MISSION
“Creating environments for healthy human development and a healthy biosphere for generations to come.”
Since 2000
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT and training includes theory, principles, and techniques that guide the design of play and learning environments with an emphasis on the design and management of natural environments to support healthy child development.
PROGRAMS integrate many multi-year PROJECTS with the aim of achieving higher levels of sustained quality. Projects are typically concentrated, short duration efforts that focus on specific design issues (e.g., design assistance, evaluation, professional development, or policy initiative).
RESOURCES are created, often in collaboration with NLI’s interdisciplinary partners, to support technical assistance, professional development, and generally to promote the importance of the natural environment in the daily experience of all children. Please use and share.
¡Consulta nuestros recursos en pdf en español!
News and Upcoming Events
Grow Outdoors South Carolina Launch
ProjectGrow Outdoors SC, launched at the MEGA Child Development Center, Gilbert, SC (12-11-23), is a unique partnership of two SC state agencies...
Supporting Naturalized Outdoor Play and Learning Environments in North Carolina Child Care Facilities
Project During the Fall of 2023, NLI collaborated with Horticultural Science, NC State, to implement nature-based design interventions in two North...
North Carolina Division of Child Development Early Education
In 2011, Creating a Supportive Network was successfully implemented in North Carolina as a collaborative project of the North Carolina Division of...
Did You Know Outdoor Time…
- Supports gross motor skills
- Encourages healthy eating
- Improves eyesight
- Promotes cognitive development
- Improves academic performance
- Lessens ADHD symptoms
- Promotes self-confidence
- Reduces stress
- May boost immune system