designing nature-based outdoor spaces for...

Designing Nature-Based Outdoor Spaces For Children:

The Power of Staff, Family and Community Involvement

By Jim Wike, ASLA, CLARB natureexplore.org

Children’s Growing Disconnection From Nature

Common outdoor play space for today’s children

A Different Model: Bringing nature to where children spend their days.

Parks and Botanical Gardens Elementary Schools Nature Refuges

Childcare Centers Zoos and Museums Libraries

Tips for Working With Staff, Families, Community Members

Who to Involve?

Help Everyone Understand the Life-Changing Benefits

Nature buffers the impact of life stress on children and helps them deal with adversity. The greater the amount of nature exposure, the greater the benefits.

(Wells 2003)

Children who spend time in well-designed Nature Explore Classrooms with nurturing adults develop valuable skills across all learning domains.

(Miller 2007)

Horticultural therapist Sheila Taft draws on scientific research when she notes,

“As little as four minutes in a garden will start to reduce stress, improve mood, and steady the vital signs.”

Nature helps children develop powers of observation and creativity and instills a sense of peace and being at one with the world.

(Crain 2001)

Getting Started: Consider Your Cultural Context

What is Your Goal?

Early Education Programs

Early Education Programs

Elementary Schools

Natural Settings

Missouri Botanical Garden, St. Louis, USA

Natural Settings

Shaw Nature Reserve, Missouri, USA

Home Child Care Settings

Laurie’s Inn, Wyoming, USA

Spaces for Healing

At Military Child Development Centers and Youth Centers

At Domestic Violence Shelters

Spaces for Healing

Spaces for Healing

At Medical Centers

On-Site Childcare: Lakeshore Learning Materials, Carson, CA, USA

Corporate On-Site Child Care

Before

A Great Example of Involvement by Many: Child Saving Institute

After

Gather Many Ideas

Child Saving Institute

Concept Plan

After

Child Saving Institute

Child Saving Institute

After

Child Saving Institute

Natural Design Elements: Opportunities for Involvement

Entry Features

Entry Features

Open Areas

Places for Close Observation

Places for Close Observation

Loose Parts

Loose Parts

Music and Movement

Music and Movement

Music and Movement

Places that Inspire A Sense of Beauty,

Artistic Expression

Outdoor Building

Outdoor Building

Gardening

Gardening

Gardening

Raised Bed

Native Plant Pathways

Sand

Dirt-Digging

Add Creative Touches

Pizza Pavers Murals

Use Strategies For Your Climate

Gather Ideas for Regional Materials

Spaces That Families Can Also Create

Bird Feeders

Worm Bins

Groups To Involve

Master Gardeners Artists / Sculptors

Groups To Involve

College / High School Students

Groups To Involve

Families / Siblings / Grandparents

Involvement Materials for Families

Families’ Club natureexplore.org

Environmental Action Kit worldforumfoundation.org/nature

Administrators & Licensing Agencies

Build a Sense of Teamwork

Foster a Sense of Wonder: Nature Exchange

“When we are dreaming alone, it is only a dream.

When we are dreaming together, it is the beginning of reality.”

– Dom Helder Camara

natureexplore.org