Finding Nature News
64 Resources
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....
GROWING POWER: Urban Roots connects young people with natural spaces, food systems – and one another
"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...
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...
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...
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 &...
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...
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....
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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....
Young adult leaders are bringing fresh voices and new ideas to the Children & Nature Network’s Inside-Out International Conference through...
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...
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...
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...
“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....
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...
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...
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...
“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...
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...
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...
“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,...
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...
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...
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....
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...
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...
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.
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.
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...
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.
Collaboration by nature: Getting children outdoors gets top billing when organizations work together
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.
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.
Are there moments in your life you can point to and specifically say, “That moment changed my life?” I know that I can.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Professor Charlie Nilon stumbled upon his career like a hiker might stumble across a fawn on a forest trail. Nilon, who is the William J. Rucker Professor in Fisheries and Wildlife at the School of Natural Resources at the University of Missouri, grew up in Boulder, Colorado.
We shared this last December, but the ideas are evergreen and designed to help you create outdoor memories with the children you love.
Tom Lee Park in Memphis is named after an African-American river worker who, in 1925, rescued 32 passengers from a capsized steamer in the Mississippi River. But...
How Green Schoolyards Can Help Make Schools Safer This Fall—and Improve Kids’ Lives Permanently
107 Resources
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
Editor’s note: This story is being published to coincide with the month of Ramadan, a holy time for the Muslim...
“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...
In this three-part series, Rosalind Allen, Education and Families Development Officer for the RSPB (Royal Society for the Protection of...
In this three-part series, Rosalind Allen, Education and Families Development Officer for the RSPB (Royal Society for the Protection of...
In this three-part series, Rosalind Allen, Education and Families Development Officer for the RSPB (Royal Society for the Protection of...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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.
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...
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...
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.
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.
“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.
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
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.
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.
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...
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?
Watershed Public Charter School is redefining environmental arts learning and keeping kids connected to the natural world during COVID
Over the holidays, I’ve been reading a wide range of reflections on 2020. From the “good riddance” variety to thoughtful pieces that wonder if we will emerge...
In Grand Rapids, MI, every eighth grader in the public schools puts on a life jacket, grabs a paddle, and learns to canoe. Many have never set...
The following article was published in the September 2020 issue of Green Schoolyards Catalyst Quarterly, a publication of the...
On a cold mid-January evening in Rochester, NY, a group of young people stand around a circle in a snow-covered forest cheering for each other. Their aim? Start a...
re·sil·ience: noun, the capacity to recover quickly from difficulties; toughness. Resilience is now firmly woven into our everyday vernacular, in the contexts of climate change and Covid19. Nature’s role— particularly...
An eight week program in Detroit transforms local youths' lives through mentorship, skill-building and nature-based activities.
This is the second installment of a two-part series. In the first part of this article, we visited a nature-based early childhood program in...
This is the first installment of a two-part series. A plague of digitalization is sweeping through American youth, infecting all whom it touches. Teens...
As part of the Cities Connecting Children to Nature Initiative, mayors in 18 cities across the country are leading a national effort to ensure all children in their cities grow up with regular connections to the natural world.
Dad Mike Lanza takes his children on adventurous and sometimes dangerous trips. As he writes here, he believes that exposing his kids to danger is good for them.
As evidence of the benefits of nature on our emotional and physical health as well as on our social lives, cognitive...
More cities are using Nature-Smart Libraries to connect children to nature. Here, Noah Lenstra traces the movement back to its origins.
Working, learning and teaching in the field of landscape architecture is a wonderful way to be connected to natural systems and the creative process. Being involved with the design of the built environment from a perspective of the landscape for almost 35 years has provided me a tether to the natural world. But after studying, practicing and teaching nearly continually throughout my career, I decided to take a break from my work. I needed to mind my health, raise my daughter, and address some inner conflict around teaching environmental sustainability while ignoring major breaches to human sustainability. I took advantage of the respite to get back in touch with Nature as well.
Two moms set out on a camping trip with their children and find that the camping felt easy. The real work, as it is daily, was in the parenting. Nature, if anything, made parenting easier.
During a family vacation to the Grand Canyon, I purchased a National Park Annual Pass. For one fee, the pass would allow our family to visit all 58 National Parks over the next year. Great deal, I thought. So much nature for the kids. Surely, in a year’s time, we would be able to see a few parks, especially those in my home state of Texas.
Trish O'Kane created a community-based course called “Birding to Change the World” to connect her undergraduates to the real world outside of the campus bubble, and to get them outside.
After reading Richard Louv’s book Last Child in the Woods, Jason Sperling was eager to start a family nature club. But the thought was overwhelming so he decided to start small.
While I have considered myself an environmentalist from a very young age, I could never quite figure out how I wanted to give back to the environment and my community. My father, a wildlife biologist for the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, introduced me to nature, to a life outside enjoying the outdoors. I have been involved in hunting, fishing, and camping since before I can remember. I remember catching my first fish and I believe this memory sealed the deal for the type of career I wanted for my future.
When I came into my current position as the Delaware Children in Nature Coalition Intern, I was overwhelmed from the start. The work was something I was extremely passionate about – engaging kids with the outdoors in a meaningful way.
The new nature movement comes in many forms. Courtney White is one of the leaders of the new agrarianism, which he says reflects the “growing interest in local, family-scale sustainable food, fiber,...
I am an African American Natural Leader. That phrase is not an oxymoron, but it’s also not something that you normally see in the environmental world. In the few years that I have been involved in environmental education and connecting people with outdoor spaces, there have been numerous occasions where I am the only person of color in the program, or the only African American leader. Growing up, there was no one from my neighborhood traveling, hiking, canoeing, or spending time outdoors unless it was a part of a regimented program.
Part two of a piece on the green schoolyard movement gaining momentum around the globe and has the potential to improve the lives of every child, every day.
Part one of a piece on the green schoolyard movement gaining momentum around the globe and has the potential to improve the lives of every child, every day.
My son was recently given a mini lightsaber with a “Dark Side Detector” that glows either red or blue so you know “which side of the Force you...
CJ Goulding writes that the lessons learned as a Natural Leader and the lessons that many people learned during the civil rights movement are connected.
It is August. It is first day of school and the sun is shining. The new pupils are curious and excited; their parents likewise. The school and the classrooms...
Nkrumah Frazier writes of his deep and enduring love of the natural world and connection to it that makes him want to protect it for future generations.
The Safe Routes to School National Partnership, to which the Children & Nature Network belongs, has issued two new resource guides: Getting Students...
An important new paper has just been released that further links children's time in nature to their overall health. The paper, Using Nature and Outdoor Activity...
53 Resources
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...
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-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...
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.
The Madison Advisory Council has been crucial to the planning and development of our 2024 Nature Everywhere Conference. Composed of fourteen distinguished leaders from...
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...
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...
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 &...
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.
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...
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”...
Explore resources that honor Indigenous people and land during Native American Heritage Month, and throughout the rest of the year.
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.
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
Grow your network and increase your impact by joining The Trailhead, a vibrant online community managed by the Children & Nature Network.
In 2022, we celebrate 15 years of progress and partnership with leaders for children and nature around the world.
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.
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...
Learn about how Black leaders have been a powerful force in the movement for children and nature.
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.
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-
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."
Throughout 2020 we were inspired by the creativity and resiliency of the children and nature movement. We have no doubt that this resilience comes, in part, from the healing power of nature. Despite all of the challenges we face as a global community, ours continues to be a truly hopeful movement.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
After a run for office, a young leader continues to fight for representation while taking on some of society’s biggest challenges.
Sitting on Zoom calls with a yoga instructor, a herpetology professor and a non-profit conservation leader was not originally what Alayna...
Since April 2020, more than 300 million Americans, or nearly 95 percent of the U.S. population, have been impacted by stay-at-home orders and social distancing restrictions as state and local officials attempt to contain the COVID-19 pandemic. Families face ongoing challenges as they navigate remote learning, reduced childcare and canceled extracurricular and social activities.
Tash is a freelance outdoor education teacher and consultant in South Australia and parent to three school-aged children. Her work...
Dr. Lawson is a pediatrician at Duke Children’s Primary Care and has been a Children & Nature...
Members since 2017, The Kentucky Environmental Education Council (KEEC) is a small state agency within the Kentucky Education...
Shaquana Boykin’s commitment to her community is unwavering. As a leader with Opportunity Youth United and an engagement coordinator for...
An interview with Dr. Cathy Jordan, Consulting Research Director for the Children & Nature Network
By the end of 2019, we had curated nearly 1,000 studies about the benefits of nature in our online Research Library. An accomplishment in itself, this milestone also represents the growth and momentum of the children and nature movement.
Our role in advancing the evidence base and mobilizing the children and nature movement has never felt more relevant. By building the capacity of leaders and communities through cross-sector convenings, research, training, peer learning, technical assistance, grants and the development of practical tools and resources, we are fueling social change. And with the support of our 600 incredible members and our many valued partners, we will continue to build a world in which all children learn, play and grow with nature in their everyday lives.
2017 was an exciting year for the Children & Nature Network. We were thrilled to celebrate progress and share ideas with nearly 900 leaders at our international conference — and work with city officials, families, young leaders, educators, health professionals, researchers, grassroots organizers and practitioners to connect more children to the proven benefits of nature.
We are pleased to share highlights from 2016, our tenth anniversary year. We are grateful to the partners, funders and donors who support our work and believe as we do that nature has the power to make kids healthier, happier and smarter — and inspire new generations of stewards for our planet.
64 Resources
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
“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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.)
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Azim Premji University (APU) in Bengaluru, India recently hosted a 10-day nature festival to immerse children in the wonders of forests and spark conversations on climate change. In preparation for the festival, 130 youth interns from across India explored 150 diverse forests to create compelling storytelling exhibitions and talks. “When children talk to children about nature and climate change, it’s way more effective,” said Harini Nagendra, director of APU’s Centre for Climate Change and Sustainability. “They listen, understand and connect better.” Mint Lounge.
The latest U.S. National Climate Assessment reports that Indigenous Peoples face increased wildfire risk and worse drought in their current territories, compared to the traditional homelands that they were forcibly removed from through colonization. Shrinking coastlines and more frequent extreme weather events pose additional threats to Indigenous communities’ historic sites, cultural practices and food supplies. The report concludes that supporting Indigenous self-determination is necessary in ensuring that Indigenous communities can respond to climate change in ways that meet their specific, community-defined needs. Grist.
It’s no secret that teens and young people are increasingly concerned about climate change and environmental degradation. In a 2023 study of participants aged 16–25 years old, 59% reported being “very” or “extremely” worried about climate change, and 84% were at least moderately worried. In Colorado, students and educators are proposing a solution to this climate concern – engaging students in school curriculums that incorporate solutions-oriented climate education and green career pathways across academic subjects. Colorado Public Radio.
Two Malaysian foundations are collaborating on a new initiative to provide students with a holistic environmental education experience that will inspire the next generation of eco-warriors. The Green Bean program’s two-day environmental education program focuses on issues such as sustainability and advocacy. “Implementing a program like Green Bean among school children is essential because it helps develop their understanding of the environment and ecological balance,” emphasizes Mohamad Kamal Nawawi, chief executive officer of Axiata Foundation. New Straits Times.
In these tech-focused times, connecting children with nature to promote healthy development and inspire the next generation of environmental stewards is more crucial than ever. Educators are uniquely positioned to tackle this challenge by incorporating green practices into the classroom. Drawing on insights from environmental leaders like Jane Goodall, Richard Louv and David Suzuki, this piece provides a handful of strategies to help educators establish a healthy screentime/greentime balance in the classroom and become “Green Teachers.” Green Teacher.
50 Resources
Editor’s note: This guest column by author and Children & Nature Network co-founder Richard Louv is excerpted and adapted from his book,
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.
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...
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.
The following article was published in the September 2020 issue of Green Schoolyards Catalyst Quarterly, a publication of the...
If the coronavirus spreads at the rate that experts believe it will, schools, workplaces and businesses will...
In coining the phrase and defining nature-deficit disorder, Richard Louv calls us to consider not just what is lost, but what is gained through experiences in natural places.
Richard Louv writes about digital technology in education and asks how far do we really want to go in that direction? Here, he reviews evidence supporting nature-based, place-based education or experiential learning.
Libraries are a perfect, if unexpected, institution to connect people to nature, writes Richard Louv.
Richard Louv suggests that we think about our daily routines to look for opportunities to #OptOutside — not just for a day, but all year and for years to come.
Richard Louv writes that seeing the stars is important to a child’s perception of her or his personal universe, as well as the one beyond the Earth.
Richard Louv invites us to imagine a newer world, where we not only conserve nature, but create it where we live, work, learn and play.
Now, more than ever, parents and others can feel good about getting kids and themselves outdoors. But doing that isn’t always easy. Richard Louv provides this starter list of a dozen simple ways to get a dose of Vitamin N.
Richard Louv presents 12 principles for creating a nature-rich city, urban region or community.
Professional educators, parents, grandparents, librarians, park rangers, the good folks who operate outdoor programs — can all be Natural Teachers. Here’s a sampling of ways to get going this year, excerpted from “Vitamin N: The Essential Guide to a Nature-Rich Life.”
With our growing knowledge of this expanded palette of human senses, it seems even more unjust to deprive children of these “super powers.” Yet, society is on a trajectory to use less of our natural senses, not more.
In this interview, Richard Louv talks with Dr. Gail Christopher on how nature fits into the health equity discussion and how can we help create equity in nature-challenged neighborhoods.
Richard Louv asks what if we created a wildlife corridor that stretched around the world, beginning in our own backyards?
Our affiliation with the natural world is in our genes. It’s part of who we are, and it never quite goes away, writes Richard Louv
Ten ways educators can get bring more nature to students, in their own school and beyond.
Richard Louv writes that he does not pretend that nature is a paragon of peace but that by assaulting nature, we raise the odds that we will assault each other.
Richard Louv writes about the prevalence of virtual learning and technology in education as well as the right of all children to develop a wider spectrum of their senses and mental abilities, to know the real world, and to be fully alive.
Adapted from "The Nature Principle." Boredom has its benefits. So does solitude, that lost art in the age of wall-to-wall media. To occasionally be alone — not lonely, but...
Adapted from "Last Child in the Woods." Especially during summer, parents hear the moaning complaint: "I'm borrrred." Boredom is fear’s dull cousin. Passive, full...
We've come a long way since the first Earth Day on this day in 1970. I remember the speakers and the speeches that day, from the steps of Strong Hall...
Parenting advice can go to extremes. Regarding outdoor play, some experts sternly warn parents about all the dangers, real or assumed — from strangers to noxious weeds - lurking...
In this piece, Richard Louv asks if a child never sees the stars, never has meaningful encounters with other species, never experiences the richness of nature, what happens to that child?
Richard Louv reminds us that nature experience is no panacea but nature can help us create a more peaceful life for our children.
Not long ago I met some dedicated young women who were doing their student teaching at an impressive...
The new nature movement isn’t about going back to nature, but forward to nature, writes Richard Louv. He presents ideas that are explored in greater detail in his 2011 book,” The Nature Principle.”
Want to improve your family’s mental and physical health, and increase their creativity and learning abilities? Research suggests that a more natural environment can help. So start at home. Whether you’re building a new house or retrofitting an existing home and garden, here are a few tips for applying the Nature Principle. Your kids can help!
For many stressed-out families, spending more time in the natural world — a nature stimulus package —...
Why is the future so often portrayed as a post-apocalyptic dystopia, filled with human brutality and stripped of nature? For decades, our culture has struggled with two addictions: to oil and...
Every December, my wife, Kathy, delivers small gifts to the neighbors on our block, usually a jar of homemade jam, a little vase of dried flowers or something...
In the San Diego bioregion, Jerry Schad has accomplished more than anyone I know to create a deep sense of place. Word now comes that Jerry has final-stage kidney...
"I recall my father's dark tanned neck, creased with lines of dust, as he tilled our garden. I ran ahead of him, pulling rocks and bones and toys from...
A Father's Day Tale As we left the dock, we felt the air coming up from the water. Fishing air feels and smells like no other air. It cools...
For the past couple of days, my younger son and I have been trying to cure our nature-deficit disorder. Right now, I’m sitting in bed in a Bishop,...
Adapted excerpts from Richard Louv's plenary keynote address to the American Academy of Pediatrics National Conference, Oct. 2, 2010 in San Francisco. On Oct....
Let me introduce you to a hero of mine. Juan Martinez. He's also my friend. Last week, I sat down with him at the Children & Nature Network...
In Western Australia, 1400 people came to the opening event at the Perth Concert Hall launching Nature Play WA, a statewide campaign to connect young people...
"We gain life by looking at life." Those are the words of Dr. Mardie Townsend, a researcher and associate professor in the School of Health and Social Development...
Remember the special place in nature that you had as a child —that wooded lot at the end of the cul de sac, that ravine behind your housing...
Last year, I visited Ukiah, a mountain town nestled in the pines and fog. Ukiah is Spotted Owl Central, a town associated with the swirling controversy regarding logging,...
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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...
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-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...
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.
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....
The Madison Advisory Council has been crucial to the planning and development of our 2024 Nature Everywhere Conference. Composed of fourteen distinguished leaders from...
GROWING POWER: Urban Roots connects young people with natural spaces, food systems – and one another
"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...
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...
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 &...
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...
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...
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 &...
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...
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....
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.
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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 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...
“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...
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...
In this three-part series, Rosalind Allen, Education and Families Development Officer for the RSPB (Royal Society for the Protection of...
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...
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...
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...
“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...
Grow your network and increase your impact by joining The Trailhead, a vibrant online community managed by the Children & Nature Network.
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.
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.
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...
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,...
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...
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...
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...
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.
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....
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...
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...
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...
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.
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.
“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.
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.
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
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.
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.
Throughout 2020 we were inspired by the creativity and resiliency of the children and nature movement. We have no doubt that this resilience comes, in part, from the healing power of nature. Despite all of the challenges we face as a global community, ours continues to be a truly hopeful movement.
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.
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...
Collaboration by nature: Getting children outdoors gets top billing when organizations work together
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
Professor Charlie Nilon stumbled upon his career like a hiker might stumble across a fawn on a forest trail. Nilon, who is the William J. Rucker Professor in Fisheries and Wildlife at the School of Natural Resources at the University of Missouri, grew up in Boulder, Colorado.
Watershed Public Charter School is redefining environmental arts learning and keeping kids connected to the natural world during COVID
Over the holidays, I’ve been reading a wide range of reflections on 2020. From the “good riddance” variety to thoughtful pieces that wonder if we will emerge...
After a run for office, a young leader continues to fight for representation while taking on some of society’s biggest challenges.
We shared this last December, but the ideas are evergreen and designed to help you create outdoor memories with the children you love.
Sitting on Zoom calls with a yoga instructor, a herpetology professor and a non-profit conservation leader was not originally what Alayna...
Since April 2020, more than 300 million Americans, or nearly 95 percent of the U.S. population, have been impacted by stay-at-home orders and social distancing restrictions as state and local officials attempt to contain the COVID-19 pandemic. Families face ongoing challenges as they navigate remote learning, reduced childcare and canceled extracurricular and social activities.
In Grand Rapids, MI, every eighth grader in the public schools puts on a life jacket, grabs a paddle, and learns to canoe. Many have never set...
Tom Lee Park in Memphis is named after an African-American river worker who, in 1925, rescued 32 passengers from a capsized steamer in the Mississippi River. But...
The following article was published in the September 2020 issue of Green Schoolyards Catalyst Quarterly, a publication of the...
On a cold mid-January evening in Rochester, NY, a group of young people stand around a circle in a snow-covered forest cheering for each other. Their aim? Start a...
Tash is a freelance outdoor education teacher and consultant in South Australia and parent to three school-aged children. Her work...
Dr. Lawson is a pediatrician at Duke Children’s Primary Care and has been a Children & Nature...
Members since 2017, The Kentucky Environmental Education Council (KEEC) is a small state agency within the Kentucky Education...
Shaquana Boykin’s commitment to her community is unwavering. As a leader with Opportunity Youth United and an engagement coordinator for...
An interview with Dr. Cathy Jordan, Consulting Research Director for the Children & Nature Network
How Green Schoolyards Can Help Make Schools Safer This Fall—and Improve Kids’ Lives Permanently
By the end of 2019, we had curated nearly 1,000 studies about the benefits of nature in our online Research Library. An accomplishment in itself, this milestone also represents the growth and momentum of the children and nature movement.
re·sil·ience: noun, the capacity to recover quickly from difficulties; toughness. Resilience is now firmly woven into our everyday vernacular, in the contexts of climate change and Covid19. Nature’s role— particularly...
If the coronavirus spreads at the rate that experts believe it will, schools, workplaces and businesses will...
An eight week program in Detroit transforms local youths' lives through mentorship, skill-building and nature-based activities.
This is the second installment of a two-part series. In the first part of this article, we visited a nature-based early childhood program in...
This is the first installment of a two-part series. A plague of digitalization is sweeping through American youth, infecting all whom it touches. Teens...
As part of the Cities Connecting Children to Nature Initiative, mayors in 18 cities across the country are leading a national effort to ensure all children in their cities grow up with regular connections to the natural world.
In coining the phrase and defining nature-deficit disorder, Richard Louv calls us to consider not just what is lost, but what is gained through experiences in natural places.
Dad Mike Lanza takes his children on adventurous and sometimes dangerous trips. As he writes here, he believes that exposing his kids to danger is good for them.
Richard Louv writes about digital technology in education and asks how far do we really want to go in that direction? Here, he reviews evidence supporting nature-based, place-based education or experiential learning.
Libraries are a perfect, if unexpected, institution to connect people to nature, writes Richard Louv.
As evidence of the benefits of nature on our emotional and physical health as well as on our social lives, cognitive...
More cities are using Nature-Smart Libraries to connect children to nature. Here, Noah Lenstra traces the movement back to its origins.
Our role in advancing the evidence base and mobilizing the children and nature movement has never felt more relevant. By building the capacity of leaders and communities through cross-sector convenings, research, training, peer learning, technical assistance, grants and the development of practical tools and resources, we are fueling social change. And with the support of our 600 incredible members and our many valued partners, we will continue to build a world in which all children learn, play and grow with nature in their everyday lives.
Working, learning and teaching in the field of landscape architecture is a wonderful way to be connected to natural systems and the creative process. Being involved with the design of the built environment from a perspective of the landscape for almost 35 years has provided me a tether to the natural world. But after studying, practicing and teaching nearly continually throughout my career, I decided to take a break from my work. I needed to mind my health, raise my daughter, and address some inner conflict around teaching environmental sustainability while ignoring major breaches to human sustainability. I took advantage of the respite to get back in touch with Nature as well.
Richard Louv suggests that we think about our daily routines to look for opportunities to #OptOutside — not just for a day, but all year and for years to come.
2017 was an exciting year for the Children & Nature Network. We were thrilled to celebrate progress and share ideas with nearly 900 leaders at our international conference — and work with city officials, families, young leaders, educators, health professionals, researchers, grassroots organizers and practitioners to connect more children to the proven benefits of nature.
Two moms set out on a camping trip with their children and find that the camping felt easy. The real work, as it is daily, was in the parenting. Nature, if anything, made parenting easier.
Richard Louv writes that seeing the stars is important to a child’s perception of her or his personal universe, as well as the one beyond the Earth.
Richard Louv invites us to imagine a newer world, where we not only conserve nature, but create it where we live, work, learn and play.
Now, more than ever, parents and others can feel good about getting kids and themselves outdoors. But doing that isn’t always easy. Richard Louv provides this starter list of a dozen simple ways to get a dose of Vitamin N.
We are pleased to share highlights from 2016, our tenth anniversary year. We are grateful to the partners, funders and donors who support our work and believe as we do that nature has the power to make kids healthier, happier and smarter — and inspire new generations of stewards for our planet.
Richard Louv presents 12 principles for creating a nature-rich city, urban region or community.
During a family vacation to the Grand Canyon, I purchased a National Park Annual Pass. For one fee, the pass would allow our family to visit all 58 National Parks over the next year. Great deal, I thought. So much nature for the kids. Surely, in a year’s time, we would be able to see a few parks, especially those in my home state of Texas.
Professional educators, parents, grandparents, librarians, park rangers, the good folks who operate outdoor programs — can all be Natural Teachers. Here’s a sampling of ways to get going this year, excerpted from “Vitamin N: The Essential Guide to a Nature-Rich Life.”
Trish O'Kane created a community-based course called “Birding to Change the World” to connect her undergraduates to the real world outside of the campus bubble, and to get them outside.
With our growing knowledge of this expanded palette of human senses, it seems even more unjust to deprive children of these “super powers.” Yet, society is on a trajectory to use less of our natural senses, not more.
After reading Richard Louv’s book Last Child in the Woods, Jason Sperling was eager to start a family nature club. But the thought was overwhelming so he decided to start small.
In this interview, Richard Louv talks with Dr. Gail Christopher on how nature fits into the health equity discussion and how can we help create equity in nature-challenged neighborhoods.
Richard Louv asks what if we created a wildlife corridor that stretched around the world, beginning in our own backyards?
While I have considered myself an environmentalist from a very young age, I could never quite figure out how I wanted to give back to the environment and my community. My father, a wildlife biologist for the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, introduced me to nature, to a life outside enjoying the outdoors. I have been involved in hunting, fishing, and camping since before I can remember. I remember catching my first fish and I believe this memory sealed the deal for the type of career I wanted for my future.
Our affiliation with the natural world is in our genes. It’s part of who we are, and it never quite goes away, writes Richard Louv
Ten ways educators can get bring more nature to students, in their own school and beyond.
Richard Louv writes that he does not pretend that nature is a paragon of peace but that by assaulting nature, we raise the odds that we will assault each other.
Richard Louv writes about the prevalence of virtual learning and technology in education as well as the right of all children to develop a wider spectrum of their senses and mental abilities, to know the real world, and to be fully alive.
When I came into my current position as the Delaware Children in Nature Coalition Intern, I was overwhelmed from the start. The work was something I was extremely passionate about – engaging kids with the outdoors in a meaningful way.
The new nature movement comes in many forms. Courtney White is one of the leaders of the new agrarianism, which he says reflects the “growing interest in local, family-scale sustainable food, fiber,...
I am an African American Natural Leader. That phrase is not an oxymoron, but it’s also not something that you normally see in the environmental world. In the few years that I have been involved in environmental education and connecting people with outdoor spaces, there have been numerous occasions where I am the only person of color in the program, or the only African American leader. Growing up, there was no one from my neighborhood traveling, hiking, canoeing, or spending time outdoors unless it was a part of a regimented program.
Adapted from "The Nature Principle." Boredom has its benefits. So does solitude, that lost art in the age of wall-to-wall media. To occasionally be alone — not lonely, but...
Adapted from "Last Child in the Woods." Especially during summer, parents hear the moaning complaint: "I'm borrrred." Boredom is fear’s dull cousin. Passive, full...
We've come a long way since the first Earth Day on this day in 1970. I remember the speakers and the speeches that day, from the steps of Strong Hall...
Parenting advice can go to extremes. Regarding outdoor play, some experts sternly warn parents about all the dangers, real or assumed — from strangers to noxious weeds - lurking...
Part two of a piece on the green schoolyard movement gaining momentum around the globe and has the potential to improve the lives of every child, every day.
Part one of a piece on the green schoolyard movement gaining momentum around the globe and has the potential to improve the lives of every child, every day.
In this piece, Richard Louv asks if a child never sees the stars, never has meaningful encounters with other species, never experiences the richness of nature, what happens to that child?
My son was recently given a mini lightsaber with a “Dark Side Detector” that glows either red or blue so you know “which side of the Force you...
CJ Goulding writes that the lessons learned as a Natural Leader and the lessons that many people learned during the civil rights movement are connected.
Richard Louv reminds us that nature experience is no panacea but nature can help us create a more peaceful life for our children.
Not long ago I met some dedicated young women who were doing their student teaching at an impressive...
It is August. It is first day of school and the sun is shining. The new pupils are curious and excited; their parents likewise. The school and the classrooms...
Nkrumah Frazier writes of his deep and enduring love of the natural world and connection to it that makes him want to protect it for future generations.
The new nature movement isn’t about going back to nature, but forward to nature, writes Richard Louv. He presents ideas that are explored in greater detail in his 2011 book,” The Nature Principle.”
Want to improve your family’s mental and physical health, and increase their creativity and learning abilities? Research suggests that a more natural environment can help. So start at home. Whether you’re building a new house or retrofitting an existing home and garden, here are a few tips for applying the Nature Principle. Your kids can help!
For many stressed-out families, spending more time in the natural world — a nature stimulus package —...
Why is the future so often portrayed as a post-apocalyptic dystopia, filled with human brutality and stripped of nature? For decades, our culture has struggled with two addictions: to oil and...
Every December, my wife, Kathy, delivers small gifts to the neighbors on our block, usually a jar of homemade jam, a little vase of dried flowers or something...
In the San Diego bioregion, Jerry Schad has accomplished more than anyone I know to create a deep sense of place. Word now comes that Jerry has final-stage kidney...
"I recall my father's dark tanned neck, creased with lines of dust, as he tilled our garden. I ran ahead of him, pulling rocks and bones and toys from...
A Father's Day Tale As we left the dock, we felt the air coming up from the water. Fishing air feels and smells like no other air. It cools...
For the past couple of days, my younger son and I have been trying to cure our nature-deficit disorder. Right now, I’m sitting in bed in a Bishop,...
Adapted excerpts from Richard Louv's plenary keynote address to the American Academy of Pediatrics National Conference, Oct. 2, 2010 in San Francisco. On Oct....
Let me introduce you to a hero of mine. Juan Martinez. He's also my friend. Last week, I sat down with him at the Children & Nature Network...
The Safe Routes to School National Partnership, to which the Children & Nature Network belongs, has issued two new resource guides: Getting Students...
An important new paper has just been released that further links children's time in nature to their overall health. The paper, Using Nature and Outdoor Activity...
In Western Australia, 1400 people came to the opening event at the Perth Concert Hall launching Nature Play WA, a statewide campaign to connect young people...
"We gain life by looking at life." Those are the words of Dr. Mardie Townsend, a researcher and associate professor in the School of Health and Social Development...
Remember the special place in nature that you had as a child —that wooded lot at the end of the cul de sac, that ravine behind your housing...
Last year, I visited Ukiah, a mountain town nestled in the pines and fog. Ukiah is Spotted Owl Central, a town associated with the swirling controversy regarding logging,...
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