On-Demand Sessions List

Posters are included at the bottom of the list. On-demand sessions will be available to view beginning in July 2025 through July 2026.

Sessions are subject to change.

 

Nature's Kitchen: There Is A Place for Everyone at the Table! 

Presenter: Heather Quinn

The outdoor kitchen is an enriching and exciting setting that provides every child access to play. In this workshop, we will discuss how the outdoor kitchen is an inclusive and safe place, providing endless opportunities for open-ended, sensory-rich play.

 

Teaching Empathy and Sustainability Through Storytelling: Engaging Young Learners with Nature-Based Tools

Presenters: Noah Sorin, Prim Pingkarawat  

Learn how to inspire young learners to love and protect the environment using our 5-step framework: Gratitude, Learning, Action, Reflection, and Advocacy. This session offers storytelling strategies, empathy-building activities, and adaptable lesson ideas to foster environmental stewardship. 

 

Every Drop Counts: Teaching Water Science in the Age of Climate Change

Presenters: Ann Gadzikowski, Alexa Yeo 

Young children understand that water is essential to our daily lives. Water is especially relevant in nature-based learning. An early childhood educator and a hydrology researcher share curriculum activities that explore the properties of water and the role of water in the natural world. 

 

Elevating Literacy Outdoors: Integrating Literacy, Stewardship, and Creativity 

Presenter: Lauren MacLean 

Explore the link between literacy, nature, and arts-based education with routines that foster deeper learning. Discover creative strategies to enrich reading and writing through outdoor activities while inspiring a sense of environmental stewardship in students. 

 

Wondrous Water

Presenter: Rina Zampieron 

Water is everywhere and there is so much rich curriculum to teach about it, including the role of water across cultures.  We’ll explore inequalities around water and climate change and how to address them with children. Come learn about water curriculum and how it fits into your classroom. 

 

Transitioning Your Nature-Based Program to Include Grades

Presenters: Heidi McKay, Audra Cordell  

Hear from two educators in Portland, Oregon who gradually added elementary grades to their program.  If you are interested in adding a kindergarten or beyond to your existing nature-based program, join Heidi and Audra as they share their boots-on-the-ground journey and share resources freely.

 

Play, Nature, and Equity: Building Better Spaces for Little Minds

Presenters: Kevin Paul, Jen DeMelo, Ingrid M. Kanics 

What happens when nature, play, and equity intersect? This session explores the Early Childhood Playspace Design Guide, showcasing tools, case studies, and scalable models to create equitable, nature-integrated spaces for children 0–5. Gain actionable strategies to transform communities with play. 

 

Understanding the Care and Management Practices of Outdoor Learning Environments

Presenter: Katie Krause 

Explore what is known and recommended regarding the care and management of outdoor learning environments in early childhood settings. 

 

The Garden Play Project: Environmental Education in the Early Years

Presenter: Lisa Sammeta 

How we gather matters as much as why we gather. The Garden Play Project seeks to hold space for young children in the food justice movement, through the use of place-based learning practices and explores intentional program design for multilingual, intergenerational audiences.   

 

Let's Go Outside: Nature in Our Schoolyards 

Presenter: Erin Parker 

Nature play is for everyone! A partnership between a regional park system and the Great Start Readiness program (free pre-k for Michigan 4 year olds)  led to seasonal teacher workshops at various school sites to support developmentally appropriate, four-season outdoor play and learning 

 

Dream Boldly, Act Bravely: Nurturing Young Changemakers Through a Culturally Responsive Green Schools Club

Presenters: Jessica Hawkins, Deitra Colquitt, Lora Davenport 

This session highlights how a predominantly Black school reimagined its Green School Club by applying Gholdy Muhammad’s five pursuits—identity, skills, intellect, criticality, and joy—to disrupt the White gaze in nature-based education and center elementary students’ identities.

 

Breathing with the World: Building Reciprocal Relationships with Indigenous Peoples, Places, and Perspectives

Presenters: Claire Underwood, Thelma Nayquonabe, Sally Goodman, Emma Richtman, Sarah Walker Davis, Laura Whittaker 

Hear from fellow educators as we share practical stories, strategies, and examples from our journeys building reciprocal relationships with Indigenous communities, creating learning environments that honor Indigenous teachings, and nurturing children’s love for the land and all beings.  

 

Exploring Spirituality in Australian Immersive Nature Play Programs

Presenter: Fran Hughes 

This presentation will explore links between spirituality and nature, place, sustainability, and First Nations Peoples in Australian immersive nature play programs (INPPs). I share insights into educator’s relationships with nature and being spiritually present in the moment.  

 

Place, Belonging, and Wonder: Creating Culturally Nature-Based Early Curriculum

Presenter: Ashley Causey-Golden 

This curriculum framework blends bell hooks' place-based belonging and Robin Wall Kimmerer's ecological consciousness to guide children in connecting with nature. You will build environmental stewardship while honoring cultural awareness and children's innate bond with the natural world.  

 

Boston Outdoor Preschool Network’s Initiatives to Expand Access to Nature-Based Early Education (A Case Study)

Presenter: Sarah Besse 

Learn about Boston Outdoor Preschool Network's ongoing efforts to expand access to nature education for young children, including our public school partnership program (Forest Days) and our free preschool at the zoo through Boston's universal pre-k. 

 

You Get What You Get? Oh, I May Throw a Fit! Teaching Children the Art of Advocacy

Presenter: Patti Bonnin 

One of the most common phrases I hear teachers say is "You get what you get and you don't throw a fit". But what if instead of teaching children their wants or needs don't matter, we show them how to advocate for themselves. Let's explore ways to build a foundation of resiliency and advocacy!  

 

Leaning into Libraries: Partnering to Increase Environmental Literacy

Presenter: Julie Travaglini 

This workshop highlights the partnership between Allegheny Land Trust and local library systems to provide free and impactful environmental literacy programming across southwestern Pennsylvania.   

 

Centering the Black Child: A Framework for Nurturing Identity, Wellness, and Joy

Presenter: Savannah Thomas, EdD 

This session offers an actionable framework for EC educators and program leaders to affirm, protect, and celebrate Black children. Rooted in principles of equity, inclusion, and social justice, the framework focuses on affirming identity, protecting wellness, and cultivating joy.  

 

Taking Nature School to the Streets 

Presenter: Nicole Marie Majewski

In this presentation, we will explore the theme of community outreach through play and how the 'Pop Up Play' model can be the strategy for change we need to increase the public's access to outdoor education.   

 

From Dusk ‘Til Dawn: Building Resilience and Equity in Nature-Based Before and After School Programs

Presenter: Jamie-Lee Wagler 

Explore how nature-based before- and after-school programs can build resilience, equity, and environmental stewardship in young learners. Practical strategies, inclusive designs, and real-world case studies create scalable, sustainable programs that extend nature's benefits beyond the school day.  

 

Making It Happen: Policy to Practice - Leading Learning for a Better World

Presenters: Carolyn McFarlane, Mairi Ferris, Willow Den Scotland 

We share learning from experience in Scotland where, despite a policy framework in support of nature-based learning and social justice, educators report low confidence in delivering a nature-based curriculum. Based on research and case studies our presentation shows how to turn policy into practice.  

 

From Asphalt Playground to Outdoor Classroom: A Collaborative Journey of Administration, Research, and Practice 

Presenters: Devon Azzam, Veronica Binkley, Erin Cavazos 

An administrator, an educator, and a researcher share their collaborative journey of transforming an asphalt playground into an outdoor classroom. We share insights on our process, from ideation to implementation, as well as research findings on the effects of the environment on patterns of play.  

 

Cultivating Deep Roots of Inclusion Through Creative Partnerships

Presenter: Candice Wang 

Discover how creative partnerships can foster equity and inclusion in outdoor education. Learn from real-world examples, including collaborations with a therapy center, university, and local school district, to create inclusive programs, reparative practices, and workforce pathways for all.  

 

Embedding Nature as Healer: Strategies for Trauma-Informed Nature-Based Practices

Presenter: Jennifer Salinas, MS

Discover how nature supports healing and resilience for children and families impacted by trauma. Learn how Casey Family Programs and the Children & Nature Network embedded nature-based practices into child welfare services and explore practical strategies to adapt this approach in your own programs.  

 

Climate Change Education in Early Years: Empowering Young Minds for a Sustainable Future

Presenter: Neelima Chopra 

Climate change is the most pressing challenge. A crucial adaptation strategy for climate crisis is Climate Change Education (CCE) for young children. Integrating CCE in early years can cultivate climate-literate citizens who will grow up equipped to face and address the environmental challenges. 

 

Blossoms, Bird Songs, Breezes, and Babies!: Engaging Infants and Toddlers Outdoors 

Presenters: Jessica Yuill, Abigain Cano Perez 

Our youngest learners are natural scientists. They crave opportunities for exploration and discovery, which promote healthy development. In this session, we will explore how to create an engaging outdoor space for very young children and share hands-on activities you can use in your program. 

 

Growing in the Garden: Strategies for Integrating Wellbeing Gardening Into Your Nature-Based Program

Presenter: Tina Cross 

Topics discussed are strategies grounded in “wellness gardening,” or gardening with a holistic mind and body approach. High sensory-value plant selections and teaching strategies geared towards children ages 2-5 will be discussed. 

 

Key Practices for Early Childhood and Elementary Climate Change Education 

Presenter: Marie Fargo 

Want to build your confidence covering climate change with young learners? Join us to learn key practices of climate change education in the early years. We will highlight activities from Climate Generation’s new curricula for grades K-2, Healthy Habitats and Food Solutions, to help you get started!  

 

Nature Is Everywhere: Increasing Children’s Sense of Place and Belonging through Urban Outdoor Education

Presenter: Lisa Brooks 

This panel will explore the opportunities and challenges of urban outdoor education for young children, using Acorn Outdoor Learning in Washington, DC, as a case study. We'll discuss ways to create an inclusive culture and rich experiences amid disparate natural resources and economic inequality. 

 

Green Education: Building the Next Generation of Sustainability Leaders Through Innovative Teaching and Cultural Narratives

Presenters: Adenike Akinsemolu, Adejoke Ogunkoya, PhD, Dr Helen Onyeaka 

Discover how the Green Institute builds sustainability leaders through its innovative green curriculum and storytelling tools, such as Tadetola: The Astronaut. Participants will leave with tools, resources, and strategies for teaching sustainability.  

 

Universal Design in the ECE Garden

Presenters: Sarah Pounders, Amy Wagenfeld, PhD 

This session will explore landscape design basics with a focus on incorporating Universal Design principles to create an ECE garden that is available to all children and not only fosters inclusivity, but also serves as powerful tools for implementing nature-based learning and exploration. 

 

The Anxious School - From Haidt to Copenhagen - A U.S. School’s Learning Journey to Utilize Outdoor Learning in Order to Improve Students’ Social Emotional Well-Being.

Presenters: Shannon Hedman, Maggie Nelson

Participants will discover strategies for integrating nature into their curricula, along with creative approaches to using the outdoors to promote student independence. Attendees will leave with ideas to enhance their current spaces, as well as recommendations for grants to support the improvements. 

 

“I feel free”: Reciprocal Relationships and the Power of Nature-Based Learning

Presenters: Kyra Stephenson, Melissa Rodriguez-Meehan, Ed.D., Marisa Kofke, PhD 

Participants will learn from a nature-based learning coach in a dual-language urban school serving historically minoritized families. The session explores NBL’s impact on academic growth, wellness, and community connection, highlighting antiracist practices and findings from a qualitative study.

 

Cheers to World Water Day! Let’s Raise Awareness About the Shortage of Clean Water Globally by Hosting Our Very Own Water Walk Challenge! 

Presenters: Carlie Davis, Kristy Nuttall

World Water Day is an observance that takes place annually on March 22nd, highlighting the importance of clean water. This observance is not widely celebrated in most schools!  It’s time to raise awareness at the ECE level by facilitating an age-appropriate, joyful, and impactful Water Walk!

 

Nature’s Touch: Empowering Babies Through Safe Movement and Exploration

Presenters: Klaudia Kachele, Claudia Carvajal Araya

This session explores how nature supports infant development in Chile’s diverse ecosystems. We’ll discuss how safe outdoor environments, such as mountains and wetlands, foster emotional, sensory, and cognitive growth, reflecting the educational approach of connecting children with nature. 

 

A Year of Learning: Utilizing the “Nature-Based Early Childhood Program Assessment and Guidebook” to Guide Our Inside Outside Meetings

Presenters: Katie Krause, Eliza Kolander, Kelly Rose 

During this session we will share our experience utilizing the Nature-Based Learning Professional Practice Guidebook and Assessment as the framework for our Inside Outside Chapter Meetings during the 2024-2025 school year. Join us to learn about our journey and future plans. 

 

The Bug Effect: Harnessing the Power of Bug Handling to Support Social-Emotional Learning in Early Childhood

Presenter: Kelsey Scholer 

Educators will learn how bug handling (BH) promotes social-emotional learning in preschool. Interacting with bugs helps children process emotions like fear and empathy, while building compassion and self-regulation. Participants will gain strategies for integrating BH into their classrooms.  

 

Trees of Life: Bible Texts for Early Childhood Education

Presenter: Elyssa Austerklein 

From the story of Creation to Jonah and the Big Fish, the Bible is full of inspiration for connecting with nature and providing myth and stories through which children can explore the natural world. Examples will be provided for how a Bible story can be the basis for hands-on nature experiences. 

 

The Glorious Nature Walk! 

Presenter: Angela Wildermuth 

Revitalize your nature walk! Want to take kids out on walks but feel stifled by safety concerns or brought down by the need to adhere to curriculum objectives? Hear how to manage walks better with preschoolers to middle schoolers and support fun, non-forced learning AND quality relaxation for all. 

 

Beyond the Bulletin Board: Using Documentation Panels in Nature-Based Education

Presenters: Amanda Lala, Katie Pollock

Documentation panels provide the opportunity to display evidence of learning beyond writing samples or a product-based craft. Session attendees will learn strategies to look beyond the basic and practice planning for multiple modes of delivering instruction and representing the learning process. 

 

Classroom Management in Our Natural Spaces

Presenter: Erica Wares 

How can we design and manage outdoor classrooms with the same intention and effectiveness as indoor classrooms? In this session we will delve into strategies for organizing physical spaces and fostering teacher-child interactions that promote community, inclusion, collaboration, and safety outside.  

 

Cold Weather Champions: Nurturing Resilience and Joy Through Active Winter Play

Presenters: Michelle Young, Kristy Nuttall 

Don’t let cold weather put a damper on your outdoor play time! Getting outdoors in winter strengthens resilience and sparks joy. Participants in this session will gain detailed explanations and demonstrations of several activities that inspire movement and play in cold weather. 

 

Reimagining Traditional Games for Deeper Ecological Understanding, Connection, and Fun

Presenter: Edith Pucci Couchman 

What if we combine lively, yet structured, arts-infused, traditional games (racing, chasing, singing circles) with nourishing 21st century science content? Could this foster children’s sociability, physical health, sense of fairness, and empathetic connection to the wonders of woodlands? Find out here! 

 

The 5 Phases of Teaching Outdoors: Unlocking the Art of Nature-Based Instruction

Presenter: Victoria Hackett 

Explore the transformative "5 Phases of Teaching Outdoors": lay infrastructure, transition with getting outdoors, enhance learning with adaptive techniques, master weather adaptability, and ensure sustainability. Transform education into dynamic, engaging experiences in nature's classroom. 

 

Hazardous or Risky: Helping Parents Recognize the Benefits of Nature or Outdoor Programs

Presenter: Deb Lawrence 

As the director, owner, or leader of a nature-based program, families may be reluctant to view your program as a choice for their child. Convincing families of the developmental benefits of an outdoor program will be the goal of this session. 

 

Reshaping Polish Children’s Mental Models of Forest Towards a Resilient Future: Nature-Based Learning Approach

Presenter: Adamina Korwin-Szymanowska 

Discover the power of immersive learning! This study dives into the minds of seven-year-old children, exploring how their understanding of forest evolves through nature-based education, increasing their understanding of biodiversity, interconnectedness, and more complex mental models’ development. 

 

Designing Undergraduate Courses in Nature-Based Education: A Guide for Community College Instructors

Presenter: April Zajko

Learn to design impactful undergraduate courses in nature-based education. This session guides community college instructors through creating engaging nature-based courses aligning objectives with standards, and fostering sustainable, equity-driven practices for early childhood education. 

 

Staying Cool and Safe While Learning in Outdoor Spaces

Presenter: Heather Olsen

It is important outdoor spaces are designed to meet the needs of all children, and are usable, thermally comfortable, and safe.  This session will provide tips, resources, and information for outdoor spaces in child care.  

 

Being Baby Is Natural: A Brazilian Approach to Connect Babies and Nature

Presenter: Ana Carol Thomé 

There’s no minimum age to play with nature. In this session I will share the program I developed with babies and their families in Brazil--an invitation to play and grow connected with nature. 

 

A Journey in Grief: Life, Death, and Emotional Resilience in Nature-Immersive Settings

Presenter: MacKenzie Fitzpatrick 

Explore with Journey Nature School Program Director, as she dives into strategies and resources for approaching life, death, and emotional resilience as dynamic, organic experiences for nature school students and staff alike. **Does contain content around personal family loss. 

 

Thriving with Nature: A Hands-on Toolkit for Every Child and Every Season

Presenters: Kristi Dodds, Nemesia Herzstein

It’s a wonderful world of puddles, birdsong, flowers, and more. But what to do with it all? Join Woodland Park Zoo staff to explore your options with easy-to-use nature play activity cards! This tool can help you meet the needs of all children and fill your year-round nature encounters with joy.  

 

From Niche to Mainstream: Integrating Outdoor Learning in Public Schools 

Presenter: Erica Hermsen 

Explore how partnerships between outdoor schools and traditional education systems can boost student success through accessible nature-based learning experiences. Drawing inspiration from compelling case studies, discover practical strategies for launching similar programs in your community. 

 

Art in Nature, Nature in Art

Presenter: Melanie Stewart-Clarke 

Get inspired to create seasonally and locally relevant natural art projects with your preschool-age students! We will explore tips to bring art outdoors in all weather, different ways to use natural materials to create art, and ideas for long-term projects you can try with your students. 

 

Deconstructive Play

Presenter: Carla Gull, PhD 

Explore why tearing, ripping, and crumbling can allow for sensory input, build understanding of materials, work on flexible thinking, and promote STEM connections in an outdoor context. We'll share logistics and tips, associated literature, and participate in deconstructive play! 

 

Early Childhood Climate Education: Employing E-STEM Sustainability-Focused Projects in Nature

Presenters: Victoria Carr, Sheila Williams Ridge 

From implicit to explicit learning, E-STEM inquiry deepens children’s concepts of interconnectedness and builds climate resilience. Learn about participatory, meaningful, and action-oriented early childhood E-STEM projects, a transformative approach to sustainability-focused climate education.  

 

Growing Together: Strategies, Solutions, and Stories for Place-Based, Project-Based Learning in Elementary Education

Presenters: Brooke Larm, Cass Arsenault 

Discover how place-based learning transforms elementary education by making it meaningful and engaging. Explore strategies to design hands-on, inquiry-driven projects aligned with standards, fostering curiosity and critical thinking. Gain tools and inspiration to bring learning to life!  

 

Climate Destabilization for Very Young Children: Using Nearby Nature to Teach Vitality and Resilience

Presenter: Teresa Weed 

Children are exposed to reports or experiences of environmental destruction.  Biodiversity encounters are rare. We’ll partner with the life forms under any schoolyard hedge to create a Curriculum of Resilience.  Children must know the vitality of Earth for conservation action to make sense. 

 

Nature-Based Early Childhood Education in Indiana: Considering Equity

Presenter: Carla Gull, PhD 

Nature-based ECE is exponentially growing in the United States. Indiana programs are finding unique ways to meet the needs of all children in their care through heading outdoors. Explore concepts of nature play and creating an inclusive outdoor environment while looking through a lens of equity.  

 

Resources for Resilience

Presenters: Nicole Corbo, Maddie Cole, Alyssa Venable, Sibyl Maer-Fillo

 

Resilience is necessary when facing the impacts of climate change. In this session, we will analyze resources related to teaching about climate change for ECE and discuss approaches to best suit each participant's environmental circumstances.

 

Is a Nature-Based Emergent Curriculum Inclusive?

 

Presenter(s): Claire Warden

 

Explore strategies that support equity and inclusion within nature-based programmes. Using my documentation and planning strategy called Floorbooks, I will share examples of practice that demonstrate the higher order concepts, skills, and knowledge that all children explore when learning with nature.

 

Posters

An Exploration of the Opinions of a Group of Preschoolers and Their Caregivers in Response to a Selection of 12 Animals at Brevard Zoo

 

Presenter: Lily Kingsolver

 

Exploration of the opinions of preschoolers and caregivers in response to a sample of animals reveals insights into children's responses to animal images vs in person, how prior experience affects views, how opinions relate to their caregiver's, and how accurately they predict each other's opinions.

 

Exploring Perspectives on Nature-Based Early Childhood Education: A Comparative Analysis of Educators and Families Education

 

Presenter: Rachel Schaller

 

This presentation explores findings from research on educator and parent perspectives in urban nature-based early childhood programs. It highlights disparities in priorities, emphasizes improving communication and family education, and offers strategies for collaboration on safety and well-being.

 

Crunching Leaves and Numbers: A Year of Data on Outdoor Nature-Based Programs

 

Presenters: Caroline Pettit, Camille Driver

 

Gain critical insights from a year-long data study by the Colorado Collaborative for Nature-Based Early Education (CCNBEE). Explore key findings on wildlife encounters, weather closures, and safety measures, offering valuable strategies for improving outdoor early learning programs.

 

Theoretical Frame: An Inquiry-Driven, Nature-Based Approach to Early Childhood Language and Literacy Experiences

 

Presenter: Jade Ratliff Cashman

 

"Bringing together socio-cultural perspectives on literacy with eco-social theory, we can envision inquiry-driven, nature-based pedagogy as a transformative approach to early literacy experiences emphasizing agency and identity, and cultivating a lifelong capacity for ecological awareness."

 

What Nature-Based Educators Should Know About Screen Time

 

Presenter: Rachel Franz

 

This session will explore how screen time impacts young children's connection to nature. Attendees will learn how digital media affects attention, creativity, and stewardship, along with practical strategies to help educators advocate for reducing screen time and maximizing outdoor time!

 

Finding Wonder Through Nature Journaling

 

Presenter: Ashley Campbell, PhD

 

Nature journaling activities, which engage early elementary students and give them an opportunity to discover the wonder of the natural world, will be shared.  The activities focus on flowers, insects, & birds.  Key resources for teaching children to nature journal will also be included.

 

Whose Woods Are These:  Storytime Selections to Promote Equity and Belonging

 

Presenter: Erika Hogan, PhD

 

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion are integral components of program planning for early childhood, but do outdoor activities create safe and welcoming spaces for all? This poster presentation centers program planning from book selection to activities to nurture a sense of belonging and connection.

 

Nurturing Climate-Ready Learners: A Case of South Korea Forest Preschool

 

Presenter: Kyoung Jin Kim

 

Following the principles of UNESCO’s SDGs, this project fosters a sense of social responsibility, encourages inclusivity in environmental discussions, and ensures that every child has access to the tools and knowledge needed to become active participants in creating a sustainable future.

 

Restorative and Enriching Visual Features in Hamilton Neighbourhoods and Greenspaces for Children, Parents and Communities

 

Presenter: Kelley Prendergast

 

This paper focuses on visual features of parental perceptions of restorative and enriching features in neighbourhoods and greenspaces in Hamilton, Ontario.

 

Bridging Math and Sustainability: A Study on Ecological Footprints with Preservice Preschool Teachers

 

Presenter: Seçil Cengizoğlu

 

This study explores the role of mathematics in sustainability through ecological footprint calculations among preservice preschool teachers in Türkiye. Participants analyzed their environmental impact and considered how mathematical concepts can support learning for sustainability.