Name: Filling the gaps: How can policy and data drive progress towards healthy, climate-resilient, and sustainable outdoor learning environments?
Start: 2026-10-30T15:15:00-0600
End: 2026-10-30T16:30:00-0600

Welcome to the 2026 Outdoor Learning Leadership Conference

Filling the gaps: How can policy and data drive progress towards healthy, climate-resilient, and sustainable outdoor learning environments?

Friday October 30, 2026 3:15pm - 4:30pm MDT

Spending time outdoors in healthy, natural settings is a powerful contributor to children’s health and well-being. Yet, there is a dearth of policy and data collection to guide, track, and incentivize school systems in the creation of health-promoting outdoor spaces (e.g., settings with ample shade, limited use of plastics and artificial surfacing, etc.). Drawing on research evidence, case examples, and participants’ knowledge and experience, this session will explore what policies and systematic data collection are needed to drive on-the-ground improvements, support equitable access, and demonstrate the benefits of health-promoting, climate resilient, and sustainable outdoor learning environments.

Speakers

Erica Phipps

Executive Director, Canadian Partnership for Children's Health and Environment (CPCHE)

Erica Phipps, MPH, PhD, is a long-time advocate for strategies to improve children’s health and well-being by reducing toxic chemicals and other environmental hazards in the places where they live, play, learn and grow. She serves as the Executive Director of the Canadian Partnership... Read More →

Friday October 30, 2026 3:15pm - 4:30pm MDT

Policy & Operations & Risk Management Workshop

Outdoor Learning Leadership Conference 2026

Erica Phipps

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