Join the Children & Nature Network for an inspiring virtual conversation featuring community leaders who are transforming how their cities prioritize nature-based solutions for children and families.
Did you know that southwest Washington and the Lower Columbia Nature Network was selected as one of the Nature Everywhere Communities in 2021? With C&NN’s support, we developed the first SW WA Green Schoolyards Action Plan to help guide policies, capital projects, training and programs across SW WA.
And we were one in six communities across the country selected to evaluate our collective impact through C&NN’s Ripple Effect Mapping in late 2025? Read the specific LCNN impact report here as well as the broader report here.
While many communities recognize the need for nature-based solutions to address interconnected challenges—from climate resilience and pediatric mental health to physical activity—implementing a project is only the first step. Creating true, lasting impact requires shifting the underlying ways our organizations, policies, and local partnerships work together- in other words, systems change.
In this webinar, we bring together leaders from five successful Nature Everywhere Communities to share their “on-the-ground” experiences. Drawing on findings from our recent Ripple Effects Mapping evaluation, these leaders will discuss how they moved beyond one-off projects to build sustainable, long-term change.
What You’ll Learn:
Foundational Shifts for Lasting Change: Discover the 7 practical lessons communities are using to shift local systems, build capacity, and ensure nature access is equitable and enduring.
The Power of Connection: Learn how “backbone” organizations and strong network coordination can align daily efforts, secure resources, and sustain momentum.
The Speed of Trust: Hear firsthand how prioritizing relationships, fostering youth leadership, and co-designing with community members transforms power dynamics and builds long-term local ownership.
Nature as a Right: Explore how to frame nature access as a multi-benefit solution that advances existing community priorities, from climate action to public health.
Who Should Attend:
This session is designed for local nonprofit and community organization staff, city and municipal employees and leaders (especially parks & recreation, public works and sustainability departments), outdoor program leaders and educators, municipal planners, public health advocates and local funders who are looking to scale nature-based work. Whether you are an existing Nature Everywhere Community or exploring how to start a movement in your region, this webinar will provide actionable insights to help you build a greener, more equitable future for children.
Join us to see how, when communities move at the speed of trust, lasting transformation is entirely within reach.
Panelists:
Grace Parker, She/Her, Project Manager, Prescribe Outside
Jane Tesner Kleiner, She/Her, Program Manager, Lower Columbia Nature Network
Monica Brinkerhoff, She/Her, Associate Vice President, Early Childhood Education at United Way of Tucson and Southern Arizona
Cynthia Walter, She/Her, Green Schoolyards Manager, Green Umbrella Climate Collaborative
Curry Rosato, She/Her, Program Manager & Education Leader, City of Boulder Open Space & Mountain Parks