Regional Partner Events

The National Nature-Based Early Learning Conference is online this year before we convene in person for our 10th-anniversary conference in 2024.

We recognize that meeting face-to-face with other nature-based early learning professionals is irreplaceable, which is why we are thrilled to partner with regional groups* across the country that are hosting opportunities to gather, learn, and connect in person this year, while the national event is online.

When you attend one of these in-person meetings, you’ll be granted a special, discounted rate to register for the online Nature-Based Early Learning Conference, which launches with a week of live online events July 24-28, 2023.

Check back, as more events continue to be added.

July Events

Summer in the Garden Workshop

Inside-Outside Boston and MetroWest Chapter Meeting

Join Inside-Outside Boston and MetroWest Chapters for a garden social. We'll share and learn how to use plants and herbs with kids. Stay for a tea blending workshop in Spanish and English with herbalist Irischa Valentin at 4 PM. Herbal iced tea will be provided. Bring your own cup!

Where: The Growing Center (Somerville, MA)

When: Sunday, July 23rd at 3:00 PM

#342e37

Right

Learn More

Creativity and Mindfulness Workshop

Inside-Outside Katahdin Chapter Meeting

Join Charlene Lutz M.Ed., wellness practitioner, artist and educator via Zoom for a hands-on art and guided meditation session. We will incorporate art making, music, and guided meditation following a short film viewing and discussion. Please have the following materials with you: paper and various art materials, such as watercolor, marker, oil pastel, colored pencil, and natural materials, such as sticks, leaves, moss, pine needles, etc.

When: Monday, July 24 at 3:30 PM ET

#342e37

Right

Learn More & Register

Past Events

In Bloom in Delaware

This one-day conference sponsored by Antioch University New England and hosted by the University of Delaware Lab School and the UD Human Development and Family Sciences Department welcomes two keynote talks and two sessions of workshops from which to choose from a variety of topics.

When: Saturday, April 1, 8 AM - 4 PM ET

Where: University of Delaware (Newark, Delaware)

#342e37

Right

Nature Play & Learning Gathering

Early Childhood Educators (Infant-3rd grade) & early childhood education supporters are invited to the Annual Nature Play & Learning gathering in Duluth, MN. This event is FREE and organized by the Duluth Nature Play Collaborative and Minnesota Early Childhood Outdoors, with the support of the Jeffers Foundation and the UMD Department of Applied Human Sciences.

When: Saturday, April 22, 9 AM-5 PM CT
Where: University of Minnesota Duluth (Duluth, Minnesota)

#342e37

Right

In Bloom in Boston

This one-day conference is co-sponsored by Antioch University New England and the Boston Outdoor Preschool Network. Our host is the Wright-Locke Farm just 10 miles north of Boston. The conference schedule consists of two keynote talks and two sessions of workshops from which to choose from a variety of topics.

When: Saturday, May 6, 9 AM - 4 PM ET

Where: Wright-Locke Farm (Winchester, Massachusetts)

#342e37

Right

Outdoor Teacher Retreat Connecticut

Join ERAFANS at New Canaan Nature Center for an Outdoor Teacher Retreat! (*CCAC Registry approved for 6 clock hours.) Get ready to play outdoors as we start the day touring and learning about the Nature Center Preschool. All workshops will be full of practical ideas and activities you can use right away! Presenters share insights and activities based on their work in nature preschools, forest kindergartens, or other nature-based programs.

When: Saturday, May 6, 9 AM - 4 PM ET
Where: New Canaan Nature Center (New Canaan, CT)

#342e37

Right

Outdoor Teacher Retreat D.C.

Join ERAFANS at Briya Public Charter School for this 6-clock hour Professional Development Institute (*MSDE approved)! With a focus on spring outdoor play, we will spend the day immersed in the outdoors and exploring the Briya campus. You can expect the morning workshops to feature two tracks, one for infant/toddler teachers and another for preschool.

When: Saturday, May 20, 9 AM - 4 PM ET
Where: Briya Public Charter School (Washington, DC)

#342e37

Right

In Bloom in Maine

Join us for In Bloom in Maine at the beautiful campus of the University of Maine, Farmington (UMF), and the Sweatt-Winter Child Care and Early Education Center, the University’s lab school. The workshops will take place in the outdoor areas of the UMF campus, the teaching garden and greenhouse, the adjacent forest and trails, as well as the campus green and courtyards. There will be tours of the newly designed lab school and outdoor play areas.

When: Saturday, June 3, 8:15 AM - 4 PM ET

Where: University of Maine, Farmington (Farmington, Maine)

#342e37

Right

Michigan Teachers in Nature Gathering

This event, organized by Michigan Teachers in Nature (MiTIN) and UM Towsley Children's House, is a chance to network with other nature-based educators in Michigan while touring the Towsley indoor facilities as well as their Forest Program classroom.

When: Friday, June 23, 10 AM - 3 PM ET

Where: UM Towsley Children's House (Ann Arbor, MI)

#342e37

Right

NEST July Meeting

NEST (Nature-based Education Support in Texas), is hosting a July meeting that will include a tour, a discussion about an upcoming learning series, the Natural Start conference, and so much more.

When: Saturday, July 8, 11 AM -2 PM ET
Where: Havenwood Nature School, 1000 Hays Country Acres Rd., Dripping Springs, TX, 78620

#342e37

Right

*Get to know more about the Regional Network Alliance, a responsive, collaborative “network of networks” organized by the Natural Start Alliance. The Regional Network Alliance provides a forum for connection and mutual support among organizations focused on advancing outdoor, nature-based early childhood education at regional and state levels.