Build Partnerships

Austin Public Library (APL) is transforming library spaces into hubs for nature exploration through its Nature-Smart Library initiative. APL is embedding environmental education, outdoor learning, and green space improvements into its library services to address nature access disparities. Read this case study to learn more about Austin’s approach.

Not all communities in San Francisco have equal access to nature. To bridge this gap, San Francisco Children & Nature launched its Nature-Smart Library strategy to “bring the outside in” to libraries through programming and physical space transformation and to encourage patrons to get outside. Read the case study to learn more about San Francisco’s approach.

In Pharr, Texas, a small, predominantly Hispanic/Latino community, extreme heat, finances, and accessibility challenges limit outdoor play for children. With 35% of the population under 18, the local library saw an opportunity to engage families by focusing on children’s programming and offering nature connections. Read this case study to learn more about Parr’s approach.

Engaging local stakeholders helps align new children and nature strategies with previous efforts and community goals. It can also help maximize local resources and build connections with new stakeholders who may value children’s well-being but may not currently use nature connections. This resource supports communities in bringing local stakeholders together to support local efforts.

This resource aims to support a visioning is a process through which community partners develop a vision statement that sets the course for the local children and nature initiative. Through public engagement, the community defines its purpose, core values, and ambitions for the future.

The Green Schoolyards District Design Guidelines is a product of over a year-long collaboration with a group of cross-sector leaders working towards systemic change in the way we think about and use the outdoor spaces surrounding a school. This publication is intended to support and inspire school district staff in creating their own school design guidelines – tailored to meet the needs of your region and community and endorsed by your district. Our goal is that your school district creates procedures that meet the needs of your students and staff, align with your district priorities, and benefit members of all ages in your community. The content of this publication was written with input from experts in the field, including academics, professional landscape designers, and district-level staff from across the country.

This resource outlines how to develop partnerships between city government and a group of community organizations in order to maximize resources and achieve shared goals to advance children and nature connections.

This resource helps engage cities within a region or state to work collaboratively at the state level to expand access to high-quality green spaces and increase policies and programs that support children and nature connections.

The Cities Connecting Children to Nature (CCCN) initiative increased its focus on systems-level change and adopted a systems change framework. This brief discussion paper describes examples of structural change observed from 2015 to 2020 with CCCN cities. The paper was used to lead internal discussions among CCCN cities at a gathering in 2020.

This webinar discusses the essential role of green schoolyards in a post-COVID area. With play structures being closed due to COVID-19, the public access of green schoolyards is even more critical.

Since 2016, San Francisco has 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. Their story is one of collaborations, partnerships and a shared vision of equity.

Watch Mayor Sylvester Turner of Houston, TX address a CCCN Houston stakeholders meeting in 2019. About 75 stakeholders from across sectors came together to discuss a common vision and path to connecting kids to nature in Houston.

Insights from the Cities Connecting Children to Nature initiative guiding city leaders on strategies for equitable access to nature for children.