Natural Start Alliance

Natural Start Alliance A coalition of educators, parents, organizations, and others who want to help young children connect with nature and care for the environment.
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At the Natural Start Alliance, we believe in great beginnings. We know that hands-on experiences in nature help build stronger, smarter, and happier children, and we believe that quality education for young children includes regular opportunities to connect with nature and the local environment. We also believe that as children learn to care for themselves and others, they also begin to learn to c

are for the world around them. Experiencing and learning about the environment in early childhood builds a foundation for lifelong environmental literacy.

05/15/2026

Why are so many people across the field of nature-based early learning planning to attend NatStart26?

Because this conference is more than professional development — it’s a place to reconnect with purpose, gather fresh ideas, and be in community with others who care deeply about children, nature, and education.

Hear directly from educators and leaders in the field about why they believe “NatStart is the place to be.”

Learn more and register to join us June 24–27, 2026: conference.naturalstart.org

Join us for the second Research Network meeting on Tuesday, May 12 at 12 PM ET / 9 AM PT. 🌱Since our first meeting, we’v...
05/08/2026

Join us for the second Research Network meeting on Tuesday, May 12 at 12 PM ET / 9 AM PT. 🌱

Since our first meeting, we’ve been working to build out new opportunities for connection and collaboration. Think: a research-practice blog space, member directories for collaboration, presentation opportunities, and more 👀

Come be part of the conversation and help grow this network!

Join here: bit.ly/Research-Q2

Are you planning to attend the next Nature-Based Higher Education Coalition Quarterly Meeting? 🤩This collaborative netwo...
05/08/2026

Are you planning to attend the next Nature-Based Higher Education Coalition Quarterly Meeting? 🤩

This collaborative network brings together colleges and universities working to strengthen professional development and support research in nature-based early learning.

On May 18, Dr. Elizabeth Boileau (University of Minnesota Duluth) will share her course Cultural Perspectives and Equity in Childhood Nature Studies, including key topics, readings, and assignments. She’ll also discuss her experience developing and teaching the course, followed by a group conversation on how these ideas can be applied across institutions.

Join us! Register here: bit.ly/HigherEdQ2

Not all weather is “bad” weather, but being prepared makes all the difference. 🌦️The Early Childhood Weather Guide is a ...
05/05/2026

Not all weather is “bad” weather, but being prepared makes all the difference. 🌦️

The Early Childhood Weather Guide is a simple, two-page resource to help early childhood programs make safe, confident decisions about taking children outside year-round.

Developed by the Natural Start Alliance in partnership with Dr. Aliza Yair, the guide:
• Breaks down common weather terms
• Shares practical tips to keep children safe and comfortable in sun, rain, and snow
• Includes a quick-reference guide for temperature-related illness and first aid

Whether you’re a teacher, director, or caregiver, this guide can help you say “yes” to outdoor time more often.

Take a look and share with your team: bit.ly/ECWeatherGuide

Screen-Free Week is a wonderful opportunity for individuals, families, and communities to come together and reconnect th...
05/05/2026

Screen-Free Week is a wonderful opportunity for individuals, families, and communities to come together and reconnect through screen-free, outdoor activities.

Learn more about this annual celebration at screenfree.org and explore resources to participate!

05/04/2026

Did you know that 🌿 nature-filled schoolyards support children’s learning, health, and well-being, while strengthening communities and improving climate resilience?

The Revitalizing America’s Schoolyards Act (S. 4258) would create a federal initiative to expand access to nature-filled schoolyards. Learn more at bit.ly/RSYA-LearnMore and take action by writing to your members of Congress! ✍️

🔗 Outdoor Alliance for Kids Action Alert: bit.ly/OAK-Action-Alert
🔗 Trust for Public Learning Action Alert: bit.ly/TPL-Action-Alert

Help America’s kids by reaching out to Congress today.

04/29/2026

The Power of Outdoor Learning! 🌟

Nature enhances our vitality, boosts agility, and fosters connections. Are you eager to discover even more amazing ways the great outdoors nurtures young minds? Tune into the complete webinar with the incredible Dr. Arianna Pikus at bit.ly/PowerOfOutdoorLearning

🌿 Are you attending the 2026 ANCA Annual Summit?August 24–28 | Chippewa Nature Center | Midland, MichiganHosted by the A...
04/28/2026

🌿 Are you attending the 2026 ANCA Annual Summit?

August 24–28 | Chippewa Nature Center | Midland, Michigan

Hosted by the Association of Nature Center Administrators (ANCA), this premier professional development event brings together directors and managers of nature centers and environmental organizations from across the country.

With a focus on leadership and management in this unique field, the Summit offers in-depth learning on operations, strategy, and organizational growth. Participants gain practical tools, fresh perspectives, and valuable connections to support their work.

Whether you're new to the field or a seasoned leader, you’ll leave equipped with the strategies and confidence to strengthen your organization and expand your impact.

Learn more at natctr.org/events/summit

04/27/2026

We love seeing our community doing incredible work 🌿✨

Check out this three-paper dissertation from Claire Underwood—Graduate Student Network Co-Leader with the Natural Start Alliance. Her three-paper dissertation investigates the roles of children, educators, and early learning programs in responding to the climate crisis 🌎📚—bringing fresh insight to the field of nature-based early learning.

The first paper in the series, Honoring Children's Agency: A Systematic Review of Research With and By Children in Environmental Contexts, is also featured in Natural Start's International Journal of Early Childhood Environmental Education: bit.ly/HonoringChildrensAgency 🔗

We were honored to engage with Claire and her work through a recent Natural Start webinar—now available at bit.ly/NaturePreschoolAdaptations 🎥🌱

You can dive into her full dissertation here: clairecunderwood.com/dissertation

Black educators in nature-based early childhood—this space is for you 🌿Natural Start's Black Educator Network is a growi...
04/21/2026

Black educators in nature-based early childhood—this space is for you 🌿

Natural Start's Black Educator Network is a growing community centered on connection, mentorship, and uplifting Black voices in our field. 🌱 It’s a place to share resources, build relationships, and engage in professional development that speaks directly to your experiences.

Our next virtual gathering is this Thursday, April 23 at 6:30 PM ET 💻🗓️—and it’s the perfect entry point if you’ve been curious about getting involved. Whether you’re brand new to nature-based education or a seasoned educator, you’ll find a welcoming, supportive space to plug in.

We’re also building momentum toward our in-person meetup at the 2026 Nature-Based Early Learning Conference in San Antonio on June 24 🌞🌵, so now is a great time to get connected ahead of that gathering!

Come see what the network is all about!Tune into the virtual quarterly meeting 👉 bit.ly/BEN-Q2

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Washington D.C., DC

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+12024190412

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