Online Workshop: Inspiration and Practical Ideas to Explore Nearby Nature

Explore the ways that two of environmental education’s signature programs – Discover the Forest and Project Learning Tree – offer inspiration to explore the nature outside your door. Together and separately, Discover the Forest and Project Learning Tree have developed high-quality, outcomes-aligned activities that focus on using both indoor and outdoor spaces to support children’s holistic development and connection to nature.
In this interactive workshop, participants will learn how these practitioner- and parent-tested resources can:
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Support a daily practice of playing and learning outside
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Strengthen professional development offerings
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Advocate for every child’s right to an education that includes nature and the environment every day.
PLT and NAAEE have always been key partners – join us and be a part of our future.
This workshop will be recorded and made available to all registrants following the live event.
Event Details
Date: Tuesday, June 23
Time: 1:30–3:00 PM ET
Location: Zoom
Cost: Included in registration (no additional cost to participate)
Meet the Facilitators
Ana Leirner
Ana leads Project Learning Tree's Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) training and professional development courses and initiatives including online learning. She advances the work of the SFI education pillar by ensuring that people working with youth and communities have the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to advance environmental literacy, stewardship, and green career pathways through the lens of trees and forests. Ana also creates online learning opportunities that support youth in forging their unique green career pathway. Before joining SFI, Ana worked as a learning designer in various industries, developing courses in topics that included climate and STEM education. Ana holds a Master of Education in educational media and technology from Boston University and a Master of Business Administration from Fundação Getulio Vargas in São Paulo, Brazil. She lives in the Washington DC area and is passionate about creating a more sustainable future for her family and community. Ana also loves taking her Kindergartener outside to do PLT activities!
Emily Van Laan
Emily is an experienced early childhood educator and program manager who has spent nearly 15 years helping young children and families connect with nature through play and exploration. She brings a background in teaching, curriculum design, and educator training to her work leading the Discover the Forest program at the North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE). Emily is passionate about making outdoor play and learning accessible, inclusive, and joyful for all, especially our youngest learners.