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Drew Reagan wants you to embrace the darkness. “The irony of my life’s work is that as a kid, I was extremely afraid of the dark,” says...

Alaska Native youth are leading the fight to protect their homelands and traditions. Four young women — Jazmyn Lee Vent, Sophie Swope, Malia Towne and Mackenzie Englishoe — have dedicated their careers to protecting the environment and centering Indigenous knowledge in environmental issues, from climate advocacy to fishery sciences. Their efforts to defend caribou populations, safeguard salmon spawning tributaries and challenge harmful development projects honor their ancestors while ensuring that future generations can continue their way of life. “Our time here on this Earth is very short,” Swope said. “We were gifted all of the things that we have by our ancestors, and we’re only borrowing this space on earth from the future generations.” High Mountain News.

Cressida Cowell, author and illustrator of the bestselling “How to Train Your Dragon” series, credits her “gloriously wild” childhood in Scotland as an inspiration for her books. She believes that the freedom she and other children had in the 1970s to roam helped cultivate a respect for nature and sense of self-reliance. Now, Cowell worries that the modern-day approach to free outdoor play is impacting today’s children. “We’re distancing generations of children from nature, and [nature] has never been more important,” says Cowell. “How can you value something if you’re not out there in it?” The Telegraph.

The City of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, is ready to transform schoolyards into vibrant green spaces, increasing opportunities for local children to explore the natural world and engage in unstructured play. The city is a participant of the Nature Everywhere Communities initiative, a joint partnership between the Children & Nature Network, the National League of Cities and KABOOM!. As a Nature Everywhere Accelerator Community, Cedar Rapids will receive a year of strategic planning and technical support, as well as start up funding. By greening schoolyards and developing climate-resilient infrastructure, the city aims to improve children’s development, mental and physical health, and access to nature. The Gazette.

Over the past two years, the Nevada Outdoor Education and Recreation Grant Program has awarded $500,000 to 45 projects in Nevada, increasing opportunities for Nevada students to experience the outdoors. In addition to supporting a range of activities, from mountain biking to beekeeping, the grant-supported programs help expose youth to different career paths. Teacher Jaime Sammons, whose class was a recipient of the grant program, reflected on its effects: “It’s huge for so many reasons, just the monetary value of it, but on top of that, I tell the kids all the time, there’s people that are rooting for you that you haven’t even met.” KUNR.

Australian educators are concerned about the impact of touchscreens and digital play on young children’s physical development. Experts warn that without sufficient hands-on play and physical interaction, foundational motor skills — like gripping pencils or buttoning clothes — will deteriorate, potentially affecting children’s independence and academic readiness. “Outdoor play is crucial, as natural environments challenge children to move in ways that build balance and strength,” reports Chloe Han, an early childhood teacher. “Creating opportunities for free movement and tactile play can help reverse the trend of declining motor skills.” The Educator Online.

In Alabama, the “First Class Pre-K” designation signifies a state-funded, high-quality pre-kindergarten program. The Auburn University Kreher Preserve and Nature Center (KPNC) Woodland Wonders Nature Preschool recently became the first nature preschool in the state to receive the designation. “This milestone represents a significant advancement for both Alabama and the entire nature-based learning community,” said Michael Buckman, KPNC manager. “It is noteworthy that, nationwide, very few state-level education departments recognize or license nature-based schools at any grade level.” Woodland Wonders is now able to offer tuition-free education for enrolled students, thanks to a grant associated with the designation. Alabama News Center.

Saint Paul, Minnesota, is committed to innovation, inclusivity and community engagement, leading efforts to make nature and play accessible to children of all backgrounds. The city is...

Each year, the Children & Nature Network awards the Richard Louv Prize for Innovation in Nature Connection. Through our nomination process, we learn about remarkable leaders working to connect children, families and communities to the benefits of nature. We are honored to share the inspiring stories of some of these nominees from 2024.

Engaging local stakeholders helps align new children and nature strategies with previous efforts and community goals. It can also help maximize local resources and build connections with new stakeholders who may value children’s well-being but may not currently use nature connections. This resource supports communities in bringing local stakeholders together to support local efforts.

Drag queen and environmental activist Pattie Gonia is on a mission to make the outdoors more welcoming for the LGBTQ+ community. After going viral for hiking in drag (complete with 6-inch heels!), Pattie has used her platform to promote inclusivity, environmental awareness and queer visibility in nature spaces. From performing at climate-focused events to filming meaningful projects in national parks, Pattie turns personal experiences and creativity into advocacy, community-building and environmental action. “One of the biggest lessons the outdoors has taught me is to be where your feet are,” says Pattie. “Very rarely are we where our feet are nowadays. We’re in a thousand different places in our day.” National Geographic.

As climate change worsens and freshwater systems face increasing threats, ecological grief weighs heavily on young people — many of whom feel an outsized burden. In response, a handful of freshwater scientists founded Riparia, a Canadian charity that offers free land-based learning programs for young women and girls from a variety of backgrounds and life experiences. The program fosters a deep connection to land and water and inspires stewardship. As one youth participant shared: “Being with these girls reassured me that our environment’s future isn’t something we have to take on alone and it will be much easier if we do it together.” The Conversation.

Have you ever peered through a magnifying glass and noticed how hairy plants are? Do you have a favorite nearby nature spot to “patch-bird”? Spring is full of opportunities to slow down and explore, and this article offers creative ways to do just that. Whether through mindful observation or hands-on projects, these activities help you — and the young people in your life — appreciate the beauty and benefits of the season. NPR.

Women around the world are leading powerful climate justice movements — even as they are disproportionately affected by environmental destruction. From Vandana Shiva’s seed-saving nonprofit Navdanya to the Indigenous women who served as spiritual leaders at Standing Rock, women have long protected land, water and community. Their efforts continue a legacy of resilience and care for the earth, and shape a greener and healthier future for our youth. Earth.org.

Are you looking to plan a fun outdoor activity for your family, but facing some reluctance from your youngest members? 10-year-old Finn has some honest advice for parents: bring candy for motivation, don’t lie about distances, play games to beat boredom and always pack a tennis ball. From monarch butterflies to river rinses, Finn recognizes that there’s always fun to be had in the outdoors — adventures sometimes just take a bit of patience, creativity and a little bribery. Blue Ridge Outdoors.

Over 30 years ago, a group of youth gathered on Dr. Jane Goodall’s porch in Tanzania. They told her they could see issues in their community, but...

The International Fund for Animal Welfare hosted their seventh annual international art contest, themed “Wildlife Conservation Finance: Investing in People and Planet.” Young artists used their work to highlight the urgent need to protect wildlife and habitats. One panel judge noted that the artists “captured the beauty and urgency of conservation and, seen through the eyes of the next generation, their art also offers a powerful reminder that the lives, hopes and opportunities of children today depend on decisions that ensure both people and planet can flourish.” Explore all of the finalists’ artwork in this article. International Fund for Animal Welfare.

Public policy and funding decisions at all levels of government directly impact children’s ability to engage with and learn from nature. Policies and advocacy efforts around the...

Community engagement is a crucial part of increasing access to nature — it’s so important, we covered it in our last edition of Finding Nature News! Here’s another example: In Los Angeles, low-income residents of color are much more likely to lack access to neighborhood parks, compared to wealthier white residents. Now, the city’s Department of Recreation and Parks is engaging residents in a “park needs assessment” to understand what residents think of the city’s parks and what kinds of changes they would like to see in the park system. “It will set the stage for improving and expanding our park system across the city,” reports a consultant to the project, “prioritizing areas of highest need, and focusing park funding to achieve visible, tangible results for the residents of Los Angeles.” Ethnic Media Services.

In Gresham, Oregon, Pamela Slaughter leads hikers through the old growth forest of Oxbow Regional Park. Slaughter is the founder of People of Color Outdoors, a group that hosts events for people of color to engage in outdoor recreation and enjoy time in nature. Five decades earlier, Oxbow Regional Park’s ancient forest was preserved by another Black woman: Estella Ehelebe, who was the first Black superintendent for the Multnomah County Forest and the first and only Black woman to lead Multnomah County Parks before they were transferred to Metro in 1994. “[Oxbow is] more special to me because I know Estella Ehelebee had a direct hand,” reports Slaughter. “It reminds me that one person can make a difference for generations.” Oregon Public Broadcasting.

Students from Bready Primary School in Londonderry, Northern Ireland, have buried a time capsule predicting future food trends, as part of the Acorn Farm Project, which focuses on sustainability and climate change. The students imagined future meals featuring 3D-printed food, lab-grown meat and insect protein — even predicting seaweed pizza! The Acorn Farm Project plans to develop a working urban farm, community education facility and sustainable food venue in Derry, and the time capsule project aims to teach students about the importance of sustainability. “The message we leave for future generations in our time capsule today is a hopeful one that demonstrates our commitment to changing things for the better,” said Derry and Strabane Mayor Lilian Seenoi-Barr. BBC.

During our February Peer Learning Network event, speakers from Great Outdoors Colorado’s (GOCO) Generation Wild Coalition shared how they have expanded equitable access to nature by dedicating positions in youth summer employment programs to expanding nature connections; and expanding summer and after-school nature connection programs with a focus on equity, ensuring access to nature programs for children of color and children experiencing poverty or other barriers.

A new map from The Wilderness Society highlights the potential impact of President Trump’s “energy dominance” vision on U.S. public lands. Executive and secretarial orders have raised concerns about reduced protections for national monuments and wildlands, including Bears Ears National Monument and the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. The orders prioritize fossil fuel development on public lands. While supporters argue for the importance of energy production, critics warn that these policies could lead to significant environmental harm, affecting wildlife, water sources and outdoor recreation areas across the country. The Wilderness Society.

Today and every day, we celebrate Black leaders in the children and nature movement. These changemakers are breaking down barriers to connect more communities to the benefits of nature and paving green career pathways for youth — driving a brighter future for all. Here are just a few of those leaders, whose work we have featured in the past year.

With a population of just 24,000, Kingston, New York, is a relatively small city — but the city and local nonprofits have made a big commitment to...

At a summer camp in Longmont, Colorado, children draw their ideal playgrounds. At an Earth Day expo in Groton, Connecticut, youth and families decorate a poster with...

In Ivujivik, Québec’s northernmost village, Inukrock Climbers Club is inspiring kids to reach new heights. Ivujivik’s massive rock faces are home to thick-billed murres and their high-protein eggs. Generations of locals have climbed the rock faces to harvest these eggs — oftentimes without equipment. Now, Inukrock is teaching the multi-generational population modern rock climbing techniques to pass down this age-old tradition (with a few modern-day safety measures!) while training a new generation of conscientious climbers and building youth leadership skills. CBC.

Recent cuts to the U.S. federal workforce have affected public land management agencies, with a combined loss of approximately 4,400 workers in the USDA Forest Service and National Park Service alone. The consequences of widespread terminations are myriad, with potential impacts to public health and safety, as well as the effective management and maintenance of natural resources and areas. And of course, a major impact will be on the quality and quantity of educational programs and offerings that staff can offer — affecting all park visitors, including young people and families. “You’re losing people who are teaching youth the value of protecting and preserving these places for current and future generations,” former park ranger Brian Gibbs said. NPR.

Federal crackdowns on initiatives relating to environmental justice and diversity, equity and inclusion are impacting communities. “I think that our Black youth are the most vulnerable,” said Chuck Morse, Executive Director of the nonprofit ThriveNOLA, in response to the threat of funding cuts to their six-week summer camp for middle- and high-schoolers. The program teaches campers about native biodiversity, flood resilience, and waste literacy and management. “We have so many other things we’re focused on in life … that we don’t focus on [the environment]. I want people to see how important this is … and how to become good stewards.” Despite challenges, these Black-led climate groups are pushing back. Atmos.

In Manitoba, Canada, winter wind chill can make temperatures feel like –30 degrees celsius or colder — prompting schools to institute “indoor recess” during extreme temps for student safety. However, some brave students have banded together to form “Polar Bear Clubs.” With parental permission, they opt to bundle up and spend part of their indoor recess outside. “Usually, it is just their eyeballs sticking out,” club founder Marsha Leary said. Still, teachers have noticed that even just 15 minutes of outdoor time makes a difference. “They are more ready to learn,” principal Angela Perez said. “They’ve been able to kind of exert some of that energy out … Their minds and bodies are calmer.” CBC.