Building Lasting Impact – Lessons from Nature Everywhere Communities (Recording)

Join the Children & Nature Network for an inspiring virtual conversation featuring community leaders who are transforming how their cities prioritize nature-based solutions for children and families.

While many communities recognize the need for nature-based solutions to address interconnected challenges—from climate resilience and pediatric mental health to physical activity—implementing a project is only the first step. Creating true, lasting impact requires shifting the underlying ways our organizations, policies, and local partnerships work together- in other words, systems change.

In this webinar, we bring together leaders from five successful Nature Everywhere Communities to share their “on-the-ground” experiences. Drawing on findings from our recent Ripple Effects Mapping evaluation, these leaders will discuss how they built sustainable, long-term change.

What You’ll Learn:

• Discover the 7 practical lessons communities are using to shift local systems, build capacity, and ensure nature access is equitable and enduring.
• Learn how “backbone” organizations and strong network coordination can align daily efforts, secure resources, and sustain momentum.
• Hear firsthand how prioritizing relationships, fostering youth leadership, and co-designing with community members transforms power dynamics and builds long-term local ownership.
• Explore how to frame nature access as a multi-benefit solution that advances existing community priorities, from climate action to public health.

Who Should Attend:

This session is designed for local nonprofit and community organization staff, city and municipal employees and leaders (especially parks & recreation, public works and sustainability departments), outdoor program leaders and educators, municipal planners, public health advocates and local funders who are looking to scale nature-based work. Whether you are an existing Nature Everywhere Community or exploring how to start a movement in your region, this webinar will provide actionable insights to help you build a greener, more equitable future for children.

Join us to see how, when communities move at the speed of trust, lasting transformation is entirely within reach.

Panelists:

• Grace Parker, She/Her, Project Manager, Prescribe Outside
• Jane Tesner Kleiner, She/Her, Program Manager, Lower Columbia Nature Network
• Monica Brinkerhoff, She/Her, Associate Vice President, Early Childhood Education at United Way of Tucson and Southern Arizona
• Cynthia Walters, She/Her, Green and Healthy Schools Director, Green and Healthy Schools Network, Green Umbrella Regional Climate Collaborative
• Curry Rosato, She/Her, Program Manager & Education Leader, City of Boulder Open Space & Mountain Parks
• Mara Mintzer, She/Her, Co-Founder and Executive Director, Growing Up Boulder
• Vivian Rowe, She/Her, Ambassador & Prescribe Outside Project Coordinator, Awbury Arboretum

Register today!

Watch Recording