Here’s your guide to SF’s Nature Exploration Areas
We’re growing a movement to reconnect kids with the outdoors. Check out some of SF’s newest park sites for hands-on play and creativity in nature.
Nature for Every Child, Every Day.
“Every child, in every neighborhood, should have the chance to play and explore in nature. Research tells us that being in nature improves our mental and physical health, reduces stress, and even helps heal trauma. All San Franciscans should have access to these health benefits.”
—Mayor London Breed
San Francisco Children & Nature
A CITY-WIDE COLLABORATIVE
SF Children & Nature is a cross-sector collaborative that works to ensure all children & youth growing up in the city have the same opportunities to PLAY, LEARN and GROW in NATURE.
Founded in 2017, SF Children & Nature now includes active participation from over 30 government agencies, non-profit institutions, and community-based organizations.
Highlights
2021 Highlights!
We are excited to share our 2021 community report with you. As we enter our fifth year of collective action, we take time to celebrate the people and partnerships that made this past year our most impactful yet.
Individually and collectively we’ve been making strides towards our vision of equitable youth nature connection in San Francisco. Together, we make it easier for youth to have frequent and quality experiences in nature by expanding opportunities for nature connection in the key realms of childhood — early education, schools, and neighborhoods.
HIGHLIGHTS (2017 to date)
People engaged in create-with-nature programming
Early Childhood Educators trained in nature-based education
Tree stumps re-purposed for nature play
News
Nature Play Day was a TREE-mendous success!
150 preschoolers came out for a day of play and exploration at Heron Head’s Park.
Free and low-cost strategies for “Naturing-Up” your outdoor space
Tips and tricks for “naturing-up” a preschool outdoor play space with low cost materials.
New outdoor playspace Wander Woods opens at the California Academy of Sciences
New garden playspace inspires creativity and imaginative play, offering children the opportunity to foster meaningful connections with nature through hands-on discovery
‘Green’ Makeovers of Child Care Spaces Connect San Francisco’s Youngest Children to Nature
9 Preschool Play spaces transformed
Imagination Runs Wild at San Francisco’s New Nature Exploration Area
New Nature Exploration Area opens at Heron’s Head Park.
Youth Spotlight: Gardening for Good
High Schooler Na’im Pierce is growing fresh produce for Bayview residents to combat food inequality.
Little loose parts
As my basket fills with the tiniest of seeds, I am grateful for having been a teacher.
Bamboo for Nature Play
We dropped off two truck loads of bamboo at early childhood sites. See what they made.
9,700 Garden Kits!
We kicked off 2020 by assembling and distributing 9,700 garden science kits to K-5 San Francisco Area students.
The Greenagers in 2020
Despite the challenges of 2020, 22 students graduated last November from the Greenager Program.
Media
San Francisco Children & Nature collaborative, we have built a coalition of over 30 organizations and city departments all working together to more equitably connect all children to the many benefits of nature. Here’s our story of collaboration, partnerships and a shared vision of equity.
In 2017 San Francisco became one of 7 pilot cities of CCCN initiative which has now grown to include 18 cities nationwide. Watch this short video to learn more about this work here in San Francisco, Houston, and Rochester.
Learn more https://childrenandnature.org/cities