MISSION
“Creating environments for healthy human development and a healthy biosphere for generations to come.”
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
Ross Park Nature Play and Exploration Trail
Project Ross Park Nature Play and Exploration Trail Master Plan, a new, innovative NLI project in Binghamton, NY (location of SUNY campus), kicked...
NLI’s Early Childhood Professional Development Program on a roll!
In 2022, NLI offered five Early Childhood Outdoor Learning Environments courses to designers and educators. The 170+ participants left energized and...
Buenos Aires Ecological Reserve
The regenerative power of nature continues to inspire NLI’s passion for restoring biodiversity to hundreds of patches of dirt to support the...
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