Call for Proposals
Submissions open: October 1
About the Conference
The Natural Start Alliance’s annual Nature-Based Early Learning Conference is a national gathering that brings together hundreds of new and seasoned nature-based early childhood education professionals from the U.S. and abroad. Sessions explore how to plan, implement, and advocate for nature-based early learning programs; discuss strategies to increase the diversity, accessibility, and inclusiveness of nature-based education; report on new and relevant research; share best practices in teacher education; explore education policy; and examine other topics that advance the field of nature-based early learning. In 2026, the conference will include both in-person and online options. Natural Start invites proposals for in-person and online (pre-recorded) sessions that advance innovation, quality, and equity in nature-based early childhood education.
The Natural Start Alliance requests proposals for sessions that:
- Provide opportunities for hands-on learning and/or deep discussion (in person)
- Are solution-oriented and include concrete takeaways
- Share new research, advances in practice, innovative ideas, or relevant case studies
- Promote equity and inclusion
- Target emerging, intermediate, or experienced professionals
- Reflect the practices described in the Nature-Based Preschool Professional Practice Guidebook
Audience
The Nature-Based Early Learning Conference draws several hundred attendees who are largely from the United States, but include participants from around the world. Most attendees are program administrators and educators. The conference also draws researchers, professors, education specialists (eg, special education providers), licensing agency representatives, landscape designers, policy experts, and other professionals in early childhood education and environmental education. Most attendees are well aware of the benefits of nature in education and therefore are not looking for introductory information, but instead seek new ways of thinking about nature-based education; strategies to expand the model; new tools and resources for safe, effective, and inclusive education; opportunities to connect with other professionals; and more.
Theme
This year’s conference theme is Imagine If. The act of imagining encourages us to look forward, be creative, and remain open to what’s possible. We invite proposals that explore innovation and collaboration in the continuous pursuit of high-quality and equitable nature-based early learning for all children. We particularly welcome proposals that address one or more of the following themes in nature-based education:
- Sustainability & Climate Education
- Environmental & Social Justice
- Advocacy
- K-3 Education
- Infants & Toddlers
- New Applications for the Nature-Based Education Model
In Person and Online Options
We are happy to offer an in-person conference focused on what’s best about meeting in person: networking, discussion, and hands-on experience. The conference will be held at the Will Smith Zoo School in San Antonio, TX, June 24-27, 2026.
We’re also happy to continue to offer a robust selection of online sessions maximizing the benefits of each approach. Online content will emphasize on-demand access to professional learning in the form of demonstrations and presentations about research, practice, and programs.
Session Formats
Online sessions will be pre-recorded by presenters and submitted by May 8, 2026. These sessions are under 60 minutes and will be offered on-demand (no live component) in the following formats:
Presentation
- Presentations are traditional sessions, typically a talk or media presentation, exploring a topic relevant to nature-based early childhood education.
- Demonstrations share a specific technique, approach, or activity with attendees by showing how to do it and sharing instructions for participants to recreate on their own.
- Poster presentations report on the results of research, display a case study or resource, or are otherwise conveyed in a graphic format. Posters are offered as a download and can be accompanied by a short video or audio summary.
In-person sessions will be 60 minutes and offered in the following formats:
- Presentations are traditional sessions focused on a topic relevant to nature-based early childhood education, typically a talk or media presentation, including opportunities for questions and discussion.
- Hands-on sessions provide participants with an opportunity to engage in activities or observe demonstrations. These sessions often are designed to be offered outdoors.
- Discussions engage participants in conversation around a central idea. Presenters introduce the topic they wish to explore and guide participants through a discussion.
Indoor/Outdoor
Will Smith Zoo School is host to extensive outdoor play and learning areas. There will be spaces available for designated outdoor sessions to be conducted, weather dependent. Please indicate in your proposal if your outdoor session can be adapted to an indoor setting if it can not be accepted in the outdoor format. All outdoor sessions will include back-up indoor locations in the event of inclement weather.
Session Strands
The conference will feature five thematic strands:
- Teaching (focused on teaching strategies in nature-based early childhood education)
- Administration (focused on administrative issues in nature-based early childhood education)
- Research (focused on early childhood environmental education research)
- Teacher Development (focused on efforts to prepare educators entering the field or that provide educators with ongoing training or support )
- Strategies for Change (focused on strategies for promoting equity and diversity, innovative partnerships, policy, and making the case for nature-based early learning)
Audio Visual and Other Equipment
Online presenters must record their session and submit a recording to Natural Start by May 8, 2026. (Please note that in rare cases, recordings of insufficient audio or video quality may be declined.) Online sessions can be recorded in outdoor environments if the presenter has the proper technology, tools, and internet connection to create a presentation of sufficient audio and video quality.
In-person presenters will have access to a projector, screen, and internet-connected computer with PowerPoint capabilities. Any additional equipment or materials can be rented through the event’s audio-visual vendor at the presenter’s expense. Outdoor sessions will not have access to AV technology unless supplied by presenters. Tables are not provided outdoors, and a limited number of chairs will be available for participants who need them.
Presenter Discount
Lead presenters of accepted online and in-person proposals will receive a discounted conference registration rate. One discount will be offered per session.
Review Process and Notifications
A review committee will evaluate alignment of proposals with conference objectives, relevancy, clarity of learning objectives, overall quality of submission (all required questions answered completely and clearly, etc.), and consistency with accepted standards for effective adult learning.
Notifications will be sent in February 2026. Accepted presenters must register by the presenter registration deadline to remain in the conference program.
Thank you for your interest in sharing your expertise with conference attendees. We look forward to seeing you there!