To date, C&NN has identified over sixty regions that have either launched or are assembling grassroots campaigns to connect children with nature. These grassroots coalitions work on the state, regional and local level to create shared strategic visions and plans and to map out a process for implementation.

Regional strategies include: public awareness campaigns and community events; legislation and policy changes; public education and advocacy. Each effort increases the number of people and organizations participating in and taking action to reconnect children with nature.

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Here's how you can get involved:

[+] CONNECT with the efforts that are currently underway in your region. Find and participate in a grassroots campaign.

[+] START a Grassroots Campaign. Play a leadership role in the children and nature movement.

[+] SHARE your efforts with others on the C&NN movement map. Get the word out about your campaign.

[+] SIGN-UP for C&NN newsletters and RSS feeds. Stay informed.

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Grassroots Resources:

Children and Nature 2008: A Report on the Movement to Reconnect Children to the Natural World

[>] Download PDF [2.2MB]

C&NN Community Action Guide: Building the Children & Nature Movement from the Ground Up

[>] Download PDF [1.4MB]

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Annual Gathering of Grassroots Leaders

In addition to the Web site and the C&NN Publications, each year the Children & Nature Network hosts the annual Gathering of Grassroots Leaders in the movement to reconnect children and nature. Grassroots Gathering participants share inspiration, information, lessons learned, strategies for change, and creative approaches to addressing the challenges we face.

The gathering is an opportunity for Richard Louv and the Children & Nature Network board of directors to join regional leaders and to network, peer-to-peer, with members who have launched, or are planning to launch, local and regional initiatives. These gatherings provide a forum for exploring well-researched and common-sense strategies for reconnecting children and nature, now and into the future. During the gathering participants share information about their current programs and actions, ask questions, and collaborate toward more effective solutions.


More than 107 dedicated professionals from over 70 regions and all walks of life gathered in September 2008 to attend the second annual C&NN Gathering of Grassroots Leaders. Each year, leaders in the children and nature movement meet to participate in open forums, share information, and network. The theme of the conference, “Natural Connections: Tipping Points to Cultural Change,” was at the center of the 3-day dialogue.

On the final day of the gathering over 40 participants made a deeper commitment to participating year-round as members of the C&NN Grassroots Leadership Team Working Groups. These groups are dedicated to continuing the discussion and turning the ideas and recommendations proposed over the three day event into tools, strategies, resources, and new campaigns to support, inspire and fuel the children and nature movement.

[+] view the full report, videos, and meeting materials



More than 80 leaders from across North America met in August 2007 to share strategies for building the movement to reconnect children and nature. The Children & Nature Network (C&NN) hosted this first National Gathering of Regional Leaders at the University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum.

Grassroots leaders took the first steps toward forming an essential inter-regional peer-to-peer network. One of their shared goals was to find effective ways to shorten the time between awareness and action as the movement goes forward.

[+] view the full report, videos, and meeting materials