On a new Wild For Change podcast, we will learn about the importance of outdoor nature-based learning with our guest, Teresa Weed, who is the Policy and Advocacy Coordinator from Illinois Early Childhood Outdoors.

We can learn so much from spending time in nature.

Being in nature encourages exploration and inspiration, sparks a sense of wonder and connection, and provides a space for reflection and a broader perspective on life. As we grow into adults, however, it seems that sense of wonder and exploration slips away from our lives. But, imagine being a child. Exploration, wonder and curiosity are already part of a child’s makeup. Letting a child be themselves in nature and learning outdoors can provide endless lessons and tools they can use throughout their lifetime.

Links to learn more:

Join the movement!

To access the national movement for outdoor preschool licensing, or to find collaborators in your region, check out Natural Start Alliance.

To get connected in Illinois, reach out to Illinois Early Childhood Outdoors IECO, or the Northern Illinois Nature Play Association NINPA.

Professional Development, etc.
For consultation to support outdoor early learning programs in Illinois contact Teresa Weed directly at forestplayschool@gmail.com.

Research Libraries:

Green Schoolyards America is a free online resource library and virtual community of practice designed to help schools and districts move their classes and programs outside across the country and around the world

Children and Nature Network curates the world’s largest collection of peer-reviewed literature about nature’s benefits for children.

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WasteNot Composting

On this Wild For Change’s podcast, we’re speaking with Liam Donnelly, CEO of WasteNot, a zero-emissions composting collection service in the Chicagoland area. Composting is a crucial means of reducing food waste in our landfills, yet only 4.1% of food waste in the U.S. is composted annually. In this podcast, we will learn about WasteNot’s mission and how their service works. We will also investigate the fate of food in landfills versus compost bins, as well as the sustainability of composting for both our own needs and the planet.

To learn more about WasteNot’s composting services, go to https://www.wastenotcompost.com.

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On a new Wild For Change podcast, we spoke with Kay McKeen, the Executive Director of SCARCE, an acronym which stands for School & Community Assistance for Recycling and Composting Education.

It is an award-winning environmental education non-profit that supports teachers, children, and the community in creating a brighter future for our planet and ourselves through engaging and accessible initiatives, workshops, events, in-person classes, e-learning, and volunteer opportunities. Though SCARCE is based in the Chicagoland area, its outreach programs go beyond state lines and extends into other countries. SCARCE’s work also includes collaborating with legislators to initiate laws that protect both people and the planet and helping businesses and organizations adopt green initiatives.

SCARCE provides simple yet effective resources for the community to help one another and the planet. To learn more about becoming more green at home, work, or in a school system, inquire about SCARCE’s resources, or get involved, go to www.scarce.org.

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