This practitioner-informed handbook brings together insights from early childhood educators in Minnesota and Norway to offer practical, real-world guidance for supporting outdoor play in cold climates. Developed by the University of Minnesota Duluth with the Natural Start Alliance, it’s a hands-on resource for extending outdoor learning through the winter months.

In October 2025, the Natural Start Alliance released Recommendations for Licensing Outdoor, Nature-Based Early Learning and Child Care Programs in draft form. Recommendations are now being sought from professionals with expertise in early learning policy, program delivery, and related fields, along with parents and caregivers, or anyone who prioritizes children's access to outdoor, nature-based early learning. Deadline to submit: March 20. 

Jan 13: Seeing Ourselves in Nature

Jan 20: Winter Wildlife Activities for All Ages

Feb 10: Supporting Youth in Learning from the Land

Feb 24: Getting Yourself Outdoor Learning Certified!

Mar 3: Mentorship in the Wild: Leadership, Adventure & Wonder

Mar 10: Spring Celebration of Outdoor Learning!

Facing cold, wet, or snowy weather? No need to stay indoors! In this engaging session, you'll learn how to prepare for cold weather play so children can enjoy it in safety and comfort-and how to thrive as you discover the wondrous possibilities of all kinds of weather.

Join us for a webinar with Claire Underwood sharing national study insights and practical strategies for how nature-based early learning programs are adapting to climate-related challenges.

Tapping maple trees in late winter/early spring is easier than you may think, and it's an exciting activity for children that provides endless learning opportunities, not to mention a tasty end product! Learn the 'in and outs' of making maple syrup at your school or center. 

Join Infant Mental Health & Early Years Specialist, Sophie Rayner-Grignon to discover how to become an active, responsive partner in play with infants. You’ll dive into the curious minds of babies, unpack common barriers, and reframe your approach to infant play through a developmental and trauma-informed lens. Leave with practical ideas, real-world examples, and a curated collection of next-step resources to help educators, infants, and their communities engage meaningfully with Loose Parts.

Over five full-on days, you’ll explore some of Scotland’s most pioneering outdoor nurseries and play environments, guided by the Stramash team and international play expert Rusty Keeler. With a central base in the Highlands, this carefully curated learning journey blends immersive visits, practical workshops, cultural experiences, and time to connect with fellow educators.

In this webinar recording, hear from Dr. Aliza Yair and Kit Harrington about the new comprehensive policy recommendations resource for communities, including regulatory agencies, in expanding children's access to safe and high-quality outdoor and nature-based learning through policy.

Some conversations feel like sunshine. This one? Pure magic. Imagine laughter blowing through the trees, college students climbing branches, children splashing in streams, and stories woven into the wind. That's the vibe of this episode of the Play Nature Podcast.

Listen to this episode from The Everything ECE Podcast on Spotify. Play isn't just cute. It's critical. In this episode, Carla sits down with Amanda Morgan, educator, author, and founder of Not Just Cute, to uncover the real power of play in early childhood education.

In this week's episode, Rachel is talking about easing back into teaching after a break. What better way than to reflect on the power of visual schedules and the unique features of visual schedules for nature-based early childhood settings.

Step into the new year with clarity, calm, and purpose. A Fresh Start - Mindset and Intentions for the New Year is a gentle, reflective podcast episode designed to help you cultivate a positive mindset and set meaningful intentions-without pressure or perfection.