounds and Outdoor Learning project, a joint initiative.

Chilean nonprofit organization Fundación Patio Vivo supports greening school grounds that support different types of play and prioritizes equity and diversity by focusing their work where children are in most need of playing and learning opportunities in contact with nature. This case study is part of the Greening School Grounds and Outdoor Learning project, a joint initiative.

Through their program Lessons in Grass, Czech-based organization TEREZA supports greening school grounds that are place-based, research-minded, engaging and simple. This case study is part of the Global Lessons on Greening School Grounds and Outdoor Learning project, a joint initiative.

Green Cameroon is a non-governmental organization that works with children and youth to develop deep connections to nature and aid in the protection of the environment and conservation of biodiversity. This case study from Cameroon is part of the Greening School Grounds and Outdoor Learning project, a joint initiative.

The Município de Jundiaí in Brazil is one of the first entities in the country to adopt a series of recommendations on greening school ground and getting children outside through the Desemparedamento da Infância (“unwalled childhoods'') project. This case study from Brazil is part of the Greening School Grounds and Outdoor Learning project, a joint initiative.

Brazilian Movimento dos Quintais Brincantes, or “Playful Backyard Movement” supports connecting children with nature to improve health and environmental outcomes. This case study is part of the Global Lessons on Greening School Grounds and Outdoor Learning project, a joint initiative.

The City of Antwerp supports greening school grounds practices that enhance playing and learning opportunities for children and engage the broader community in the design process. This case study from Belgium is part of the Greening School Grounds and Outdoor Learning project, a joint initiative.

In this three-part series, Rosalind Allen, Education and Families Development Officer for the RSPB (Royal Society for the Protection of...

The Greening School Ground & Outdoor Learning Global Action Agenda was written by Salzburg Global Fellows to support the work that ensures that all children and communities have access to green school grounds and outdoor learning.

Studies in this Digest were selected to illustrate more inclusive, socially just, and participatory approaches to research on children and nature. These approaches address increased diversity and pluralism in research, the use of culturally sensitive data collection tools and strategies, as well as children’s right to have their voices heard.

UK-based nonprofit Learning through Landscapes (LtL) supports greening school grounds with an emphasis on education, policy, inclusion and diversity. This case study is part of the Global Lessons on Greening School Grounds and Outdoor Learning project, a joint initiative.

In Sweden, parents bring their babies outside to nap in the open air, all year round. In Norway, Sundays are reserved for family time outdoors: hiking, cross-country skiing or...

After years of excuses and worry, a family finally goes camping together — and loves it. Kids who sometimes struggle to connect find that conversation flows a little more...

Watch the recording of of the December 7 Member Appreciation Event. A screening of “Wood Hood,” Best Short Film winner at the Banff Mountain Film Festival and conversation with creators Manny Almonte and Carlos Davila.

This time of year, communities around the world get festive for the holidays, sharing traditions and exchanging gifts in celebration of Hanukkah, Christmas and Kwanzaa. We thought, why not...

Mike Pertschuk was a force of nature. My first and lasting impression of him was in 2004, as a harried, hurried, happy man racing into a room with stacks...

This Digest highlights research relating to inequities in opportunities for children’s engagement with nature. Included are studies that (1) raise awareness of inequities, (2) demonstrate the potential of increased nature engagement in narrowing disparities in health and well-being, and (3) provide examples of specific initiatives designed to address inequities in children’s access to nature.

Climate-related fires and floods are all too common these days for cities in the western United States. Unfortunately, this is precisely the story of Flagstaff, Arizona and for the...

As a young girl in New York City, Alicia Fall recalls how she would find herself communing with trees lining her street, and the little bits of soil they...

The studies in this Digest highlight the importance of nature for the culture, identity, and health of Indigenous people as well as some of the challenges they experience navigating Western culture and the effects of climate change. This Digest also presents a number of studies that examine the critical role of Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) in restoring culture, connection to nature, health, and resilience for both Native and non-Native individuals.

The last of our fall event series! Watch recording of the November 17 conversation with Marlow Baines and Richard Carlbom.

The Green Schoolyards District Design Guidelines is a product of over a year-long collaboration with a group of cross-sector leaders working towards systemic change in the way we think about and use the outdoor spaces surrounding a school. This publication is intended to support and inspire school district staff in creating their own school design guidelines – tailored to meet the needs of your region and community and endorsed by your district. Our goal is that your school district creates procedures that meet the needs of your students and staff, align with your district priorities, and benefit members of all ages in your community. The content of this publication was written with input from experts in the field, including academics, professional landscape designers, and district-level staff from across the country.

Use these Nature Activity Cards as inspiration to get out into nature and have some fun with family and friends! Cards are separated into two suggested age groups, 2-6 and 7-11 years old. They relate to topics such as urban animals, clouds, reptiles and frogs and are broken down into categories that incorporate play, acting, drawing, investigating and more. They can be downloaded and printed out for fun on the go.

These Guidelines outline the design principles, components, materials, and processes needed to plan, implement, and manage outdoor play and learning environments that foster climate resiliency, community cohesion, health, and nature connection.

“I’m a scientist!” the elementary school students exclaim, flanked by the greenery of the Blooming Classroom as they triumphantly wave their science worksheets above their heads. These students are...

It’s easy to dream with others, in community, and in togetherness. In fact, it is in our human nature. In the words of Audre Lorde, “Our...

In this compilation, we gather studies from previous Research Digests that cover the benefits of green schoolyards and outdoor learning.

Watch recording of the October 13 conversation between Dr. Hanaa Hamdi and Kimiko Russell-Halterman, two experts working in different spaces connected to this topic.

Grow your network and increase your impact by joining The Trailhead, a vibrant online community managed by the Children & Nature Network.

This resource outlines how to develop partnerships between city government and a group of community organizations in order to maximize resources and achieve shared goals to advance children and nature connections.

This resource helps engage cities within a region or state to work collaboratively at the state level to expand access to high-quality green spaces and increase policies and programs that support children and nature connections.

Studies in this Digest focus on the negative impact of climate change awareness on children’s mental health and possible interventions for addressing this concern. Related issues and specific intervention activities are also discussed.

As a high school student in Los Angeles, Wesley Heredia never joined his classmates on their annual trips to the slopes. But that wasn’t because he didn’t have the desire...

Every child should have a little garden, a little place where they can love Mother Earth, and be loved by Mother Earth,” says Joaquín Leguía, founder of ANIA...

In 2022, we celebrate 15 years of progress and partnership with leaders for children and nature around the world.

Watch recording of the September 14 conversation about our first global case study, Peru. Our green schoolyards team traveled to Perú to document an inspiring initiative happening across the country, from the Pacific coast to the Amazon. Hear from them and Joaquín Leguía, founder of the nonprofit ANIA, to learn how Tierra de Niños (or Children's Lands) are supporting the health and education of children in Perú -- and around the world.

Join us on Sept 18-19 for a 24-hour livestream event touring dozens of green school grounds

Throughout 2021, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic presented challenges, but it also led to increased interest in the power of nature to restore and heal. We were honored to work with partners, longstanding and new, to build on this momentum. Our 2021 Annual Report highlights the new ways we supported the incredible work of children and nature advocates around the world whose creativity, resiliency and dedication inspires us as a global force for change.

Towns and cities have an opportunity to reprioritize resources to foster children’s connection to nature while meeting sustainability and resilience goals. Cities Connecting Children to Nature (CCCN), a joint initiative of National League of Cities and the Children & Nature Network, teamed with the Regional Plan Association (RPA) to demonstrate potential synergy in policies and practices in order to bridge these complementary field.

Los participantes del proyecto virtual Lecciones Globales Sobre Patios Escolares Verdes y Aprendizaje al Aire Libre desarrollaron esta declaración para influir en el pensamiento, políticas y estrategias para espacios escolares naturalizados y oportunidades de aprendizaje al aire libre.

Τα μέλη που συμμετέχουν στο διαδικτυακό πρόγραμμα Global Lessons on Greening Schools Grounds and Outdoor Learning ανέπτυξαν αυτήν τη δήλωση υπεράσπισης για να επηρεάσουν τον τρόπο σκέψης, τις πολιτικές, και τις προσεγγίσεις σχεδιασμού των σχολικών αυλών καθώς και να προωθήσουν την ανάπτυξη δυνατοτήτων για υπαίθρια μάθηση. Αυτό θα υποστηρίξει μια παγκόσμια ατζέντα δράσης που έχει σχεδιαστεί για να διασφαλίσει ότι όλα τα παιδιά και οι κοινότητες έχουν πρόσβαση σε πράσινες σχολικές αυλές και υπαίθρια μάθηση.

Os participantes do programa on-line Lições Globais sobre Espaços Escolares Naturalizados e Educação ao Ar Livre desenvolveram esta declaração com o objetivo de influenciar o pensamento, as políticas e as abordagens relacionadas aos espaços escolares e à educação ao ar livre. O documento apoiará uma agenda de ação global destinada a garantir que todas as crianças e comunidades tenham acesso a espaços escolares naturalizados e ao aprendizado ao ar livre.

Les participants au programme «Enseignements universels sur la végétalisation des cours d’écoles et l’apprentissage dehors» ont élaboré ce plaidoyer pour influencer la réflexion, les politiques et les projets concernant les cours d’école et les opportunités d’apprentissage en extérieur. Cela soutiendra un programme d’action mondial imaginé pour promouvoir l’accès de tous les enfants et toutes les communautés à des cours d’école plus vertes et des expériences d’apprentissage dehors.

Medskapare som deltagit i den digitala seminarieserien Global Lessons on Greening School Grounds and Outdoor Learning har utvecklat Salzburgförklaringen för att påverka synsätt, politik och tillvägagångssätt för skolgårdar och möjligheter till lärande utomhus. Denna kommer vara ett stöd till en global handlingsplan som ser till att alla barn och samhällen får tillgång till gröna skolgårdar och lärande utomhus.

साल्ज़बर्ग ग्लोबल फेलो द्वारा तैयार किया गया यह वक्तव्य, यह सुनिश्चित करने के लिए एक वैश्विक कार्रवाई एजेंडा का समर्थन करेगा कि सभी बच्चों और समुदायों की हरित स्कूल के मैदान और बाहरी शिक्षा तक पहुंच हो।

參與了 「綠化校園及戶外學習之全
球經驗」項目的薩爾茨堡全球研討會
會員,編寫了本聲明,籍此促進對校
園和戶外學習的思考、政策和方法

参与了 「绿化校园及户外学习之全
球经验」项目的萨尔茨堡全球研讨会
会员,编写了本声明,籍此促进对校
园和户外学习的思考、政策和方法。

Salzburg Global Fellows에 의해 작성된 본 성명서는, 모든어린이와 지역사회가 학교 운동장 내녹지공간과야외학습에 대한 권리를 보장받을수 있도록전

Destructive floods in Kentucky; historic droughts in the southwest; unprecedented temperatures in Washington and Oregon. It’s hard to see these headlines and feel that all is well with the...

Studies in this Digest focus on Hispanic/Latinx populations in honor of National Hispanic Heritage Month. Latinx communities place a high value on nature, but they often face disparities in access to quality natural environments and nature-based activities. Research is needed to understand how best to serve these communities in the context of cultural assets related to connection to nature.

To the gaggle of first grade girls who hiked up Great Blue Hill with Sheila Johnson two years ago, getting to the top was a chore.

As a child, Sprinavasa Brown witnessed the goodness that the earth could yield.  She saw her great-grandmother save seeds from collard greens and plant them the...

Inspired by our co-founder Richard Louv’s book, “Vitamin N: The Essential Guide to a Nature-Rich Life,” the Vitamin N Challenge is a commitment to spend more...

“I always fantasized about being in a quiet place, alone,” 15-year-old DeVaughn explains. At home in New York City, he is subject to a sensory onslaught — loud music,...

The Salzburg Statement for Greening School Grounds & outdoor Learning was drafted by Salzburg Global Fellows, with the aim to support a global action agenda to ensure that all children and communities have access to green school grounds and outdoor learning.

Need some inspiration for the Vitamin N Challenge? Watch this recorded conversation with author and Children & Nature Network co-founder Richard Louv. Richard will discuss what he learned about creating a nature-filled life while writing his book, “Vitamin N,” and offer tips for completing your Vitamin N Challenge.

Growing up, my family didn’t do the outdoors — or so I thought. Later, during my first job as an educator at Houston Independent School District’s Outdoor...

In high school and college, Blayze Richardson didn’t spend much time outdoors. But, after a visit to the rural environs of Idaho, he discovered the joys of...

Nature-based learning (NBL) is an educational approach that engages children with the natural environment and natural elements as a pathway for learning. The studies highlighted in this Digest focus on NBL during the early years and include a number of different research designs.

Who knew a caterpillar could make such a difference. Rachel*, a pediatric inpatient at UNC Children’s Hospital, was having a rough day. When Wonder...

Dr. Robert Zarr wants to reimagine health care. Zarr was an early proponent of nature prescriptions, the increasingly popular phenomenon that seeks to formalize the link between...

Tiffany Xiong is mom to three young children and External Engagement Manager for the Constellation Fund, a philanthropic organization that uses an evidence-driven approach to end poverty in...

As areas of research mature, it becomes possible to look for trends in the accumulating data across multiple studies by conducting systematic reviews. This Digest presents a handful of such reviews published in the last four years, covering a range of children and nature-related topics.

In May, more than 700 children and nature advocates from around the world gathered in Atlanta, Georgia and online for the 2022 Inside-Out International Conference, hosted by the...

Editor’s note: Thank you to Lisa Donahue, Nature Connection Network, for nominating Atiya Wells and for providing the content for this piece. BLISS Meadows founder Atiya Wells was named as...

Australia’s Nurture in Nature expert Tania Moloney invited attendees of the 2022 Inside-Out International Conference to create a virtual Nature Quilt in celebration of the global children and nature movement. Not only will you find a beautiful piece of crowd-sourced art, you’ll learn about each quilter’s inspiration, natural materials used, and about the Indigenous land from where each square came. You can create your own Nature Quilt; find instructions here!

Family-based nature engagement – when children and their parents or caregivers experience a nature-based activity together – can take place everywhere from the backyard to parks and wilderness and even in women’s shelters and prisons. As this Research Digest shows, spending time in nature as a family is good for the whole family.

CitySprouts is a program for urban school districts dedicated to supporting science equity through garden-based learning. We partner with public elementary schools in Cambridge, Massachusetts and Boston, Massachusetts to provide opportunities for children to learn by exploring the natural world.

At Kiddie Academy in Wilmington, North Carolina, children learn math by counting apples, conduct taste tests on herbs grown in their school garden, and enjoy lunches made of peppers that they harvested.

Parks play an important role in the physical and mental health of children and families and the resilience of communities. However, there are barriers to park access and use that often fall along income, racial and geographic lines. Improving access to high quality, welcoming and inclusive parks is one important way to enhance nature’s benefits and create more equitable outcomes.

Editor’s note: This “Voices from the Field” guest blog is a part of our series highlighting Inside-Out conference presenters. Sandi Schwartz will be presenting a...

For Women’s Herstory Month, we asked leaders in our movement to share stories of the women who inspired them to become nature connectors and protectors. Below you’ll hear from...

"I was shocked at how much you could see the stars. I hadn't realized how much you couldn't see from the city but could see from there....

Gardening can promote children’s physical, emotional, social, and academic development, as well as pro-environmental attitudes and behaviors. Children of all ages and abilities can benefit from garden-related experiences.

This infographic presents 5 key outcomes of nature-based interventions for children and families encountering Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACES).

This infographic illustrates how nature-based interventions can help children and families recover from Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACES). It includes evidence-based therapeutic strategies and outcomes that support children’s health and well-being.

A 4-year-old boy pounds a branch on a round slice of tree trunk, known as a “tree cookie.” Realizing he can make music, he smiles and begins to pound in rhythm. Across the yard, another group of preschoolers follow a teacher along a log on the ground. The kids hold their arms wide, balancing and following directions. Ahead of them are children who are jumping from rock to rock, squealing as one kid yells “ground is lava!”

As a child growing up on Chicago’s South Side, Charmaine Godley didn’t spend time in neighborhood parks. Her family took public transit to the zoo, museums and...

Three of the 2022 C&NN conference track themes are highlighted in this Digest, each one focusing on increasing equitable access to nature. These themes are policy and public sector leadership, equity and inclusion, and cross-cutting topics.

Learn about how Black leaders have been a powerful force in the movement for children and nature.

In 1969, when my family moved to our new, ranch-style home in the Richardson Heights subdivision of Jacksonville, Florida, my interest in nature wasn’t just piqued by...

The Children & Nature Network's Inside-Out International Conference brings practitioners together to advance strategies for turning the trend of an indoor childhood back out to the benefits of nature. Keynotes, breakout sessions, and hands-on workshops will explore current best practices within six tracks: family engagement, youth development, green schoolyards, policy and public sector leadership, equity and inclusion, and cross-cutting themes. To showcase our conference and promote an evidence-based look at these topics, our January and February Research Digests will introduce research aligned with these areas.

When racist taunts made Patricia Kelly’s childhood painful, she found relief in a saddle. Her family was the third Black family in a predominantly white neighborhood...

This infographic depicts the many benefits of nature during the foundational years of early childhood, ages 0 – 5.

It would be easy to think about this new year as “déjà vu all over again.” The global pandemic continues, with children bearing some of its worst impacts. Long-standing inequity remains entrenched in communities around the world, and critical climate and geopolitical challenges share the headlines with the latest COVID variant. 

Discover recommentations from The City of Paris and their vision for an urban “oasis” that will improve the citizens’ life quality in the neighbourhood scale, considering that every Parisian resides in close proximity to a public school. The booklet describes the schoolyard transformation of Parisian preschools, elementary and middle schools into «cool islands», by integrating nature-based solutions for shading and storm-water management.

This report gives an overview of the first ten years of early childhood nature programs at Antioch University. It is written by C&NN’s co-founder and President and CEO Emerita Cheryl Charles.

Please join the movement to give all kids a nature-filled future.

This resource document supports cities in how to make the case to their city or district leaders to use funding to support green schoolyards. It is a communications and messaging focused toolkit with links to templates, press releases and case study examples.

Interest in children’s spirituality has increased in the past decade, yet definitions and descriptions remain somewhat nebulous. Related research also remains scarce. What is known, however, is that engagement with nature promotes aspects of child development generally considered to be elements of their spirituality. We’ve sampled those studies for this Research Digest. We hope this Digest offers a moment for you to reflect on your own connection to nature as a pathway to, or an expression of, your own spirituality.

This Digest addresses children’s engagement in environmental activism, especially as this relates to climate change including factors influencing and/or supporting activism and different forms of children’s activism. Examples of how climate change activism can simultaneously address human health and the health of the planet are provided.

To gather is a human desire borne from our need to survive and pass on our genes. Our ancestors gathered to protect themselves from those who would do them harm, both animal and human, as they protected their clan from predators and other tribal groups.

Meet our co-hosts in “the city in a forest”

“The word 'risk' derives from the early Italian risicare, which means 'to dare'. The actions we dare to take, which depend on how...

“Worm. Rabbit. Fox.” A ball of string is tossed around. “Tree. Squirrel. Owl.” On and on it goes, as 5th graders name animals or plants in a habitat and toss the string. The ball of string keeps traveling until every child is linked in an entangled web. Years ago when I was an outdoor educator, I led this activity weekly. I would announce that the fox had a good hunting day, which was unfortunate for the rabbit.

This Digest reviews the health, well-being, and developmental benefits of nature engagement for young children, birth through age five, including Health, Well-being, & Overall Development; Enhanced Play; Learning & School Readiness, and Connectedness to Nature & Sustainability.

Something magical happens when a diverse group of young people go into beautiful, remote places in nature together. Courage, confidence and community awareness grow—and wonderment is as common as rain. I have seen over and over again how the Boys and Girls Outdoor Leadership Development (BOLD & GOLD) program fosters a sense of awe, agency and connectedness between youth participants—and with the natural world.

The Children & Nature Network is pleased to announce that nine organizations from across the U.S. have been selected for a Youth Development & Nature Cohort designed to enhance local partnerships, build cultural awareness and engage youth in meaningful outdoor experiences.

It’s no secret that people of color, people with disabilities and the LGBTQ+ community lack representation in most forms of media, from advertising to feature films to the relatively new field of influencer marketing. The outdoor industry and conservation fields face the same challenge. But a new commitment to equity and inclusion is taking hold and new solutions are emerging from creative leaders like the entrepreneurs at Nappy, a stock photography company on a mission to improve representation.

In this issue of Finding Nature News, we are thrilled to feature our partnership with Nappy Studio to create a collection of stock photos of Black and Brown people in nature. We focused on teens and young families to fill the biggest gaps we’d observed in traditional stock photo sites. You’ll be seeing these images in our work, and, through Nappy, we are making the collection of 60 photos freely available.

This Digest focuses on the benefits children with special needs receive from engagement with nature, various types of nature-based interventions, as well as barriers to nature engagement for children with special needs.

This issue marks the start of National Hispanic Heritage Month, celebrating the contributions and influence of Hispanic and Latinx people in American history, culture and achievement. We are honored to highlight just a few of the many Hispanic and Latinx organizations working to connect communities to nature and protect public lands. We’re also pleased to announce that our Family Nature Club guide is now available en español.

In 2016, Saint Paul, MN joined the Cities Connecting Children to Nature (CCCN) pilot, a new initiative of the Children & Nature Network and the National League of Cities. We are thrilled highlight the successes of CCCN cities like Saint Paul as they create opportunities for their residents to spend time in nature — regardless of race, income, ability or street address.

Green schoolyards designed around children’s preferences and outdoor learning pedagogies can promote increased physical activity, socio-emotional health, engagement with learning, and connectedness to nature.

Eighteen months ago, school districts were mostly at a loss when it came to dealing with a global pandemic. Today, educators and communities should have everything they...

The summer of 2020 was one of social distancing and shuttered public spaces due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Minnesota’s capital city of Saint Paul was also swept up in the civil unrest following the killing of George Floyd, an unarmed Black man, by police in the neighboring city of Minneapolis. Saint Paul residents, especially Black, Indigenous and People of Color, found it challenging to find places where they felt safe to gather and connect—at a time when they needed it most.

After five years teaching with Nature Nuts, I recently began Natural Learning Northwest, a...

Nature Nuts is excited to be starting our seventh year of forest kindergarten for kids ages 2-

When Aurelia Casey spent summers with her maternal grandmother on Staten Island, she often pulled weeds to help make way for gardens. She later learned that...

In the summer of 2020, in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, nature centers were authorized to begin slowly opening their trails. Those of us in the education department at Beaver Brook knew we needed to provide opportunities for families to safely get out into nature. Families were being particularly hard-hit by pandemic-related changes; we knew that nature could provide numerous mental, social, physical and family-bonding benefits

Evaluation of Anitoch University New England’s nature-based early childhood education initiative that includes graduate courses, a certificate program, conferences, consultations, and a professional
network.

The Children & Nature Network has launched a new Health & Nature Fellowship program, designed to tap into the power of local partnerships and knowledge to "make more progress, more quickly."

My family had fallen into a rut. More time indoors was equating to more time on screens. Gaming with screen names, avatars and portals in a dynamic online world captivated my son, Max, and his imagination for hours on end. We were, and are not, alone in this indoor state of inertia. 

This Digest focuses on factors limiting children’s engagement with nature, some residing in the child and/or family; some associated with urban parks and public greenspaces; some specific to schools.

How are nature experiences shaping today’s young leaders? According to recent interviews with 11 Natural Leaders, the ways are endless. Hear from these young leaders and learn about the new Rising Generation Workshop series they are producing to inspire and develop leadership and civic engagement skills in young adults across the U.S.

I’m sometimes asked if our work with children should be about teaching them to savor, or save, the natural world. The question seems to suggest that we need to choose one or the other. 

Studies highlighted in this Digest focus on the use of nature to achieve therapeutic goals. Different approaches and different populations served are addressed.

Ever since I was a little girl, I have loved nature. Some of my earliest memories involve being fascinated by all the things I saw in nature—a...

With its super-sized list of supporters and collaborators, Texas Children in Nature (TCiN) is seemingly a model for winning friends and influencing people on behalf of getting kids engaged in the outdoors.

After a year of remote learning, closed playgrounds and a lot of uncertainty, schools and students across the U.S. are looking forward to the return of in-person learning. For many communities, one of the biggest lessons of the past year was the role that outdoor spaces can play in supporting children’s learning and well-being.

Jaime Zaplatosch, C&NN Sr. Vice President, Green Schoolyards for Healthy Communities, joins a panel of expert for this webinar focused on increased use of outdoor learning spaces during the Covid-19 pandemic. In addition to reducing virus risks, outdoor learning benefits students’ social, emotional, and mental well-being. Research shows that trees and gardens create better learning environments for students by alleviating mental fatigue, improving attention, and encouraging hands-on learning outdoors — all of which can bolster academic performance. Learn strategies for bringing trees and nature to school campuses and students of all ages. Find out how to design for success by anticipating roadblocks, identifying feasible opportunities, and engaging with key stakeholders.

With strong bipartisan support, the Georgia State Senate recently adopted a resolution to create an Outdoor Learning Study Committee to understand how outdoor learning might support the health, well-being and educational outcomes of all of Georgia’s children.

This Digest focuses on ways in which technology can be a helpful or limiting factor for engaging children with nature.

Join our conversation with author Heather McGhee and Dr. Gail Christopher as they explore what racial healing might look like for the children & nature movement.

You’re at the park with your child when they suddenly spot a puddle and start running toward it. Your natural instinct is to stop them. But why?

In my many travels to Cuba, one of the things I discovered was that fishtail Cadillacs and Chevys weren’t the only relics on its roads that reminded me of the 1950s and 1960s. So were the children who were playing in its streets.

This Digest focuses on climate change resilience and ecological restoration in relation to the benefits for both people and the planet.

Are there moments in your life you can point to and specifically say, “That moment changed my life?” I know that I can.

Teen climate activist Greta Thunburg has become a household name, and for good reason. But she’s not the only young person lifting her voice to demand meaningful change. Around the world, young leaders are fighting to protect the wild places we love--and the future of our planet.

In this article written for Sierra Magazine, Louv calls for recognition of nature as a basic human right of all people—and for recognition of the inherent rights of nature.

Want to help guide priorities for outdoor policy advocacy? Participate in a national survey being conducted by the Youth Outdoor Policy Partnership through the end of April.

A few weeks ago, we marked the one year anniversary of the COVID-19 pandemic. Vaccines and the arrival of spring bring hope, but the disparities in housing, food, education and employment that became glaringly apparent during the pandemic remain deeply entrenched.

When my husband and I moved out of our New York City apartment and ventured across the Hudson River to a small town mostly known as Frank Sinatra's birthplace, we didn't know what we were in for. Like most people who arrive in Hoboken, we sought more space but gained so much more.

Integrating nature and art in culturally relevant ways can promote children’s nature connectedness and mental health.

Celebrating nature connectors and protectors from A to Z.

In 2007, a group of young leaders, including Juan Martinez, was asked to create a youth-focused track for C&NN’s annual Grassroots Gathering. Recognizing the increasing age and lack of diversity in the children and nature movement, they came back with a different proposal.

In September 2020, Ron Griswell launched a non-profit to connect students at America’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) to outdoor experiences and careers. HBCUs Outside has been a labor of love, years in the making. Ron would say it’s been in the making since his childhood.

This Digest focuses on the impact of COVID-19 on the mental health of people around the world. Social distancing restrictions and limited access to natural environments have contributed to the mental health concerns.

In addition to its proximity to Niagara Falls, Buffalo, New York, is best known for its epic snow storms. These storms drop as much as eight feet of snow at a time, sometimes requiring the National Guard to help the city dig out its streets.

We honor and celebrate Black leaders working to connect children and communities to the benefits of nature and to increase equity in the outdoors. Here are just a few of those leaders who have been featured in Finding Nature News, written commentary for the Children & Nature Network or who have spoken at one of our events: