The Rochester Nature Everywhere Team invites anyone who would benefit from convening around the topic of nature access for children living in the City of Rochester and the Children’s Outdoor Bill of Rights (COBOR) to join the first meeting of the Rochester COBOR Peer Learning Circle.  COBOR Peer Learning Circles will meet bi-monthly on the First Thursday of the Month.

When: Thursday, February 5th, 2026 from 4:00 – 6:00 PM

Where: Rochester Ecology Partners Office, 224 Mount Hope Avenue

Topic: The Right to Nature for Every Child. Equity and access to nature-based programming for every child in our City, regardless of neighborhood, income levels, and backgrounds. What are the systemic barriers and how can we address them?

We’re looking for people to join our Peer Learning Circles who:

• Care about equity, access, and the well-being of children
• Work in or alongside schools, youth programs, health, community, food systems, or environmental sectors – or are simply passionate about this work!
• Are excited to collaborate across neighborhoods to grow nature-based learning and experiences through Hubs of nature access

What do we hope to accomplish?

Together participants will explore ways to ensure that every child and family in Rochester has access to nature through parks, gardens, school yards, and natural spaces, and opportunities to engage in the basic rights outlined in the Children’s Outdoor Bill of Rights. Through collaborative discussion and shared problem-solving, we will learn from one another and develop actionable approaches to integrate nature-based experiences aligned with the COBOR into programs, classrooms, and communities.

About the COBOR Peer Learning Circle

Guiding Questions:

• What does “Nature Everywhere” mean for Rochester’s children and families?
• How can we all incorporate the Children’s Outdoor Bill of Rights into our programs, policies, and practices to reflect the values and priorities of our city?”
• What barriers prevent families from accessing nature, and how can we address them?
• How can existing programs and community efforts collaborate for greater reach?
• What role can the Peer Learning Circle play in strengthening collaboration across partners?

Description:

The Nature Everywhere Peer Learning Circle will be an opportunity to bring together community partners and leaders around the topic of nature access and the Children’s Outdoor Bill of Rights. Together participants will explore ways to ensure that every child and family in Rochester has access to nature through parks, gardens, school yards, and natural spaces, and opportunities to engage in the basic rights outlined in the Children’s Outdoor Bill of Rights. Through collaborative discussion and shared problem-solving, we will learn from one another and develop actionable approaches to integrate nature-based experiences aligned with the COBOR into programs, classrooms, and communities.

Why is this initiative necessary?

We believe all children have the right to safely play, learn, and have meaningful experiences in nature. In Rochester, NY, many children face barriers to safe, consistent access to nature. Urban development, economic inequality, and limited safe natural spaces in neighborhoods can leave families without natural areas to play and explore. This lack of access contributes to inequalities in physical health, mental well-being, and academic outcomes. Research shows that time in nature supports healthier, happier, and more resilient children.

For this reason, Rochester adopted the Children’s Outdoor Bill of Rights (COBOR) in 2021. Through the Children in Nature Network’s Nature Everywhere Initiative, Rochester Ecology Partners, Rochester City School District, and the City of Rochester Department of Recreation and Human Services came together over the last year to collaborate on ways to implement a city-wide approach to nature access for all children in the City of Rochester.  To help continue this work, we are forming a Peer Learning Circle made up of a diverse group of community members, leaders, and professionals who will care deeply about connecting youth in our city with nature. This group will meet regularly to share information, support ongoing work, and shape the citywide implementation of the COBOR.

The Children’s Outdoor Bill of Rights contains the following:

• Learn to take care of our planet
• Learn to swim
• Play in clean rivers and lakes
• Grow and harvest food to eat
• Listen to the sounds of nature
• Observe a starry sky
• Go camping
• Follow a hiking trail
• Play in the snow
• Learn to ride a bike
• Discover wildlife
• Explore nature in neighborhoods

We’re looking for people to join our Peer Learning Circles who:

• Care about equity, access, and the well-being of children
• Work in or alongside schools, youth programs, health, community, food systems, or environmental sectors – or are simply passionate about this work!
• Are excited to collaborate across neighborhoods to grow nature-based learning and experiences through Hubs of nature access

Cost

COBOR Peer Learning Circles will be free to attend. 

Audience 

COBOR Peer Learning Circles will be open to the public. We will invite and encourage participation from educators, youth-focused community-based organizations, health professionals, parks and recreation staff, out-of-school time providers, environmental groups and nature centers staff, city officials, and parents and caregivers interested in helping move these initiatives forward. 

Learning Circle Goals

• Spreading awareness and knowledge of the COBOR and it’s importance to youth in our community.
• Creating opportunities for shared learning and exchanging ideas and best practices.
• Build relationships and strengthen collaboration between various partners working to bring nature into the lives of local youth.
• Identify and address barriers for access to nature and nature-based programming.

Equity and Accessibility Statement

We, the planning team, firmly believe that the active inclusion of people from varying identities, backgrounds, and perspectives is essential to creating equitable access to holistic and affirming nature-based experiences.

About Nature Everywhere

Description

The Nature Everywhere Initiative is a cross-sectoral partnership of non-profit organizations, government agencies, for-profits, and interested people working to improve academic outcomes, environmental stewardship, and personal and community wellness for children through connection to nature in Rochester, NY.

Vision Statement

All City of Rochester Youth will have multiple, meaningful, equitable, and high-quality programs and places to engage in COBOR-connected, nature-based experiences, in order to foster academic success, environmental stewardship, and personal and community wellness.

Nature Everywhere Communities is a program of the Children & Nature Network

Learn more about the National Nature Everywhere Initiative

The Nature Everywhere Rochester Team

• Sara Scott and Amanda Little – City of Rochester DRHS
• Kyra Stephenson and Sheldon Cox – Rochester City School District
• Lindsay Clark and Chris Widmaier – Rochester Ecology Partners

Contact: Reach out to Chris Widmaier / cwidmaier@rocecology.org or 585-851-1648