EXPERIENCE PAST CONFERENCES

See what people had to say about their experience at the conference with the attendee quotes below.

“There is nothing quite like this conference. With more than 650 attendees from 10 countries, this is the largest gathering of nature connection advocates in the world.”

–Jesse Sixkiller, Twin Cities Conference Advisory Council co-chair, Children & Nature Network Founders’ Council member

“Attending the Children & Nature Network Nature Everywhere Conference each year, to me, is the full embodiment of when you find a community of people who you feel right at home with, who help remind you of your passion, and who inspire you to think differently, care deeply, and act boldly towards a more resilient future. This week feels like both a reunion with old friends and an exciting introduction to people and ideas making a difference and growing a movement. I’m so fortunate to continue to be part of it. I’m leaving the Twin Cities feeling inspired, renewed, and hopeful with new knowledge, new connections, and new possibilities knowing the next generation is not only here, they’re leading, and they’re creating change.“ 

– Nicole Rawlinson, Sr. Program Manager, National Park Foundation

“Just back from the Nature Everywhere Conference hosted by Children & Nature Network, and I’m feeling both grounded and galvanized. From the sessions to the hallway conversations, and everything in between … one theme came through clearly: Connection to nature is essential for the health, well-being and joy of our children and communities. Last week was a powerful reminder that the movement for outdoor access is growing stronger, deeper, and more urgent. I was honored to represent Oakland Goes Outdoors and connect with changemakers from across the country. Whether we were swapping strategies for school-based programming, offering encouragement around resourcing the movement in these challenging times, or dreaming up new city-wide (and beyond!) collaborations for equitable outdoor access for all, every conversation felt like planting a seed and seeing the roots take hold. 

– Kaitlin Levenstrong, Executive Director, Oakland Goes Outdoors

Additional testimonials from 2025 conference attendees:

“I appreciate this conference for how it thinks big, and is visionary when it comes to real ways we can elevate our work of connecting kids to nature.”

“Relationships are key to this work. All of us are facing challenges. Sharing knowledge, using imagination to come up with creative solutions and moving forward slowly with intention are keys to long term success.”

“My largest takeaway is that I am not alone in my efforts to make sure that all youth, regardless of background, ability, or identity, have positive and empowering experiences with nature. I know there are people who I can call on to support me and who are trailblazers in the field as I am a young professional.”

“Wednesday’s introductory remarks were powerful and gave me a sense of hope I haven’t had in a while. With all the awful events happening worldwide and the lack of humanity in this country supported by the current administration, it has been hard to function. Hearing the beautiful words that were pointed and brought us together in community was a balm to my soul.”

“I felt like I needed some renewed optimism in the environmental education field right now with the political climate being such a mess. This conference was energizing.”

 “I’m not alone in this work — I just shared an experience with over 600 people who are as passionate about connecting children to nature as I am!”

“I am going home with a full cup of gratitude, with hope renewed, and so many inspiring examples of meaningful nature connection work at the front  of my mind.”

“This was a rejuvenation to my soul that I desperately needed.”

“Haven’t felt this encouraged and surrounded by support in a very long time. Thank you!”

“I loved the female voices being amplified, especially during the opening session [on early childhood] that first day. I noticed that many of the speakers publicly identified as a mother. I thought that was interesting and refreshing to not just be an expert in their career fields, but also own and be proud of the title of mother.”

“This was a great panel and a really great conference to attend. There was interest from quite a few of your network members about attending our [National Black Child Development Institute] conference in October. I wondered if we could talk about an intentional way to work together to make that happen.

“Having [Lt. Governor] Peggy Flanagan speak to us was so powerful. I appreciated the uplifting message that she had for us. Really loved the focus on early childhood education too.”

“Having first nation speakers was impactful and incredibly important for the work that we do. I left the room feeling uplifted, held, inspired, and moved to action. In a time where so many things feel unsteady, this speech brought hope and fanned the flames of passion for this work and cause.”

“I found renewed general hope for the future of our youth.”

• 2025 Nature Everywhere Conference Highlights
• 2024 Nature Everywhere Conference Highlights
• 2023 Inside-Out Conference Highlights
• 2022 Inside-Out Conference Highlights 
• 2019 Top Reasons to attend the 2019 C&NN International Conference
• 2018 Children & Nature Network 2018 International Summit Highlights
• 2017 Highlights from the Children & Nature Network’s 2017 International Conference
• 2016 Takeaways from the Children & Nature Network’s 2016 International Conference

Check out the inspiring speakers from 2025. 

We are grateful for their generous sharing of expertise, practical tips and inspiration.

We are thankful for the joy, energy and collaborative spirit that attendees — those who have attended for years and those who are joining for the first time, and everyone in between —bring to the conference each year. See the special moments that make the conferences so memorable in our conference photo galleries.

2025 Conference Photos	2024 Conference Photos
2023 Conference Photos	2022 Conference Photos