NINPA’s Second Nature Conference was held on October 26th, 2024. See the schedule – https://secondnatureconference2024.sched.com/

A huge thanks to our host and sponsor Brookfield Zoo Chicago, our panelists, presenters, volunteers, and attendees for making this a great event!

Second Nature Conference Keynote Workshop: Connecting Quality Practices to Nature-based Learning

Our wonderful keynote panelists were Anna Dutke, Dr. Sheila Williams Ridge, Heidi Faris, and Jenny Hanlon, co-authors of the Nature-based Early Childhood Program Assessment and Guidebook.

Missed the event? Download a free copy of the Guidebook here

Authors

Dr. Carla Gull – Loose Parts Learning in K-3 Classrooms and Loose Parts Alive: Inspiring Child-Led Nature Explorations
Jenny Hanlon – Your Family Compass: A Parenting Guide for the Journey
Catherine Koons-Hubbard – Partnering with Nature in Early Childhood: A Guide to Outdoor Experiences
Kisa Marx – Rethinking Weapon Play in Early Childhood
Dr. Sheila Williams Ridge – Nature-Based Learning for Young Children: Anytime, Anywhere, on Any Budget

Partners

Illinois Early Childhood Outdoors (IECO) (Outdoor Programs Map)
Environmental Education Association of Illinois
Evanston Public Library – Blueberry Award

Breakout Session 1

  • Nature Play: Not Just Woods and White Kids – Kisa Marx (C)
  • Collaborating with Local Park Districts – Jenna Downing, Liz Gorham (P)
  • Not Just Another Walk in the Park…or the Zoo – Dr. Lisa-Ann DeGregoria Kelly, Jill Damato, Graig Mason (C)
  • Where Waters Meet: Dismantling Cultural Appropriation in Nature-based Education – Catherine Koons Hubbard (P)
  • Art in Nature – Melanie Stewart-Clarke (E)
  • The Blueberry Awards: Great NEW Children’s Nature Books! – Martha Meyer, Betsy Bird, Bridget Petrites (C)

Breakout Session 2

  • Outdoor Play with Children Under 3: Jenny Hanlon, Dr. Sheila Williams Ridge (E)
  • Connecting Children & Families to Nature Beyond the Classroom – Heidi Faris (C)
  • Exploring Social-Emotional Learning Through Nature Focused Children’s Literature – Emma Donnelly (E)
  • Growing Innovation on a Classic Foundation: Graig Mason, Kevin Conley, Dr. Lisa-Anne DeGregoria Kelly, Kelly Reina, Michelle Hope (P)
  • Take it Outside: Project WILD & Project Learning Tree Early Childhood Activity Session – Michelle Ramos, Karly Tumminello, Susie Ingram (E) 
  • Moving From Reaction to Reflection: Discussing the Behaviors that Challenge Us – Beth Wilson (P)

Breakout Session 3

  • Mudpies and Math: Nurturing the Development of Mathematical Big Ideas During Nature Play – Dr. Lauren Solarski (E)
  • Finding Life and Renewal in Death and Decay in Nature-based ECE – Dr. Carla Gull (E)
  • From Dream to Reality: Nature Based Learning for All – Anna Dutke (P)
  • Exploring Connections Between Children, Spirituality, Nature and Community-Building – David Becker, Margie Pines, Dr. Sheila Williams Ridge, Gina Roxas, Michael and Amelia Howard (C)
  • Building Nature Play Spaces in Chicago Parks – Sean Shaffer (E)
  • Creating a Culture of Play – Stacy Niemiec, Sarah Bethel (P)
  • Growing Caring Kids-Nature Play Groups at Brookfield Zoo – Jill Damato, Sarah Blazer, Erin Rook (E)

Tracks
(C) – Engaging Communities
(E) – Exploring Environments
(P) – Defining Philosophy and Policy