Child born of the woods

California must help schools add green space

We love this compelling commentary by Jackie Goldberg, president of the Los Angeles Unified School District Board of Education. She describes the desolation of LA schoolyards during hot days (which are becoming increasingly common) and makes the case for green schoolyards — not just for students, but for their communities. “Extreme weather is our new normal,” she says, “and for the sake of kids in this state, our schools must adapt to it.” EdSource.

Inspiring a love of nature at Sandhills Children's Garden

This charming story takes readers on a tour of a newly minted children’s garden in North Carolina, complete with vibrant photographs. Truly a labor of love, dedicated volunteers worked tirelessly to transform two acres of vacant soil into nine themed gardens, including a sensory garden, pollinator garden, an outdoor classroom, bird sanctuary, a reading garden, a Peter Rabbit-themed “Mr McGregor’s Garden,” and a child-sized version of a traditional farm. Columbia Metropolitan.

Educators need to think about “bush kinder” as part of the whole preschool experience

“Bush kinders,” or nature preschools, are becoming increasingly popular in Australia. This article makes the case that bush kinders can benefit from curriculum frameworks and educator training. It also offers helpful tips so educators get the most out of their sessions in the outdoors. The Sector.

170 children receive adaptive strollers

In Pennsylvania, a donation of 170 pieces of adaptive bikes and strollers is helping children of all abilities enjoy nature. Each item has been customized for the needs of each child, and the children even picked out the colors of their equipment. One mother described how the stroller will allow her child to visit more places: “She wants to go fishing,” she explained. “Then we’re going to go on a whole bunch of adventures this summer… She loves nature.” WNEP.

How local leaders can improve the quality of life for all children through nature access

This article by Eric Knepp, Parks Superintendent at the City of Madison, Wisconsin, provides a fantastic overview of the Nature Everywhere Communities initiative, led in partnership with the Children & Nature Network, National League of Cities and KABOOM!. As a Nature Everywhere Community, Madison is a wonderful example of a cross-sector team, with representatives from local government, Aldo Leopold Nature Center, and Olbrich Botanical Gardens, among others. He also extends a warm welcome to his city, for those attending the Nature Everywhere Conference this May 28-31. CitiesSpeak.