Outdoor Learning Leadership Conference 2026

How can nature-based learning move from isolated initiatives to sustained, equitable practice across education systems? This interactive workshop brings together perspectives from K–12 district leadership, teacher education and research, pediatric occupational therapy, and a community-based wilderness school.

Each presenter will lead a brief experiential activity from their context, offering practical, adaptable approaches that foster wellbeing, inclusion, physical activity, connection with Land, and environmental learning. Participants will then consider what enables or constrains these approaches, including partnerships, professional learning, institutional structures, and access to outdoor spaces. Through collaborative reflection, participants will identify opportunities to strengthen nature-based literacy within their own systems and leave with concrete activities and implementation ideas for making outdoor learning a regular, inclusive, and sustainable part of every learner’s educational experience.