Time in nature provides children the chance to develop social-emotional skills and healthy behaviors needed to thrive.
Municipal leaders can play active roles in ensuring that nearby nature spaces exist and that children and families who otherwise have less access feel comfortable using those spaces. Coordinated efforts between municipal agencies and partners such as school districts and community-based organizations maximize benefits to young people. Such partnerships also readily align with city priorities to address public health, academic, economic, environmental and equity outcomes.
This action guide, developed by Cities Connecting Children to Nature (CCCN), a joint initiative of the National League of Cities and the Children & Nature Network, outlines steps that local leaders can take in building programs that connect children to nature and strategies that create lasting impact in their communities.
Learn more
Find more resources for local leaders in the Cities Connecting Children to Nature Resource Hub.
Empowering Small Cities with the Nature Everywhere Community Action Challenge
- Melanie Robinson
- Andrew Moore
From the Event: NLC Celebrates Race Forward’s Cultural Week of Action
Lessons from the Cities of Opportunity Mayors Institute on Community Revitalization
On Your Mind: Commissioner Amber Sellers of Lawrence, KS Discusses How Early Childhood Investments Support Community Wellbeing
Stressed Parents, Stressed Cities: Understanding the Surgeon General’s Advisory on Parental Stress
- Lara Burt
- Sarah Weller Pegna, MPH
