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.
THE GREEN DESK contains numerous resources meant to improve outdoor learning environments and promote healthy, natural child development, physical activity, and nature-based learning.
¡Consulta nuestros recursos en pdf en español!
Many thanks to our sponsors!
News and Upcoming Events
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...
Children’s Rights to a Healthy Future
Children’s right to a healthy future made historic progress in August 2023 when a group of Montana youth won a case re-affirming this right (Held...
EDRA Awards 2023
The 2023 Environmental Design Research Association (EDRA) Career and Organization Awards go to Robin Moore and the Natural Learning Initiative (NLI,...
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
