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.

What the Evidence Tells Us.

Cathy Jordan, PhD

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”?

Cathy is the Director of Research for the Children & Nature Network; a Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Minnesota; and Co-founder and Co-leader at the Teacher Field School. She specializes in the impact of the physical environment on children’s health, wellness, academic success, and care for the Earth.

Global Action.

Cheryl Charles, PhD

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

Cheryl is a Co-founder of the Children & Nature Network, works with the IUCN Commission on Education and Communications, and is Chair of a Vermont School Board.

The Forces That Have Brought Kids Indoors, and How We Can Get Them Out Again.

Peter Gray, PhD

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.

Peter is a Research Professor of Psychology and Neuroscience at 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.

Peter Gray’s book “Restoring Childhood” is out now!
Click to order today

Achieving Nature Play and Learning On and In the Ground.

Matt Urbanski, FASLA

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.

Matt is Partner in Michael Van Valkenburgh and Associates (MVVA), landscape architects, NYC, and lead designer of Gipson Play Plaza.

Also see the “Gipson Play Plaza” Short Film starring Matt Urbanski, filmed by Tim Beatley.

Creating Biophilic Cities in Favor of Children and Families.

Tim Beatley, PhD

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.

Tim is a 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).