The 18th NLI Design Institute lives on!
Rooting Childhood in Nature Webinar Series.
Rooting Childhood in Nature was the 18th Design Institute & Exhibition theme, celebrating NLI’s 25th Anniversary, now reprocessed, with support from our sponsors, as a bi-monthly, free webinar series showcasing the five top expert presenters. Each one-hour session opens with a post-produced recording of the original, in-person presentation, leaving almost half the time for facilitated Q&A / discussion. Details below.
Professional Development Credits Offered:
June 3, 2026, 12:00-1:00 PM (EST US)
The Forces That Have Brought Kids Indoors, and How We Can Get Them Out Again.
Over the past 75 years, multiple societal forces have combined to limit children’s free play, independence, and outdoor freedom. What are these forces—and what movements are countering them? If we want children outdoors more, we must give them the freedom to play outside with peers, without adult interference. That is the challenge.
Presented By: Peter Gray, PhD
Research Professor of Psychology and Neuroscience, Boston College. He is an expert in children’s play and informal learning and author of Free to Learn and other provocative books addressing contemporary childhood.
August 5, 2026, 12:00-1:00 PM (Eastern Time US)
Achieving Nature Play and Learning On and In the Ground.
For over 25 years, MVVA partners Matt Urbanski and Michael Van Valkenburgh have invited NLI to collaborate on projects supporting children and families. MVVA’s portfolio shows expertise in the field of landscape architecture as a health-promoting intervention. In this presentation, Matt will share MVVA’s evolving approach to designing for free play, including Gipson Play Plaza.
Presented By: Matt Urbanski, FASLA
Partner in Michael Van Valkenburgh and Associates (MVVA), landscape architects, NYC, and lead designer of Gipson Play Plaza.
October 7, 2026, 12:00-1:00 PM (Eastern Time US)
Creating Biophilic Cities in Favor of Children and Families.
Case studies from the Biophilic Cities Network will explore strategic approaches across climate, culture, partnerships, policy, and politics. The session will highlight keys to success, methods of measuring impact, and lessons that may inform Raleigh’s role as a Biophilic Cities Network member.
Presented By: Tim Beatley, PhD
Teresa Heinz Professor of Sustainable Communities, Department of Urban and Environmental Planning, School of Architecture, University of Virginia. He is an author and the founder of the Biophilic Cities Network (Including Raleigh).
February 4, 2026, 12:00-1:00 PM (Eastern Time US)
What the Evidence Tells Us.
What do we know about children’s engagement with nature—why it matters, when it’s most critical, where it should occur, and in what dosage? Who ensures that these opportunities for interaction exist? What links are missing in the “nature supply chain”?
Presented By: Cathy Jordan, PhD
Director of Research, Children & Nature Network; Professor of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota; and Cofounder and Co-leader, Teacher Field School. She specializes in the impact of the physical environment on children’s health, wellness, academic success, and care for the Earth.
See recorded presentation here:
April 1, 2026, 12:00-1:00 PM (Eastern Time US)
Global Action.
The child’s right to nature—now gaining international recognition—nurtures GenN, the next generation of nature advocates. The IUCN’s Nature-Based Solutions (NbS) framework advances this vision as an equitable people–environment design tool.
Presented By: Cheryl Charles, PhD
Co-founder of the Children & Nature Network, works with the IUCN Commission on Education and Communications, and is Chair of a Vermont School Board.
