Natural Start Alliance

Join the Natural Start Alliance Graduate Student Network next Wednesday, June 25 from 5:00–6:00 PM in San Antonio for an informal evening of networking, connection, and conversation!

We’ll gather for social hour at the Kimpton Santo Living Room for complimentary drinks before heading down to the River Walk for dinner. This is a great opportunity to connect with fellow graduate students, expand your professional network, and unwind after a full day of conference sessions. Send a message to Amy Wrather via Swapcard with any questions!

Are you ready for a week of live sessions and a full year of engaging sessions that you can watch on-demand, use for training, and re-watch whenever you like, all for one low price?

NatStart26 Online is up and running and waiting for you to start exploring! On-demand sessions are available now and live sessions—including workshops, sessions, and live streams of featured sessions from San Antonio—kick off next week. Access to sessions lasts until June 1, 2027.

Learn more and register at conference.naturalstart.org/2026-online

Are you a program founder or director? Are you responsible for hiring and training staff? Are you looking for new ways to support educators in your program? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then YOU are an ADMINISTRATOR 🌟
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Check out this sampling of live and on-demand online conference sessions for administrators. Get access to view these sessions and more by registering to attend at conference.naturalstart.org/2026-online

Do you engage in systems-thinking to promote diverse access to high-quality nature-based early learning programs for ALL young children? Are you interested in policy and changemaking in early childhood? Do you find yourself "making the case" for the value of nature and the outdoors in early learning to varying audiences?

Browse this sampling of live and on-demand online sessions for advocates! Check out full session gallery and register to gain access and start watching sessions today at conference.naturalstart.org/2026-online

Do you lead young children in outdoor learning experiences? Do you let children’s interests guide the curriculum? Do you come home from work regularly with grass and mud stains on your clothes and a smile on your face? If you answered yes to any of these, then YOU must TEACH outside! 💚
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Explore this sampling of live and on-demand online conference sessions for nature-based educators. Check out the full session gallery and register to get access at conference.naturalstart.org/2026-online

Do you stay up-to-date on the latest research in outdoor learning? Does research guide your teaching practices? Do you rely on research to help you make the case for more nature in early learning settings?

Explore a sampling of live and on-demand online conference sessions based in current research!

You can browse the full session gallery and register to gain access to all online conference content at conference.naturalstart.org/2026-online

Are you a nature-based early learning professional seeking inspiration and practical strategies for promoting access to diverse children and communities? Check out this sampling of NatStart26 online sessions!

Browse the full sessions list and register to get access at conference.naturalstart.org

Do you seek new ideas that will challenge your thinking and introduce you to out-of-the-box approaches in nature-based early learning?

Well look no further because we have online conference sessions for you (and you and you, too)! Check out this small sampling of sessions that will get your gears turning.

Want access to view these sessions and more? Register for the online conference today at conference.naturalstart.org

**And remember, if you're attending in San Antonio, your registration includes access to the online event.

🚨 NatStart26 Research Network event alert! 🚨

Join us in San Antonio during conference week to meet other researchers and scholar-practitioners working in early childhood nature-based education! We’ll spend time getting to know one another and each other’s work through casual conversation, interactive activities, and shared food.

Light refreshments will be provided, with additional food and beverages available for purchase. We hope to see you there!

RSVP at bit.ly/Research-Network-NS26

In a recent article published by Parade, three psychologists were asked what hobby is best for kids. They all said the same thing: unstructured outdoor play!

Read the full piece to learn why outdoor play is so beneficial for children of all ages, along with a few other psychologist-approved pastimes.

bit.ly/Best-Childrens-Hobbies