A string of beautiful painted papers is draped across a large window seat overlooking a snowy farm. The paper have written statements from the Board and Staff of the Association for Nature-Based Education that describe each person's "why" - why nature-based education matters and why they are involved with our organization.

What is your 'why'? This weekend ANBE Board and Staff gathered for our annual retreat to refocus on our mission and engage in strategic planning as we plan for challenges and opportunities ahead. A big thanks to Fox Haven Farm for hosting us again this year!

Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life? A quote by Mary Oliver.

Maybe something on your list is to attend Nature-Based Teacher Certification? Every child deserves access to benefits of nature-based ed., and this course helps you make it possible! Winter (online) course starts next week; summer (in person) courses enrolling now! anbe.org/teacher-certification

In 2025, we plan to slow down and carve out time for nature connection! Our resolutions are also aligned with our programs for teachers. What's on your list?

#naturebasededucation #naturebasedlearning #teachers #outdoorlearning #forestschool #forestandnatureschool #nature #anbe

Wherever you take flight in the New Year, we wish you happiness and peace in your journey. We look forward to learning with you in 2025!

#anbe #naturebasededucation #naturebasedlearning #forestschool #outdoorlearning #naturepreschool #natureplay #environmentalist #teachersfollowteachers

Woman sits on a log with backpack in summer with a huge smile. She is a participant in the Nature-Based Teacher Certification Course in Baltimore, Maryland.

As winter settles in, we're dreaming of summer...there are 3 sites for our Nature-Based Teacher Certification! July 7-11, The Waldorf School of Balto, MD; July 21-25, Prairiewood Forest School, OK & July 28-Aug. 2, Lime Hollow Nature Center, NY. Learn more at anbe.org/teacher-certification!

#anbe

Happy Winter Solstice! If you're looking for cold weather activities to do with young children, check out our Winter Outdoor Preschool Teacher Series (online!), Jan. 27-Mar. 24. anbe.org/event-5961987
#teachertraining #anbe #naturebasededucation #forestschool #naturepreschool #natureplay #nature

Nature-based education is vital to thriving, healthy communities. Help us deliver meaningful nature-based education to children -- we can't do it without your support! If you are able to give, make a gift at anbe.org/donate. Every gift matters!

#anbe #naturebasededucation #forestandnatureschools

A campfire blazes in the daytime surrounded by stones.

Gather 'round a fire with us this Saturday for the 3rd Winter Solstice Outdoor Teacher Retreat with our friends at Robinson Nature Center in Colmbia, MD! This is an inspiring day full of ways to welcome winter with children. anbe.org/OTR-WinterSolstice

#anbe #naturebasededucation #teachers #getout

Time-sensitive help needed! The 4-year pilot for outdoor preschool licensing in MD was enacted July 1, 2023. We've been working to draft regulations, but there is one last issue around weather to address before the regs pass. Public comment period is open til Dec. 1. Visit anbe.org/OPL-MD to help!

We have big love for you, Acorn Naturalists - we love your products for nature-based educators! So glad to see you on BlueSky!

#nature #naturebasededucation #ForestSchool #anbe #naturebasedlearning #forestandnatureschools #environmentaleducation #teachers

Kindergarten-aged boys in the forest dig and examine what is under the leaves in the soil.

Girl uses magnifying glasses to examine an autumn leaf.

Two teachers consider how to use the outdoor setting as a learning environment with the Forest Days program sponsored by the Association for Nature-Based Education (ANBE).

The benefits of nature-based learning are real. They span social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development, all vital to wellbeing. The Forest Days Outdoor Learning Program partners with a Title 1 public school in Baltimore, MD to take learning outside. anbe.org/forest-days

#forestdays #anbe

Anna Botsford Comstock's Handbook of Nature Study was part of the Nature Study Movement at the turn of the 20th century. Lots of ideas about how it informed the environmental education movement (and later forest and nature school movement) in the U.S. Check out 'Open Air Schools' as well!

Yes, we are here! The Association for Nature-Based Education (ANBE) is a network made up of forest and nature school teachers and others who love nature-based education! #anbe #forestschool #naturebasededucation #forestpreschool #natureschool #naturepreschool #environmentaleducation #teachers

Join us for the 3rd annual Winter Solstice Outdoor Teacher Retreat on Sat., Dec. 7 from 9-4 p.m. at Robinson Nature Center in Columbia, MD. Perfect for teachers, childcare providers, and administrators who want to welcome winter with young children! Details at anbe.org/OTR-WinterSolstice.

It's near and dear to our hearts: Notchcliff Nature Programs! Based at a retirement community, Notchcliff includes a 100% outdoor preschool, K-5th forest school co-op, caregiver & child class, nature camps, and Elderflowers, an intergenerational nature program for seniors. naturalcommunity.org.

Teachers gather in a circle under trees as part of a nature-based teacher training program with the nonprofit Association for Nature-Based Education.

Our first Blue Sky post - allow me to say hello! The nonprofit Association for Nature-Based Education (anbe.org) offers professional development and community-based initiaitives that cultivate equitable access to nature-based education and environmental literacy for all. Reach out if we can help!