Children & Nature Network

Advancing Nature-Based Early Care & Education: Tools, Policy and Collaboration (Recording)
2026-02-25 14:00 - 14:50 (America/Chicago) | Online Event
Nature-based early care and education is gaining momentum across the country, and for good reason. From supporting children’s healthy development to strengthening climate resilience and community well-being, nature-filled learning environments offer powerful benefits for children, families, and communities alike.
Join us for this interactive webinar to explore our new, practical Nature in Early Childhood Toolkit, alongside a deeper look at the Outdoor Nature-Based Early Care and Education (ONB-ECE) Collaborative and the growing policy landscape shaping this work at the local, state and federal levels.

During the session, we’ll walk through the Toolkit’s four core focus areas, highlighting real-world examples and strategies that early childhood providers, public agencies, advocates, and policymakers can use right away. You’ll also learn how the ONB ECE Collaborative is structured, why cross-sector collaboration is essential, and how you can get involved.

The webinar will feature a policy-focused panel discussion with partners from across the country, sharing insights from current efforts in various states.

You’ll leave with:

A clear understanding of why nature-based early care and education matters and how it supports children, providers and communities
A guided overview of the new Toolkit and how to apply it in your context
Insight into current and emerging policy strategies supporting nature in early childhood
Opportunities to connect with the ONB ECE Collaborative and access additional resources

This webinar is ideal for early childhood providers, public agencies overseeing early childhood, parks, or libraries, elected officials, members of the Blue Sky Early Childhood Cohort, and early childhood and nature advocates who want to turn vision into action.

Culturally centered nature-based programs for kids (Recording)
2025-11-12 13:00 - 14:00 (America/Chicago) | Online Event
Though our experiences in nature may be different, our shared history includes the stories and roles of Indigenous, Black and other people of the global majority. By centering these stories our immersive experiences for children, teens and families honor culture, explore justice and inspire joy. It is these stories that align us in our foundation, create community and inspire us to develop a more inclusive world.
In this workshop, Ashley Brailsford, Ph.D., early childhood educator and founder of Unearthing Joy, will share strategies for culturally-centered, inclusive nature-based programming including nature and literacy connection using multicultural children’s books, family and land stories, community culture bearers and more.
Culturally-centered, nature-based programs:

Strengthen community bonds
Spark joyful connections
Grow pride in ancestry
Improve well-being in developing minds
Explore justice in our communities

This event is part of our Families Together in Nature program, a series of events and resources to help parents and caregivers get out in nature! Our aim is to remove barriers, offer inspiration and create community. Find more resources on our website and join the Families Together in Nature group on The Trailhead, our free online community. It’s the place to share resources, ideas, questions, insights – and to cheer each other on!
This event is FREE but registration is required. There is a suggested donation of $15. If you can’t join us live, register for the event anyway and a recording will be sent to your inbox approximately two weeks after the event.
Check out the resources shared during the event.

Appstinence: Less screen time, more green time (Recording)
2025-09-10 19:00 - 20:00 (America/Chicago) | Online Event
On average, U.S. teens spend 4.8 hours a day on social media. That’s 4.8 hours that could be spent on other experiences, like in-person interactions, time in nature and much-needed sleep! This event features Gabriela Nguyen, founder of the “appstinence” movement, a Gen Z-led social movement calling for us to walk away from our personal social media accounts.
Rather than relying on digital detoxes, algorithm hacking and superficial tips and tricks that actually keep us tied to social media platforms, the appstinence movement calls for a lasting and comprehensive solution to the seemingly inescapable attention economy – opting out.
Gabriela will discuss how to get off social media for good using the 5D method. She will also answer your questions about dumbphones, phone plans and departing from the digital world.
Parents, teenagers, young adults and anyone looking to free themselves from screen time so they can have more green time will appreciate this event.
This event is part of our Families Together in Nature program, a series of events and resources to help parents and caregivers get out in nature! Our aim is to remove barriers, offer inspiration and create community. Find more resources on our website and join the Families Together in Nature group on The Trailhead, our free online community. It’s the place to share resources, ideas, questions, insights – and to cheer each other on!
This event is FREE but registration is required. There is a suggested donation of $25. If you can’t join us live, register for the event anyway and a recording will be sent to your inbox approximately two weeks after the event.

Learn to Nature Journal with John Muir Laws (Recording)
2025-06-07 13:00 - 15:00 (America/Chicago) | Online Event
Keeping a nature journal is a learnable skill that can change our lives forever, opening doors to mindful attention, curiosity, wonder, beauty, connection, peace, and joy.
–John Muir Laws
Orange Page by Kate Rutter
Nature journaling offers numerous benefits, including enhanced observational skills, improved mental and emotional well-being, and a deeper connection to the natural world. It can also boost cognitive functions like critical thinking and creativity. Additionally, nature journaling can reduce stress and anxiety, and foster a sense of awe and wonder.
Pond Page by Yvea Moore
Join award-winning artist, author, educator and scientist, John Muir Laws, for a two-hour hands-on live virtual class where he will share his best tips and tricks for nature journaling learned through his 40 years of teaching and illustrating. This class is geared towards children ages 8+, parents, caregivers, educators and anyone looking to pass this knowledge onto others. Children under 8 are welcome to participate with an older person’s help.
To get the most out of this offering, have the following equipment with you when you login:

Unlined notebook or paper
Sharpened pencil
Nature space or object
Curiously and wonder
Bonus: watercolor or colored pencils

Tomato Page by Fiona Gillogly
This event is part of our Families Together in Nature program, a series of events and resources to help parents and caregivers get out in nature! Our aim is to remove barriers, offer inspiration and create community. Find more resources on our website and join The Trailhead, our free online community. It’s the place to share resources, ideas, questions, insights – and to cheer each other on!
Check out the resources shared during the event.

Nature Everywhere Day 2025
2025-05-17 | Conference 2025
Nature Everywhere Day takes place annually, the Saturday following the Nature Everywhere Conference in and around the city where the conference is held. We highlight low-cost and free nature-based family-friendly outdoor activities happening throughout the community. We uplift and amplify the work of our local partners on the ground. In 2025, Nature Everywhere Day is taking place in the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and Saint Paul, and beyond. Check back often for updates!

Nature Everywhere Conference 2025
2025-05-13 - 2025-05-16 | Conference 2025
Join us in downtown Saint Paul at the RiverCentre on May 13-16, 2025 for the largest gathering of children and nature advocates in the world
When children spend time outdoors, they are healthier, happier and more successful in school. But over the past few generations, childhood has moved indoors, disconnected from the proven benefits of nature.
Formerly known as the Inside-Out International Conference, the Nature Everywhere Conference brings together cross-sector leaders from around the world to advance programs, practices and policies for advancing equitable access to nature everywhere children live, learn and play.

Engaging Institutional Leadership for Nature-Based Strategies (Recording)
2025-04-09 15:00 - 16:00 (America/Chicago) | Online Event
Civic and institutional leaders can play a critical role in expanding access to nature for all children by serving as champions and sponsors of a community’s vision and goals. Engaging these leaders alongside community members can create powerful institutional backing for your project.
Dr. Shirley Green, Commissioner at the City of Rochester Department of Recreation and Human Services, will share insights on the importance of building partnerships with local leaders. This session will explore practical strategies for securing leadership buy-in, whether you’re seeking a pledge of support, advancing policy actions or strengthening coalition partnerships. Bring your questions for real-time problem-solving as we discuss how leadership engagement can help advance your nature-based goals and how you can gain local and national recognition for your community’s efforts.
The session highlights the Coalition Builder and Children and Nature Connector actions as part of the Nature Everywhere Communities Action Challenge. Learn more about the Action Challenge, how to register and how to receive recognition for your efforts to increase access to nature at www.childrenandnature.org/nature-everywhere-action-challenge.
Who should attend? Anyone looking to increase children’s access to nature in their community or looking for opportunities to receive recognition for their efforts on a national scale.
Brought to you by Nature Everywhere Communities, an initiative of The Children & Nature Network, National League of Cities and KABOOM!.
If you can’t join us live, register for the event and a recording will be shared over email.
In partnership with:

Expanding Equitable Nature Access Through Youth Employment and Programs (Recording)
2025-02-12 15:00 - 16:00 (America/Chicago) | Online Event
Join our February Peer Learning Network event, where speakers from Great Outdoors Colorado’s (GOCO) Generation Wild Coalition share how they have expanded equitable access to nature by:

Dedicating positions in youth summer employment programs to expanding nature connections; and
Expanding summer and after-school nature connection programs with a focus on equity, ensuring children of color or those experiencing poverty or other barriers have access to nature programs.

This session will highlight actionable steps that are important Children and Nature Connector actions as part of the Nature Everywhere Communities Action Challenge. If you are interested in expanding children’s access to nature and are doing these actions in your community, consider joining the Action Challenge in order to gain recognition for your efforts.
This capacity building event is part of the Nature Everywhere Communities initiative, a joint partnership between The Children & Nature Network, National League of Cities and KABOOM! to increase equitable access to nature everywhere children live, learn and play in 100 U.S. communities by 2025.
Who should attend? Ideally, anyone looking to increase children’s access to nature in their community and are curious about the Nature Everywhere Communities Action Challenge. If you’re unsure about how your local goals may align with the Action Challenge, or aren’t sure if your cross-sector team might be eligible, contact Christian at christian@childrenandnature.org.
Learn more about the Action Challenge and how to register at www.childrenandnature.org/nature-everywhere-action-challenge.
If you can’t join us live, go ahead and register for the event, and a recording will be sent to your inbox approximately 2 weeks after the event.
In partnership with:

Understand Your Community’s Resources Through a Landscape Scan (Recording)
2024-12-11 15:00 - 16:00 (America/Chicago)
Are you looking for ways to better understand your community’s assets and opportunities to further children and nature strategies? If so, then mapping your community’s landscape can further your efforts by better understanding the local resources, assets, gaps and barriers to connect children to nature.
Join our December Peer Learning Network event, where our presenters will share strategies to help you build a clearer picture of where you can make the most impact. Conducting a landscape scan of relevant policies, stakeholders, programs and experiences will help you better understand the assets, opportunities, resources and barriers in your community. We will be joined by team members from Nature Everywhere Communities who will share their first hand experience and lessons learned.
This activity is an important Coalition Builder action as part of the Nature Everywhere Communities Action Challenge. If you are interested in expanding children’s access to nature and are doing a landscape scan, consider joining the Action Challenge in order to gain recognition for your actions.
This capacity building event is part of the Nature Everywhere Communities initiative, a joint partnership between The Children & Nature Network, National League of Cities and KABOOM! to increase equitable access to nature everywhere children live, learn and play in 100 U.S. communities by 2025.
Who should attend? Ideally, anyone looking to increase children’s access to nature in their community and are curious about the Nature Everywhere Communities Action Challenge. If you’re unsure about how your local goals may align with the Action Challenge, or aren’t sure if your cross-sector team might be eligible, contact Christian at christian@childrenandnature.org.
Learn more about the Action Challenge and how to register at www.childrenandnature.org/nature-everywhere-action-challenge.
In partnership with:

Change is Coming: 2024 Youth Outdoor Policy Trends & 2025 Advocacy Strategies (Recording)
2024-12-03 13:00 - 14:00 (America/Chicago)
The Youth Outdoor Policy Partnership is a collaboration of leading national organizations working across sectors to ensure that all children have access to high-quality outdoor experiences and environmental education. Every year, we publish an Annual Trend Report that shares innovative policies to encourage legislators, advocates, communities and youth to replicate, rethink and collaborate to build equitable youth outdoor opportunities. Together, we’ll explore the latest state-level policy updates from 2024, winning coalition-building strategies, and exciting advocacy strategies for 2025 with a panel of youth outdoor policy leaders.
You’ll hear from:

David Beard, Director of Policy & Government Affairs, Children & Nature Network. David was previously the Policy & Advocacy Director at School’s Out Washington where he facilitated SOWA’s advocacy efforts, including educating policymakers and working with providers and stakeholders to secure more funding and better policies for the expanded learning field. Throughout his career, David has been an advocate for children and families. After working as the Policy Director at the Washington State Council for Children and Families, he spent five years at the Pew Charitable Trusts and the Maryland Advocates for Children and Youth, both dedicated to education policy issues ranging from pre-k access to student discipline reform. In his free time, David loves exploring one of the world’s most beautiful urban areas and hiking in the Cascades.
Megan Fink, the Partnerships & Policy Manager, North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE). Megan began working in the field of environmental education over a decade ago. Megan brings a robust, place-based, outdoor education background to the NAAEE team. She has built enduring working relationships across the Chesapeake Bay watershed and the Mid-Atlantic region. As a graduate of Virginia Tech with a Bachelor of Science in Wildlife Science and Biology, Megan began her career as an Environmental Educator at the North Carolina Aquariums before joining the Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF) in 2011. Through several program management positions with CBF, she led students, teachers, school administrators and environmental professionals in ecological, cultural and historical investigations of the Bay. She also managed a statewide leadership program for high school students, teaching them how to become environmental advocates at the local, regional and national levels.
Grant Gliniecki, Outdoor Policy Coordinator, National Caucus of Environmental Legislators. Grant is passionate about outdoor education, recreation, and public land access. Their approach celebrates how outdoor policy can help us find shared values on complicated environmental issues while promoting equity, opportunity, and health for all. He is especially interested in identifying our opportunities and responsibilities to support environmentally committed tribal government legislators, reaffirm tribal sovereignty, and promote awareness of treaty obligations at local, state, and federal levels. Grant holds a Community Sustainability M.S. and is currently completing a Ph.D. in Community Sustainability, both at Michigan State University. He lives in Nkwejong // Where the rivers meet (Lansing, MI), where he founded and serves as President of Giitigan, an Anishinaabe Community Garden nonprofit sharing Anishinaabe food, language, and science through urban gardening. They love hiking, canoeing, porcupine quillwork, sugarbushing, and especially gardening.
Janice Marchman, Senator, Vice Chair of the Education Committee and Agriculture & Natural Resources Committee, Colorado State Senate. As a parent, school board member of a 16,000 student school district and largest employer in Loveland, and now as a public school teacher, Janice understands the needs of students and parents. She knows the challenges working families face to make ends meet, and she empathizes with our retired neighbors who struggle to afford their property taxes and health care. Janice is dedicated to serving as a voice for Colorado’s working communities. In her role as an elected official, Janice serves as a member of her community who understands what it means to struggle under financial hardship, who has felt what it is like to be without representation, and who will give a voice to the values of working families and parents. Janice is committed to supporting policies that address homelessness, help those with behavioral health conditions, address financial hardship, develop jobs and living wages, increase affording housing, deliver quality health care for all, and preserve our Colorado way of life.
Kendal Scott, Outdoor Education Lead, Nevada Department of Outdoor Recreation. Kendal Scott (she/her) is the Outdoor Education Lead for the Nevada Division of Outdoor Recreation, where she manages the Nevada Outdoor Education & Recreation grant program and works to uplift outdoor education opportunities across the state. She has over a decade of experience developing outdoor environmental education programs and facilitating experiential learning for youth in California, Nevada, Utah, Idaho, Washington, and Alaska. She received her MS in Parks, Recreation & Tourism from the University of Utah and also holds a BS in Recreation Management. Kendal enjoys backpacking trips in search of wildflowers, playing dress up in thrift stores, snowboarding, and paddling Western waters.

If you can’t join us live, go ahead and register for the event, and a recording will be sent to your inbox approximately 2 weeks after the event.

Nature Everywhere Communities Peer Learning Network: Coalition Building
2024-10-09 15:00 - 16:00 (America/Chicago) | Online Event
Join our October Nature Everywhere Action Challenge Communities Peer Learning Network (PLN) event, where our presenters will focus on our Coalition Builder actions. These actions include engaging your community using an equity lens. The actions help ensure that children of color and children experiencing poverty — children who have been historically excluded from having regular nature access — are included moving forward.
This public PLN event gives you a glimpse into what support is available to you, if you were to join the Action Challenge. The PLN is designed to offer our Nature Everywhere Communities the support, resources, and network they’ll need to advance their community’s efforts. By staying involved in the PLN, teams strengthen their ability to create lasting change in their community. Peer learning calls, facilitated by staff, allow for deep dives into specific tools to support Action Challenge teams on their Nature Everywhere journey. The format includes a presentation featuring other community teams with time for discussion and reflection.
Nature Everywhere Communities builds on what we’ve learned from the Cities Connecting Children to Nature initiative, through which municipal leaders have been advancing equitable access to nature since 2014. Nature Everywhere Communities is an expansion of this work, recognizing that we need leaders from city government, education, nonprofits, philanthropy, community organizations and the private sector to drive systems-level change.
Who should attend? Ideally, anyone looking for an opportunity to become a Nature Everywhere Community. If you’re unsure about how your local goals may align with the Action Challenge, or aren’t sure if your cross-sector team might be eligible, contact Christian at christian@childrenandnature.org.
Learn more about the Action Challenge and how to register at www.childrenandnature.org/nature-everywhere-action-challenge
In partnership with:

An In-Depth Conversation on Key Takeaways and Implications of How Green Schoolyards Create Economic Value (Recording)
2024-10-04 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Chicago) | Online Event
National League of Cities and Children & Nature Network will take an in-depth look at the new report “How Green Schoolyards Create Economic Value.” The conversation, moderated by NLC’s Dr. Robert Blaine, will primarily feature report author Rob Grunewald, with additional insights and perspective from Jordan Twardy from the City of Dearborn and Priya Cook from C&NN.
Economic development, public health, and climate resilience professionals will gain insights into evidence from the first analysis of an urban, public, districtwide schoolyard conversion and the additional research encouraging a cross-sector rethink of 2 million acres of public land distributed across villages, towns, and cities.
Speakers:

Robert Blaine, Senior Executive and Director for the National League of Cities’ Leadership, Education, Advancement, and Development (LEAD) Center
Priya Cook, Director, Director, Green Schoolyards and Communities, Children & Nature Network
Rob Grunewald, Economics and Public Policy Consultant
Jordan Twardy, Economic Development Director, City of Dearborn

Nature Everywhere Accelerator Community Info Session (Recording)
2024-08-16 14:00 - 15:00 (America/Chicago) | Online Event
Join us for an informal session to discuss how your community can become a Nature Everywhere Community as a Fall 2024 Accelerator Community. The 2024 Fall Accelerator Community application process is by invite only. This session will provide an introductory overview of the criteria that communities should meet in order to be invited to apply to the Accelerator cohort. Nature Everywhere staff will give an overview of the application and selection process and will answer any questions. We recommend communities watch the information session prior to submitting an interest form. Learn more about the 2024 Fall Nature Everywhere Accelerator Community process at www.childrenandnature.org/nature-everywhere-accelerator/
In partnership with:

Vitamin N: Inspiration & Innovative Strategies from Brazil / Vitamina N: Inspiração e Estratégias Inovadoras do Brasil (Recording)
2024-08-07 13:00 - 14:00 (America/Chicago) | Online Event
School, work and busy schedules can make it hard to find time for nature. The Vitamin N Challenge can help. Inspired by Richard Louv’s book, “Vitamin N: The Essential Guide to a Nature-Rich Life” you can design a challenge that fits your lifestyle and schedule.
Need some inspiration? During this event Ana Carol Thomé, Founder of Ser Criança é Natural will share innovative strategies she has developed to provide opportunities for all children in Brazil to connect with the natural world. She will be joined by Laís Fleury, Head of Partnerships and Nature Portfolio at the Alana Foundation. Their conversation will leave you excited to incorporate new approaches and resources into your outdoor activities.
You’ll hear from:

Ana Carol Thomé Ana is a social entrepreneur and nature advocate who uses social media to inspire children across Brazil to develop positive and enduring relationships with nature. She promotes nature engagement through her website, Instagram (@sercriancaenatural), Facebook and YouTube channel, reaching a combined audience of over 159,000 viewers. Thomé is the founder of the educational organization Ser Criança é Natural, leading the field of children’s nature-related initiatives and content in Brazil. She also promotes nature-based education in schools through her “More Nature in Schools” program and “Nature Schools Network”. By guiding administrators and teachers on how they can create green spaces and outdoor classrooms. Learn more by reading her Inspiring Leaders profile.
Laís Fleury Laís has 2 daughters, more than twenty years of experience as a social entrepreneur and has been a Fellow of Ashoka Social Entrepreneurs since 2003. Over the last 9 years, Laís has been working for Alana, advocating for the right of every child to connect and have access to nature. She currently serves as the Head of Partnerships and Nature Portfolio at the Alana Foundation, holds the position of Co-chair US for the global movement #Natureforall, is part of the executive council of International School Groups Alliance (ISGA) and is part of the Expert Advisory Board of the Earthshot Prize. She also holds a postgraduate degree in the theme,”The Time and Voice of Children: Anthropological and Poetic Listening to Childhood.”

This event is part of our Families Together in Nature program, a series of events and resources to help parents and caregivers get out in nature! Our aim is to remove barriers, offer inspiration and create community. Find more resources on our website and join the Families Together in Nature group on The Trailhead, our free online community. It’s the place to share resources, ideas, questions, insights – and to cheer each other on!
Please note: This event will be conducted in Portuguese, with live English translation available.

Nature Everywhere Community Action Challenge Information Session (Recording)
2024-07-25 14:00 - 15:00 (America/Chicago) | Online Event
Join us for an informal session to discuss how your community can become a Nature Everywhere Community through the Action Challenge. Nature Everywhere staff will give an overview of the Action Challenge process and will answer any of your questions. This session will provide an introductory overview of how your community can be recognized for advancing children and nature strategies. This informational session is not required to register for the Action Challenge but we recommend communities watch to gain a better understanding of the expectations.
Nature Everywhere Communities builds on what we’ve learned from the Cities Connecting Children to Nature initiative, through which municipal leaders have been advancing equitable access to nature since 2014. Nature Everywhere Communities is an expansion of this work, recognizing that we need leaders from city government, education, nonprofits, philanthropy, community organizations and the private sector to drive systems-level change.
Who should attend? Ideally, the three individuals who will make up the cross-sector team will attend or watch the session. However, we recommend at least one individual from the team attend.
Learn more about the Action Challenge at www.childrenandnature.org/nature-everywhere-action-challenge
In partnership with:

Nature Everywhere Day
2024-06-01 09:00 - 15:00 (America/Chicago) | Conference 2024, Madison, WI
The world’s largest gathering of children and nature leaders is coming to Madison May 28-31, 2024 for the Children & Nature Network’s Nature Everywhere Conference. More than 700 cross-sector leaders will explore best practices for connecting children to the proven benefits of nature everywhere they live, learn and play.
Nature Everywhere Day will bring all of the energy and enthusiasm for nature connection from inside the conference out into the Madison community for a day of celebration and family fun!

Date & Time:
9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Saturday, June 1, 2024

Where:
Our Nature Everywhere Day headquarters will be located in downtown Madison, which is home to the Dane County Farmers’ Market – America’s largest producers-only farmers’ market with hundreds of vendors and more than 20,000 visitors every Saturday. A variety of free Nature Everywhere activities will be happening across the Madison area.

Activities:
Activities for all ages and abilities will include:
● 2024 Vitamin N Challenge launch
● Nature play spaces
● Birding and naturalist walks
● Nature-based arts and crafts
● Outdoor yoga
● Hikes, bikes and water-based activities
● Classes and tips from outdoor experts
● Free or discounted access to nature-based family destinations
● Activities in parks and natural areas
● Discounts at local outdoor retailers
● More to come!

Interested?
Join us as a sponsor – or share your nature-based activity or service. Contact Devin Cowens at conference@childrenandnature.org today!

Nature Everywhere Conference
2024-05-28 - 2024-05-31
Join us in Madison, Wisconsin on the shores of Lake Monona, May 28-31, 2024 for the largest gathering of children and nature advocates in the world
When children spend time outdoors, they are healthier, happier and more successful in school. But over the past few generations, childhood has moved indoors, disconnected from the proven benefits of nature.
Formerly known as the Inside-Out International Conference, the Nature Everywhere Conference brings together cross-sector leaders from around the world to advance programs, practices and policies for advancing equitable access to nature everywhere children live, learn and play.

Just Grow! Gardening with Kids (Recording)
2024-04-26 13:00 - 14:00 (America/Chicago) | Online Event
Gardening not only connects children to nature, it engages all five senses, encourages healthy eating, develops math and science skills, teaches patience and responsibility, creates environmental stewards and is a great way for families to spend time together!
During this event Kashon DuBose, Founder and Executive Director of Cultivators and Sonya Harris, Master Gardener and Founder and CEO of The Bullock Garden Project will share the work they are doing with their communities, hands-on gardening activities that parents, caregivers and educators can facilitate with children – even if they have a small space and poor soil conditions, and sage advice on how your family can get the most out of garden and farm projects.
You’ll hear from:

Kashon DuBose Kashon is the Founder and Executive Director of Cultivators, a nonprofit that provides in-school, after-school and community center programming for elementary and middle school students. He is also the chief operating officer at a nonprofit school support organization. A father of two, Kashon strives to create a comfortable environment for children, allowing them to express their interests in a safe space. A Bronx resident, Kashon has experienced the power of nature in supporting his own emotional health and is passionate about sharing that with Bronx youth.
Sonya Harris Sonya is a Master Gardener, former special education teacher, and founder of the award-winning Bullock Children’s Garden in Swedesboro, New Jersey. She established the nonprofit, The Bullock Garden Project to assist schools and community organizations who serve youth who are at-risk, receive special education services, and/or are low-income or food insecure, to establish gardens. These gardens not only teach across the curriculum but inspire careers as future green industry leaders. Sonya loves spending time gardening with children and teaching others how to grow healthy food at home. She is passionate about helping educators learn the fun and ease of incorporating garden-based education throughout the curriculum.

Leave the event with a plan and desire to get your hands into some dirt!
This event is part of our Families Together in Nature program, a series of events and resources to help parents and caregivers get out in nature! Our aim is to remove barriers, offer inspiration and create community. Find more resources on our website and join the Families Together in Nature group on The Trailhead, our free online community. It’s the place to share resources, ideas, questions, insights – and to cheer each other on!

Youth Outdoor Policy Playbook Relaunch
2024-04-18 14:00 - 15:00 (America/Chicago) | Online Event
The Youth Outdoor Partnership is excited to launch a new and refreshed version of the Policy Playbook. This improved Playbook shares tools and inspiration to promote equitable outdoor access for all youth. We’ll explore the latest state-level policy updates, winning coalition-building strategies, and exciting new success stories with a panel of youth outdoor policy leaders.
This webinar is presented by Youth Outdoor Partnership members including the National Caucus of Environmental Legislators, Children & Nature Network, North American Association for Environmental Education, and Nuestra Tierra.

Babies, Toddlers & Preschoolers in Nature (Recording)
2024-02-23 13:00 - 14:00 (America/Chicago) | Online Event
It’s never too early to introduce children to the outdoors. The benefits of nature engagement for young children (ages 0 – 5) relate to all areas of growth and development including physical, mental, social-emotional and cognitive. And these benefits apply to all children, including children with adverse childhood experiences and children with differing abilities.
Parents, caregivers and early childhood educators can play an important role in enhancing young children’s connection with nature. In this event, Alexis Burroughs, Yoga and Meditation Teacher and certified Forest Therapy guide, Jessica Carrillo Alatorre, Executive Director of OutGrown and Gabriel Pickus, Founder & Executive Director of InDiGO: Inward Discovery Grows Outdoors will share tips on how to prepare for the elements, tangible tools for nature play, whole-child centered learning with nature as the teacher, how to facilitate a guided forest walk for your family or preschool class, and more!
You’ll hear from:

Alexis Burroughs Alexis has a background in early childhood education and has been teaching children’s yoga for more than 10 years. And a Young Children’s Yoga and Movement method teacher training program is in the works. At her studio, Funky Monkey Yoga, she also teaches several adult classes including iRest® Yoga Nidra – a tool that may be helpful in healing from PTSD, childhood trauma, anxiety, depression, insomnia, and stress. When she is not in her studio Alexis can be found outside. She is an Association of Nature and Forest Therapy (ANFT) certified guide who offers outdoor guiding & forest therapy guided walks to Families with young children and Preschool classes.
Jessica Carrillo Alatorre Jessica is the Executive Director of OutGrown (formerly Hike it Baby), a national, community led nonprofit she has helped build from the ground up over the last decade with the goal of helping families of all kinds spend more time outside together. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Management and Organizational Leadership from George Fox University. Jessica is committed to building a future where the outdoors is a welcoming, accessible space for all families to enjoy, regardless of their identity or ability. It is her belief that by building towards a more welcoming and inclusive vision of the outdoors, we can work towards a world where more people have the opportunity to fall in love with nature from birth and grow into people who work to protect the natural wonders of this planet we are all a part of.
Gabriel Pickus Gabriel is a visionary non-profit leader, healing-centered educator, intercultural bridge-builder and InDiGO‘s Founder and Director. He has strived toward social and educational justice with over one hundred organizations and thousands of young people across Baltimore City since 2009. As a trained community organizer and award-winning education reformer, he has served in cross-sector initiatives for holistic education, youth employment, police accountability, reducing youth incarceration, clean water, healthy parks, and clean air. While directly serving Baltimore City’s youth and teachers in the classroom and out-of-school time, he has advocated for systemic changes to the educational system that increase access to holistic and outdoor education through research, professional development, and policy advocacy.

Leave the event feeling comfortable and empowered to get outside with your little ones!
This event is part of our Families Together in Nature program, a series of events and resources to help parents and caregivers get out in nature! Our aim is to remove barriers, offer inspiration and create community. Find more resources on our website and join the Families Together in Nature group on The Trailhead, our free online community. It’s the place to share resources, ideas, questions, insights – and to cheer each other on!

Trend Watch (Recording)
2023-11-29 13:00 - 14:00 (America/Chicago) | Online Event
The new year is coming and it’s a great time to think about what 2024 might hold for the children and nature movement. On November 29, we heard from Children & Nature Network board members and cross-sector experts who discussed trends and approaches to health and well-being that might influence, impact or present opportunities for children and nature leaders.
Moderated by Jesús Aguirre, Board Chair of the Children & Nature Network, and CEO of the Waterloo Greenway Conservancy this event features panelists Sarah Milligan-Toffler, President and CEO of C&NN, Dylan McDowell, Executive Director for the National Caucus of Environmental Legislators, Amanda O’Rourke, Executive Director of 8 80 Cities.
This is a Member Appreciation Event. Not a Member of the Children & Nature Network? Join now!

2023 Inside Out International Conference Virtual Recap & Networking Event
2023-10-27 13:00 - 14:00 (America/Chicago) | Online Event
Join Children & Nature Network staff and peers for this live, free event that will include networking and conversation about the 2023 Inside-Out International conference main stage sessions, and more. View session recordings prior to the event and come with questions and insights to share.
Featured sessions include:
Transformative Education: Building CommUNITY with Reciprocity and Restoration
This recorded session features local Colorado leaders Renée Millard Chacon – Co-founder/Executive Director of Womxn from the Mountain & Commerce City Council Womxn Ward 3 and Alicia Fall – Founder and Visionholder of Her Many Voices Foundation. They speak on raising awareness for restorative justice within and beyond our communities, the power in the Indigenous culture of biodiversity, and building sacred connections to the Earth and to each other.
The breakout room for this session will be moderated by a member of the Children & Nature Network’s Leadership Team. Watch the recorded session now.

Earth Guardians on the Importance of Being Revolutionary
We are in the midst of a climate crisis and our young people are witnessing the world change drastically in their daily lives. In this recorded session, Earth Guardians: Emmy Scott – Executive Director, Maya Lazzaro – Communications Director, Tony Pérez Soto – Regional Director Coordinator, and Tyler Massias – Speakers Bureau Director & Farmer, with Moderator Kellie Berns – Global Program Director, share how critical it is to be visionary in reimagining how we work, activate, and mobilize and how we must all be brave in reinventing our systems and selves.
The breakout room for this session will be moderated by Tanya Pappa, Manager of Cities and Youth Engagement at Children & Nature Network. Watch the recorded session now.

Global Lessons on Green Schoolyards and Outdoor Learning: Including Mother Earth as a teacher
The Children & Nature Network, in partnership with Salzburg Global Seminar (SGS), the International School Grounds Alliance (ISGA), International Union for the Conservation of Nature, #NatureForAll, and the National League of Cities Institute for Youth, Education and Families (NLCI), led a global project to identify and disseminate successful approaches on greening school grounds and outdoor learning. This recorded session focuses on the presentation of 13 case studies that highlight examples that have potential to be replicated in the U.S. and across the world to create sustainable, inclusive communities.
Joaquin’s initiative is centered on including Mother Earth as a teacher in schools with her “nature classroom” to help children develop empathy for life. This session includes: moderator Brenda Kessler – Project Manager, Children & Nature Network and panelists Vastí Ferrari Marques – Secretary of Education of Jundiaí, Secretary of Education Department, Ian Mostert – IVN, Johan Lambrix – Provinciaal Natuurcentrum Limburg, Coordinator Team Education, Joaquin Leguia – Asociación para la Niñez y su Ambiente (ANIA), Executive Director.
The breakout room for this session will be moderated by Brenda Kessler, Project Manager at Children & Nature Network who moderated the panel at the conference. Watch the recorded session now.

Nature Connection Builds Healthy Communities and Climate Resilience
Connection to nature is a stepping stone to climate resilience. Families and communities who spend frequent time in nature, playing together are inspired to conserve the biodiversity of their local ecosystem and in the face of impending or destructive climate events, the community is able to work together to mitigate flooding, replant trees, rebuild homes, and move communities uphill or inland.
In addition to being beneficial to the physical and mental health of families, time spent outdoors together across generations also allows the passing down of traditional ecological knowledge and skills. This knowledge is essential to managing land and water and adapting to climate change. When youth have access to traditional knowledge and a voice in the work of climate adaptation work, they can become even more creative and effective at solving the problems faced by their community and the world as a whole.
This recorded conference panel discussion shines light on the work being done in many communities, organizations and collaboratives to connect people to nature, build highly connected communities, foster healthy people and families, and increase climate resilience. This session includes: moderator Cheryl Charles – #NatureForAll International Co-Chair and Co-Founder and CEO Emerita, Children & Nature Network, and panelists Louise Benally – Director, Indigenous Cultural Concepts, Heather Kuhlken – Executive Director, Families in Nature, Maria Donjuan – Guide, Families in Nature, Luis Camargo – Founder & Director, OpEPA.
The breakout room for this session will be moderated by Heather Kuhlken – Executive Director, Families in Nature who was a panelist for this session at the conference. Watch the recorded session now.

Ecologize and Joyify! Supporting Thrivability for All
This is a pivotal moment in our culture of rethinking ways of being and doing. In this recorded session Outdoorist Oath’s co-founder, José González and Executive Director, Gabaccia Moreno along with moderator Francis Mendoza – Manager of Community Development at Children & Nature Network converse about the intersection of the planet, inclusion, and outdoor experience through a lens of sustainable ecology and accessible joy.
The breakout room for this session will be moderated by Francis Mendoza – Manager of Community Development at Children & Nature Network who moderated this session at the conference. Watch the recorded session now.

Thank you to our 2023 Conference Sponsors

Back to School with Nature: Supporting Social Emotional Learning and Academic Outcomes (Recording)
2023-09-07 13:00 - 14:00 (America/Chicago) | Online Event
Summer may be over but that doesn’t mean that nature needs to stay outdoors as kids head back to school. In this event José G. González, Cathy Jordan, Ph.D. and Sheila Williams Ridge, Ed.D. will discuss how nature impacts mental health, social emotional learning and cognitive function in support of academic outcomes. Examples of how parents, caregivers and educators can support inquiry and engagement in the outdoors will also be shared as well as how culture, policies and inequalities play a role in a child’s ability to benefit from nature engagement.
You’ll hear from:

José G. González. José is the Founder of Latino Outdoors and Co-Founder of the Outdoorist Oath. He is a professional educator with training in the fields of education and conservation while engaging in different artistic endeavors with art and messaging—often exploring the intersection of the environment and culture. As a Partner in the Avarna Group and through his own consulting, his work focuses on Equity & Inclusion frameworks and practices in the environmental, outdoor, and conservation fields. He is also an illustrator and science communicator. He received his B.A at the University of California, Davis, and his M.S at the University of Michigan School of Natural Resources & Environment.
Cathy Jordan, Ph.D. Cathy is the consulting Director of Research for the Children & Nature Network and directs the leadership development and sustainability education activities at the Institute on the Environment at the University of Minnesota, where she is also professor of pediatrics in the Medical School. At the Children & Nature Network, Cathy developed and oversees the Research Library and the monthly Research Digest. She works with C&NN staff to activate the research to inform policy and practice in communities. Cathy’s research focuses on the developmental, learning and educational outcomes of nature-based learning and approaches to teacher professional development in nature-based learning.
Sheila Williams Ridge, Ed.D. Sheila is the Director of the Child Development Laboratory School at the University of Minnesota and an instructor for the Institute of Child Development. Her work focuses on early childhood environmental education and nature-based learning. She serves on the governing boards for the Natural Start Alliance, the Minneapolis Nature Preschool, Dodge Nature Center, Monarch Joint Venture, and Saint Paul City Schools. Sheila has a BA in Biology, an MA in Education, and an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership.

Bring a notebook and a snack and leave the event with tools that you and your student can use to help support social emotional learning and academic outcomes this fall.
This event is part of our Families Together in Nature program, a series of events and resources to help parents and caregivers get out in nature! Our aim is to remove barriers, offer inspiration and create community. Find more resources on our website and join the Families Together in Nature group on The Trailhead, our free online community. It’s the place to share resources, ideas, questions, insights – and to cheer each other on!

Designing Community Strategies and Building Cross-Sector Teams (Recording)
2023-08-10 13:00 - 14:00 (America/Chicago) | Online Event
City and community leaders have an opportunity to create citywide change for children to access nature everywhere they live, learn, and play. Communities successful in advancing equitable access to nature for children possess strong cross-sector teams and adopt a systems level approach. The “Designing Community Strategies and Building Cross-Sector Teams” session features communities successful in these key areas. Through a conversation with leaders from the Cities Connecting Children to Nature (CCCN) initiative participants will learn about practical ideas for building a community team that incorporates diverse perspectives, skills, and backgrounds as well as strategies for achieving real and lasting change. The discussion will be followed by audience Q&A.
Participants interested in Nature Everywhere will also gain insights into their application and may consider watching the recording of the “Introduction to Nature Everywhere” virtual information session.

Youth Development & Nature Connection Framework (Recording)
2023-07-27 13:00 - 14:15 (America/Chicago) | Online Event
The saying 1+1=3 rings true when it comes to intentionally integrating youth development with nature experiences, the benefits of each and produces new outcomes for youth to reach their full potential. Join C&NN to explore effective and inspirational practices at this intersection that are greater than their individual parts and to map your organization’s progress toward achieving positive youth development outcomes through quality nature engagement. Featuring conversation with Therese Ryley from Southwest Conservation Corps and Shandiin Nez from Continental Divide Trail Coalition.
Thérèse d’Auria Ryley or “Tess” is the Program Director for the Southwest Conservation Corps, Los Valles, which serves the Upper Arkansas River Valley and the San Luis Valley. Tess oversees general operations of the corps while developing new programming that address historic inequities that have been pervasive in the conservation industry. Tess was a 2021-22 Keystone Policy Center Systems Impact Institute Fellow where she collaborated with non-profit workers and educators across the state of Colorado to address systemic inequities to improve programming and educational opportunities for Colorado’s youth and young adults. In her free-time, Tess enjoys hiking and trail running all the trails in the Upper Arkansas and San Luis Valleys, and reading all the fiction.
Shandiin Nez is a member of the Navajo Nation, currently working out of Gallup, NM, on Dine and Zuni lands. Their connection to the land was formed by an early introduction to outdoor recreation and cultural practices while growing up in the Four Corners region with hiking, fishing, fossil searches and hunting. Before joining CDTC as the Southern New Mexico Policy Fellow, Shandiin worked with groups like Ancestral Lands Conservation Corps, Southwest Conservation Corps and the Student Conservation Association in a variety of roles alongside agency staff, communities, Tribal Nations, Indigenous youth and volunteers to not only steward trails, but ensure that the trail community is an inclusive one for all who want to enjoy the outdoors.

Lessons from Cities Around the World: Sustainability and Resilience through Green Schoolyards
2023-07-26 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | Online Event
Cities across the globe are experiencing an urgent need to mitigate and adapt to climate change. As city officials everywhere grapple with ways to emphasize sustainability and resiliency goals, many are turning to nature-based solutions. These solutions can happen right where children are every day: in schools. There is growing momentum to transform school grounds into nature-filled spaces for learning and play, and to enhance sustainable practices, and climate resilience while improving health and education outcomes – especially for children most impacted by systems of inequity and environmental injustice. Join us to hear municipal leaders from across the globe gather to discuss lessons learned, promising practices, how greening schoolyards helps achieve multiple city goals, and to have your questions answered.
This webinar is conducted by the Cities Connecting Children to Nature initiative, a partnership between the National League of Cities and Children & Nature Network. Moderated by NLC CEO Clarence E. Anthony, the event will feature leaders from Jundiaí, Brazil and Antwerp, Belgium plus leaders from CCCN cities in the US.

Introduction to Nature Everywhere (Recording)
2023-07-20 13:00 - 14:00 (America/Chicago) | Online Event
The “Introduction to Nature Everywhere” virtual information session offers participants an overview of the Nature Everywhere vision to advance equitable access to nature in 100 communities by 2025. This information session will feature a conversation highlighting lessons learned from Cities Connecting Children to Nature (CCCN) – a joint initiative of the Children & Nature Network and the National League of Cities – about what it takes to achieve and scale transformational change. The session will also provide information about the Nature Everywhere application process and upcoming 2023 Vision Labs.

Moderated by Christian Alvarado, Peer Learning Manager at the Children & Nature Network, this event will feature a conversation between Monica Lopez Magee from the Children & Nature Network and Andrew Moore from the National League of Cities.
Watch the recording of the “Designing Community Strategies and Building Cross-Sector Teams” virtual info session. This session features successful communities and their strategies for creating equitable access to nature and building diverse teams for effective systems change.

Vitamin N with Richard Louv (Recording)
2023-07-10 13:00 - 14:00 (America/Chicago) | Online Event
Join us July 10th at 1 pm CST for a conversation with author and Children & Nature Network co-founder, Richard Louv.
About this event
Join author and Children & Nature Network co-founder Richard Louv in discussing what he learned about creating a nature-filled life while writing his books, including “Vitamin N: The Essential Guide to a Nature-Rich Life: 500 Ways to Enrich Your Family’s Health & Happiness,” and get inspired to complete your own #VitaminNChallenge, made possible by Nature’s Way.
“Vitamin N” is a one-of-a-kind, comprehensive, and practical guidebook for the whole family and the wider community, including tips not only for parents eager to share nature with their kids but also for those seeking nature-smart schools, medical professionals, and even careers. It is a dose of pure inspiration, reminding us that looking up at the stars or taking a walk in the woods is as exhilarating as it is essential, at any age.
Attend this event with Richard Louv for your dose of Vitamin N. It is a complete prescription for connecting with the power and joy of the natural world right now! He’ll also talk about actions he has learned about since the publication of “Vitamin N” — and a few from the book he is working on right now.
This inspiring discussion will be followed by audience Q&A.

Family Time in Nature (Recording)
2023-06-06 13:00 - 14:00 (America/Chicago) | Online Event
Spending family time in nature sounds simple, but is it? Unfortunately many families experience barriers when it comes to spending quality time outdoors. In this workshop we will discuss some of those obstacles, real and perceived – including lack of time, systemic racism, gear and less than enthusiastic children, as well solutions to these challenges. We will also answer the age-old question,“‘What do I do with my family once we get outside?”
You’ll hear from:

Denice Rochelle Denice is Founder and Director of The Bronze Chapter, a nonprofit organization that creates community at the intersection of identity and the outdoors. The Bronze Chapter re-connects Black, Indigenous and other people of color to the natural world through outdoor skill-sharing and recreation.
Heather Kuhlken Heather is Founder and Executive Director of Families in Nature. The vision of Families in Nature is to inspire ALL families to fall in love with nature and foster the next generation of conservationists. They strive to engage families of all backgrounds with children of all ages.

Family Time in Nature is part of our Families Together in Nature program, a series of events and resources to help parents and caregivers get out in nature! Our aim is to remove barriers, offer inspiration and create community. If you haven’t seen it yet, check out Self-Care in Nature, the first event of the series.
Stay tuned for our next event in early September: Back to School With Nature – Social Emotional Learning & Academic Outcomes. We will discuss how time in nature helps with improving academic outcomes and how to integrate nature into the curriculum and learning environment.
Join the Families Together in Nature group on The Trailhead, our free online community. It’s the place to share resources, ideas, questions, insights – and to cheer each other on!

Youth Leadership Development Inside-Out Workshop - Building Meaningful Youth Councils (Recording)
2023-02-23 13:00 - 14:00 (America/Chicago) | Online Event
Youth Advisory Councils (YAC) are a youth engagement strategy used by programs and organizations to positively incorporate youth voices and to help build the capacity of youth participants. In this session, we will explore what makes a YAC successful and how to ensure meaningful engagement for youth. Join us February 23, at 1 p.m. CST to hear from Tyler Massias from Earth Guardians, Diane Lill from Conservation Nation, and Kerstin Johansson and Ashleigh Cibelli-Pettus from the City of Austin on their experience with building relevant, authentic and responsive YACs. There will also be space to engage in peer dialogue about YAC development.
Tyler Massias leads the Speakers Bureau within Earth Guardians. He is an academic and a farmer, cultivating a meaningful relationship with the land, while sharing his wisdom with others. He has spoken at conferences, schools, protests and rallies across the country; and is a defender and guardian of our only home. He believes that creativity, empathy, community, and compassion are the values we need to form a holistic perspective in an effort to mitigate some of our world’s most pressing environmental issues.
Ashleigh Cibelli-Pettus is an International Certified Arborist and has worked in urban forestry for the last nine years. She has managed urban forest youth internships, taught pruning courses, and planted and stewarded thousands of trees. Her position in the City of Austin focuses on Urban Forestry Youth Education and creating pathways and opportunities for BIPOC youth into green careers. She strives to be a catalyst for diversity and inclusion in the world of urban forestry. Ashleigh was born and raised in the Bronx, New York and graduated from Lehman College with a Bachelor of Arts in History and a Minor in Childhood Education.
Kerstin Johansson loves bringing people together and connecting over solutions to environmental and social justice issues, and nowhere is that more evident than in her work with the City of Austin’s Park Ranger Cadet Program. Kerstin has been overseeing the Cadet Program since 2016. She, with the support of many, has transformed this program into a TEKS-aligned outdoor practicum for young adults at Akins High School, a paid summer internship and apprenticeship. As of January 2022, she is in an acting role to support the Austin Civilian Conservation Corps which is absorbing parts of the Cadet Program. Kerstin loves supporting and learning from the next generation of environmental leaders.
Diane Lill has served as the Director of Education for Conservation Nation since September 2022. She has 25 years of experience in environmental education with expertise in building innovative programs and working with school systems to promote environmental literacy. Prior to joining Conservation Nation, Diane led the development of the award-winning GreenKids program for Audubon Naturalist Society, through which she formed strong partnerships with public school systems in the DC metro area to connect schoolchildren with nature and foster green schools. Diane’s leadership of GreenKids was recognized with a Bethesda Magazine Green Award, a Distinguished Service Award from the Montgomery County Board of Education, and a Chesapeake Bay Trust Award for exemplary grant work.
The Children & Nature Network seeks to support the leadership of youth and young adults ages 16-28 as well as provide resources and spur dialogue to help communities deliver high-quality programming and meaningfully engage youth. When nature connection and youth development are integrated thoughtfully, youth thrive. The Children & Nature Network’s Inside-Out Youth Leadership Workshops create a space for conversation, feature stories from youth and local leaders from the field, and bring research and resources on the topic to light. By participating, you’ll join a diverse and welcoming network of leaders who are eager to help youth reach their full potential as people — and as nature advocates.
Register for the February 23 event today!
