NC State Natural Learning Initiative
Natural Learning Initiative (NLI) promotes the importance of the natural environment in the daily experience of all children, through environmental design, action research, education, and dissemination of information. NLI aims to help communities create stimulating places for play, outdoor learning, and environmental education.
NC State Natural Learning Initiative
Nature Explore
The goal of Nature Explore is to help nature become an integral, joyful part of children’s daily learning. Nature Explore provides research-based workshops, design consultations and resources created to support programs as they continue to connect children and families to the wonders of nature. One of the many great resources on their website includes, "The Families’ Club Kit" which is full of easy to use, developmentally appropriate activities shown to engage families in exploring the natural world together.
Nature Explore
World Forum Foundation
The World Forum Foundation has developed both educator and family toolkits, that are available in English, Spanish, and Arabic. The activities in the toolkits (designed for ages 3-8) suggest fun ways for both early childhood programs, as well as families, to focus on positive actions and outdoor experiences that can be taken together to help the world we become a “greener” and healthier place.
World Forum Foundation
PlayCore
To help increase green spaces, inform family-friendly recreation design, and promote the growth of nature-rich environments everywhere, PlayCore, along with its partners, has developed the Play Value Plant Database. The database is a unique resource allowing users to select plants by their play value, like those that promote sensory attributes, attract butterflies or birds, provide "loose parts" for play, or a host of other playful traits.
PlayCore