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NLI Newsletter
May / June 2025

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NLI Newsletter
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Natural Learning Initiative

NEWSLETTER

May - June 2025

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Creating environments for healthy human development and a healthy biosphere for generations to come.

Check out the NLI Website!
NLI at EDRA 56: Communicating Interdisciplinary Research-Based Design

The Natural Learning Initiative (NLI) participated in EDRA 56 with a substantial group of College of Design colleagues. NLI showcased five distinct but interconnected presentations at the 56th Environmental Design Research Association (EDRA 56) conference in Halifax, Canada. Spanning participatory design, regulatory navigation, childcare ecosystems, and immersive digital media, the NLI team provided a rich, interdisciplinary perspective on how spaces serving children and communities—from playgrounds to policy—shape human development and community well-being...read more

Ross Park

The 2025 Nature Everywhere Conference, held from May 13–16 at the RiverCentre in Saint Paul, Minnesota, brought together over 600 global advocates for children and nature...read more

On June 6, GPP opened as the first major investment and iconic, welcoming entrance to Raleigh’s 308-acre Dix Park, as specified in the 2019 park master plan created by Michael Van Valkenburg Associates (MVVA)...read more

Gathering and Tour

OCTOBER 21 & 22

Celebrate the Natural Learning Initiative’s 25th Year of promoting healthy childhoods on a healthy planet through outdoor play, learning, and education.

Tuesday October 21st



“NLI at 25 -Greening Childhoods Retrospective”

Exhibition opening & reception late afternoon.

College of Design, NC State University.



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Wednesday October 22nd



NLI 18th Design Institute



“NLI at 25 – Reflecting on Progress, Exploring & Expanding Future Directions.”

With help from long-time speaker colleagues & friends.



Venue: Renovated All-Faiths Chapel, Dix Park, Raleigh. Lunch in 18.5-acre, just opened Gipson Play Plaza.



Celebrating 25 years of design, research, professional development, resource creation, dissemination & communication.

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