Amidst COVID-19 concerns, now more than ever, we need NATURE. While the pandemic has changed the daily lives of all children, there are still ways we can experience the benefits of nature, inside or out. We are committed to working together to develop new approaches for children to enjoy nature. We’ve gathered a round-up of local resources from our partners in this new page:
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
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 hands-on nature programming
Early Childhood Educators trained in nature-based education
Early childhood playspaces enhanced for nature connection
Tree stumps re-purposed for nature play
CURRENT PROJECTS
- Nature Play Days for preschoolers in neighborhood parks
- Create-with-Nature programming at community events and neighborhood street fairs
- Professional development workshops for educators with local and international experts
- Developing a network of Nature Exploration Areas – where kids are encouraged to create and explore with all of their senses.
- Launching the All Hands D-10 initiative, a coordinated approach to offering culturally-relevant, place-based environmental education and everyday nature connection for District 10 children and youth.
News
Statement on Racial Equity and Justice
San Francisco Children & Nature stands with in opposition to systemic racism, white supremacy, and police violence.
The World’s Most Powerful Classroom.
Read the recent Bay Nature Magazine op-ed courtesy of our SF Children & Nature Executive Council Chairs
New Videos!
We are excited to share two new videos created by the national Cities Connecting Children to Nature initiative.
Experiential Outdoor Learning in Early Childhood
Learning from Susan Humphries, renown for green ecologically-rich school grounds and the child-centered educational model she pioneered.
“Naturing Up” Early Childhood Play Spaces
The First 5 San Francisco Connecting Children to Nature program integrates professional development, hands-on nature experiences for educators, and teacher action projects.
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