4th Nature-Based Learning Symposium

August 1, 2024
Event
2 mins read

Right to Nature

Here at Rochester Ecology Partners, we are laser-focused on getting people out into nature, so they can gain all the mental and physical benefits of being outside. We also feel it’s important to provide learning and networking opportunities for anyone dedicated in any way to this quest.

So it probably won’t surprise you then that Rochester Ecology Partners organizes an annual *outdoor* Nature-Based Learning Symposium!

Our fourth annual symposium will be Tuesday, August 20 at historic, beautiful Durand Eastman Park on Great Lake Ontario. This one-day symposium invites educators and anyone interested in nature-based learning together to experience and learn through engagement with the environment, relationship-building, discussion, and workshops. Participants will leave with a better understanding of nature-based learning benefits and practices along with resources and relationships that promote this philosophy.

The theme of this year’s Nature-Based Learning Symposium is Right to Nature. Like food, water and shelter, access to nature is a human requirement and therefore a human right. It is essential that *all* people have access to our beautiful green places, spaces and outdoor opportunities.

To prioritize and actualize equal and easy access to nature, communities around the country have adopted Outdoor Bills of Rights–including the City of Rochester, which has a multi-faceted Children’s Outdoor Bill of Rights. Topics at this year’s Nature-Based Learning Symposium will focus on the rights that comprise the Children’s Outdoor Bill of Rights; it will inform and inspire participants to help achieve the Rights for as many Rochesterians as possible!

At this year’s Symposium, participants will:

Learn about nature based education as a way to improve individual and community wellness.

Build an understanding around how nature based learning can be used to meet content and character goals.

Develop a framework for incorporating nature-based learning into their work.

Create an action plan for implementing nature based learning.

In addition to the Symposium being held completely outdoors at Durand Eastman Park, we are also offering and encouraging participants to get out onto our wonderful waters and into our wondrous woods with us, through a pre-Symposium kayaking and hiking adventure expedition on Irondequoit Creek and in Lucien Morin Park!

Below you can find full information and registration for the 2024 Nature-Based Learning Symposium and the pre-Symposium kayaking experience. We hope to see you on August 19 and 20!