
33:01
Corey Shorb Primary Grade Science teacher at Glenelg Country in Ellicott City MD

33:26
Good morning, my name is Annie Reyes from MD.

33:54
Hello, Michele Bender, from a Nature-Based Preschool in Connecticut.

34:15
Good Morning! My name is Beth Lenker and I am the Holt Education Center Director at Sultana Education Foundation in Chestertown MD.

34:15
AGENDA: http://www.erafans.org/Chesapeake-Conference

34:26
Good morning. I’m Debra Lambert. I live in Annapolis, MD.

35:07
Good morning. My name is Elise and I am from Hermann MO

35:57
Hi, I’m Abigail Middleton from The Mayapple School in Blacksburg, VA

36:00
Becky Kim from Damascus MD. Birdsong Early Learning Program

36:30
Hi everyone! Tressa Andrews here from Trinity Episcopal Preschool Towson MD

36:42
BARB TRENTLER FROM

38:29
Dave Post, Landscape Architect, Damascus, MD

38:35
Piscataway

38:41
Piscataway

38:53
I'm on the land of the Arapahoe Tribe in Colorado.

38:58
Piscataway thanks for sharing

39:06
piscataway

39:11
Lenni Lenape

39:13
Algonkian area along the Potomac River is where I sit.

39:14
I work with First English Lutheran Preschool in Baltimore city and I believe we are on the land of the Susquehannock.

39:18
native-land.ca

39:18
Nanticoke

39:25
Hello! Elizabeth [Lisa] Brown from Homewood ELC

39:49
Piscataway & Nanticoke

40:02
Lenape Haki-nk

41:28
Piscataway and Nanticoke

41:45
Susquehannock & Lenni-Lanape

41:59
My 1 year old really enjoyed that song. Thank you! Thankful to start the day with her smile :)

42:08
Thankful for health and safety.

42:29
I am grateful for this conference and everyone who organized it and is attending.

42:57
Grateful for the fog. It was so beautiful, that I was almost late to this conference.

43:03
I'm thankful for that song, that was beautiful Monica!

43:04
The beautiful leaves outside!

43:19
I am grateful for the snakes and frogs I see on my walks. It makes me have hope for the planet.

43:23
Thankful for the snow that's coming to Colorado!

43:40
Will the song be available n the website to print off later??

44:09
Hi, this is Sharon Beach, in Baltimore city.

44:42
Good Morning! I am a science teacher at Glenelg Country School in Howard County MD

45:06
Laura Taylor - Environmental Educator in Welcome Maryland

45:21
Sharon - We can ask Monica to do that. Here's the text now as well if you want to copy it.

45:22
Good morning dear Earth,Good morning dear sun,Good morning dear resting stones,And beasts on the run.Good morning dear flowers,And birds in the trees.Good morning to you,Good morning to me.

45:39
Katie Fox- PreK Coach - Talbot County Public Schools

46:23
For tech help: Contact Natalie Cohen in the Zoom chat,via email at CohenN@nwf.org or call 443-759-3402 if you need technical assistance.

46:58
Heather Quinn is attending. I am on my phone and can not figure out how to add my name.

48:08
I share administrative teacher role but I love outdoor nature play. This will piggy back off of another training that was taken last year.

48:15
uh oh, I don’t see it

48:16
I can't submit!

48:17
it will not let me submit

48:23
I can

48:30
I can't submit

48:32
scroll down.theres more

48:41
there are three questions you have to answer to submit scroll down

48:43
oh

48:52
I didn’t realize initially that you need to scroll down to more questions!

49:04
Hello!

49:08
Thanks!

49:44
Can you post the link again?

49:47
It's not in the chat

49:52
Won’t let me scroll or submit

49:58
My camera is not working. I apologize.

50:20
I can see it but can’t respond.

51:01
It wont let you submit

51:09
Sometimes you need to exit the full screen to participate in the polls.

51:10
I can't respond either Nancy, I wonder if we're just viewing it

52:05
yes

52:06
Yes

52:11
yes

52:15
yes

52:15
yes

52:20
I can see

52:22
Yes

52:24
yes!

54:14
I selected "Other" - I'm interested in getting involved in this field of work, learning, and possibly starting a program in the future. I'm new to this

54:20
I said “other” - Univ of Maryland Dept of Plant Science and Landscape Architecture and founding director of the non-profit Therapeutic Landscapes Network

55:33
I selected “other.” I work in the field of fisheries management. But I have a growing interest in land conservation, and in designing places for the benefit of human and ecosystem health.

01:01:21
I am a horticulturalist at a public garden and oversee work in the Children’s Garden. I am hoping to get some design ideas that help to engage children in the garden.

01:01:53
We will definitely talk more about design today!

01:03:35
https://www.parkrx.org/

01:03:51
https://parkrxamerica.org/

01:05:20
what was the second one

01:05:30
Will all of these resources be provided? Will we receive the slides?

01:07:07
This is being recorded and we will share the recording.

01:07:29
Air Conditioning. Simple but so true

01:08:54
This pyramid still seems skewed toward the experience of wealthier people. Very few can afford international travel every year.

01:09:03
There are many great resources, including links to research, books, etc. at www.erafans.org/teacher-resources. We have compiled a Crowd-Sourced Nature-Based Resources spreadsheet with a ton of information! It is ever-evolving and free to access!

01:09:45
Wow! What a great playground! :)

01:09:48
Great point Alison! Hopefully together we can start breaking down barriers to getting outdoors!

01:09:51
Beautiful location to visit.

01:10:41
https://capitalnature.org/

01:10:50
Yes. And acknowledge that the health benefits of getting outdoors are accessible without travel.

01:11:45
I always find it therapeutic to take a brisk walk at least three times a week or even more often.

01:13:47
We believe that it’s a good idea to create and use nature play spaces in the places that children can easily go (schoolyards, churchyards, backyards, early childhood outdoor spaces, and neighborhood parks.

01:19:33
Can’t wait to share this with my family physician husband.

01:20:00
Wow. That was great. Rock Creek was so impactful to me as a child

01:20:20
Yes! Lots of research out there elucidating the benefits of outdoor recess time, unscripted recess on improved academic performance, on attention behavior.

01:20:27
Rock Creek looks like a great park.

01:20:46
@AllisonMosley Yay!

01:20:57
So true! This information needs to be shared with upper level administrators who make decisions for the amount of time for recess and allow outdoor learning.

01:21:59
I think that when a physician prescribes time in nature, it can be in a child’s IEP

01:24:58
We have a creek in the back of our school that I and my coworker take the children to. They benefit from being outside and really love it.

01:25:38
@marlene I love hearing that! The benefits are tremendous.

01:26:46
I would love to hear more about the "happiness set point". Interesting!

01:26:48
since starting a nature-based in home preschool at my home/property, my life and health have improved exponentially!

01:26:52
Thank you!

01:26:59
Thank you for that great presentation!

01:27:05
thank you

01:27:11
Thanks for this insight.

01:27:12
Thank you! That was great

01:27:17
Thank you great information.

01:27:19
Thank you.

01:27:24
Thank you!! That was great!

01:27:29
Thank you!

01:27:42
Great info! Thank you!

01:27:55
Do you come and speak to Drs ?

01:28:19
Thank you for the information- We love getting our children outdoors and experience nature and natural materials.

01:28:27
It’s so encouraging to see more ways to get kids outside!

01:28:48
inferred some research on biological functioning in connection with happiness set point ? — I’d love to learn more — the references, please.

01:29:06
if you have a note or prescription from a doctor it can be incorporated into an IEP or 504 plan.

01:30:10
How were you able to get the connection to the curriculum? Everytime I try to make a connection with our schools, they view it as "One More Thing" to add in versus utilizing as the curriculum.Parks & Rec person here.

01:30:16
Children & Nature Network is building an excellent database of this type of research.

01:30:40
As a non-medical professional, how can we advocate for this work?

01:31:05
Thank you for the talk. As a Camp Director of a Nature Based Day Camp, I get to see the positive impact that time in nature has on children of all ages. And in many cases the kids then take their families on the same explorations that they got to do.

01:32:14
Baltimore has a toolkit for communities to hold a Park Rx type event https://bcrp.baltimorecity.gov/special-programs/docs

01:32:45
can someone become an advocate or local coordinator to review and parks to our areas ? we have extensive parks and outdoors areas in my region that are not listed.

01:32:54
Ann Byrne, Crossway Montessori Forest School, Kensington, MD.

01:33:26
We should all let our doctor's know about it.

01:33:37
To echo Lindsey’s comment, I am not seeing many parks come up in the Search

01:35:01
It looked like he had a form on the slide show that you can add a park!

01:36:31
https://parkrxamerica.org/parks/ If you make an act you can add them it looks like

01:38:10
contemporary pediatrics.com/view/nature-play-prescription-healthier-children

01:38:21
Would retirement communities be of interest to list with Parks Rx?

01:38:21
Will you speak to Drs at their lecture opportunities? My husband is in Family med

01:40:25
The request to the retirement communities would be wonderful.

01:40:31
Thank you!

01:41:11
https://www.contemporarypediatrics.com/view/nature-play-prescription-healthier-children

01:41:46
Many retirement communities have gardens, parks, and walking paths so doctors in those communities could certainly prescribe outdoor time!

01:41:50
equity analysis! Yes!

01:41:52
This information is very wonderful so many different benefits.

01:43:15
I'm intrigued by connecting this model to corporate wellness programs. Is this a pathway to getting more funding for this great work?

01:43:57
Thank you! I have a few ideas on what I can do to spread the word about this in my community :D I will definitely be reaching out to get my park listed

01:43:57
Thanks, John!

01:44:06
Thanks, John! I emailed you!

01:44:13
Thank you John.

01:44:35
thank you John

01:44:40
Thank you!

01:44:50
I heard about a group that leads walks for Ward 8 seniors in Oxon Hill Park. Walking in a group really helps alleviate anxiety.

01:44:55
Thank you!

01:45:26
Thanks!

01:45:38
Thank you!

01:59:38
I also did a 5 minute exercise with my grandson and daughter.

01:59:41
Love the idea of painting with leaves! I have tried painting with pine needles--lots of fun!'

01:59:41
I enjoyed feeling the sun on my face and seeing the change int he leaes.

01:59:58
painting rocks with the kids

02:00:05
I gathered a collection of rocks and dew soaked clovers, dandelions, and colts feet.

02:00:08
I noticed the dew on the leaves of the clover, giving it dimension. I tried to find a 4 leaf clover!

02:00:13
stones, leaves and lavanda flowers in beautiful hug

02:00:24
That was so much fun! We have a lot of red leaves!

02:00:27
I was able to find 2 four leaf clovers :)

02:00:28
plenty of wonderful mud to work with!

02:00:30
I found dew and seeds on my fennel plant, and my Crossvine is blooming again in October?!?

02:00:32
I gathered some different shapes/ sizes of sticks and leaves. so many different colors.

02:00:34
its beautiful outside now

02:00:36
I observed at least six different perennial seeds in our perennial. I used the larger seeds and dried seed heads to make my face. I also observed the beautiful yellow leaves of the witch hazel.

02:00:47
It was a nice break :) I found some winterberries, leaves, and sticks. I realized that tulip poplar leaves look like cats so why not use them to make a cat?!

02:00:53
I can't hear you Monica.

02:01:05
lots of leaves and pine cones!

02:01:26
Nice to see my colleague, Byoung-Suk! I miss seeing her every day on campus :-)

02:01:27
Taryn - Are you able to hear now?

02:01:31
so many leaves here in NH

02:01:42
Yes, I can hear now thanks you.

02:03:13
We made a turtle out of sticks and flowers we found on our walk.

02:03:30
I sent a picture for anyone who wants to check it out. =)

02:03:49
Redbud leaves and Red oak leaves are perfect for crowns and beards! :)

02:04:04
Watched some families play on our Nature Play Area and watched some black capped chickadee and chipping sparrows on the feeders

02:05:23
My yard is full of birds — they are loving this foggy morning!

02:05:56
my favorite spaces were urban vacant lots.

02:05:59
It is rainy here but the grass is certainly a pretty green color.

02:06:33
I was surprised to see how misty and foggy it still was outside. I noticed it was extra quiet. Lots of drops hanging on the tips of leaves.

02:07:17
I gathered twigs and made a spiderweb.

02:16:17
I love that one slide they painted leaves on the building, nice!

02:17:25
I plant with the children every year. they really enjoy it

02:17:25
Love this! I wish more infants had access to outdoor play!

02:17:54
Yes, the infants love to explore in the grass.

02:18:11
I have a 2 year old and all of this speaks to my heart. She gets so so much of being outside and just playing freely

02:19:07
We have herbs, vegetables, and flowers in planter boxes on our playground.

02:19:09
www.nwf.org/echo

02:19:27
www.nwf.org/echo

02:19:36
Thanks Liz - what incredible resources!!

02:19:45
Thank you!

02:19:48
Thanks you Liz

02:19:48
is this slide on website?

02:19:49
Thank you

02:19:52
Thank you!

02:19:56
Thank you!

02:20:02
Thank you

02:20:02
thank you

02:20:12
Thank you, Liz! Great information!

02:20:13
Thank you!

02:20:13
Liz, thank you! Inspiring. Will contact you.

02:21:35
I want to learn more! Thank you!

02:22:06
Mrs. Liz thank you from the heart and thank you all precious souls.

02:22:16
Here are the COVID resources that Liz mentioned: https://www.nwf.org/echo/covid

02:22:51
did not get the name of the school...I live close to arlington

02:23:12
First Baptist Church of Clarendon

02:23:15
First Baptist Church of Clarendon

02:23:36
thank you

02:32:07
For Jason, Did you organize the loose parts? Or did the children create the path with the logs.

02:32:23
Maneuvering the loose parts that is all of life all we need to know

02:34:14
our children love to design art structures stacking rocks.

02:34:42
Love the market days idea! Fantastic!

02:34:56
Ditto and the local chef too!

02:34:58
I love that the community is involved as well... connection

02:35:20
What was the Father’s Day idea that gave mom’s the night off?

02:35:23
I love that you have incorporated community involvement.

02:35:43
We have 22 acres...we have a FAN club for discovering the woods. Families Appreciating Nature.

02:36:07
"FAN" Club?! Another brilliant idea! Thanks for sharing!

02:36:42
children and mapping are a great partnership!

02:36:54
FAN club... genius!

02:36:57
Yes, the mapping piece is also wonderful.

02:37:28
Thank you! You have done wonderful things!

02:37:31
We love paint swatches from Home Depot. We have them on a ring and match the colors with things found in nature.

02:37:32
cleaning protocols? yes, what are folks doing?

02:37:42
Thank you very informative.

02:37:43
Thank you!

02:37:44
these were amazing ideas. Love the cooking with parents

02:37:55
Thank you!

02:37:55
thanks to Jason and Liz!

02:37:57
Jason do you and your program offer professional development?

02:38:02
Jason, lovely and inspiring!

02:38:14
Wonderful presentations! Can you speak to how you handle risky play fears with parents?

02:38:28
and Byoung!

02:38:33
Jason, you noted that some older kids use the space occasionally. What adaptions to a space can you make that allows children of varying ages to still benefit and stay engaged?

02:38:46
cant wait to implement market days!!

02:38:56
Lucky kiddos! They have a great teacher and community!

02:39:13
do you leave everything out everyday or do you have shed or place to put things away?

02:39:28
Thank you Jason.

02:39:45
Liz.. how do you work with the schools on curriculum and how to use the spaces?

02:39:48
Question for Liz - Can you speak a little more about your collaboration with NAEYC and including nature learning in your QRIS?

02:39:52
https://www.nwf.org/ECHO/Connect/Professional-Development

02:39:58
It's great that you invest in your staff for PD

02:41:17
We do International Mud day and it is AWESOME! Is there a link to you and your school if I have additional questions since we are in the beginning phase of setting up our outdoor classroom in the upcoming weeks and we similar in the school environment.

02:42:00
Yes, International Mud Day is a fun way to bring in families! June 29 is Mud Day each year. :)

02:42:01
I think Mud Day is wonderful!

02:42:48
I'm thinking we need to do something with Mud Day! Thank you for the idea :)

02:43:06
I’m curious: Jason indicated he is the Environmental Education director. How is EE incorporated across all curriculum at FBCC CDC? Thanks!

02:44:18
wonderful. thank you

02:45:26
HI ROSE

02:45:26
Heyyy Rose :)

02:46:28
www.healinglandscapes.org

02:46:48
Hello Naomi! Have fun sis.

02:48:00
Hello

02:49:01
Thank you, brother Shawn!

02:49:07
Been there many times and LOVE Irvin Nature Center!

02:49:23
Even co-teachers have these fears.

02:50:28
share stick safety through made up stories.

02:50:49
You can help with many of the fears as you observe and know your children.

02:51:13
how do you deal with child with bees allergy, for example. Do you rely on notification from parents of child…are there outdoor places/plants etc that do not attract “bees..”

02:52:32
An old saying: “There is no bad weather, just the wrong clothing” ;-)

02:52:51
Absolutely!

02:52:54
YES NAOMI!!!

02:53:07
Thats a quote we're really going to live by moving into the winter with COVID :D

02:53:07
Love that, Naomi!

02:53:54
Agreed, Lauren! Us too.

02:53:56
They have a couple apps out there were you can take a picture and it tells you...which is awesome because I certainly do not have all the answers

02:53:56
I teach that quote even in my adult classes and to camp staff. Never to old to learn that knowledge.

02:54:14
"Lets explore this together"

02:54:38
I agree with everything you say. Children need to experience risk in order to grow their abilities and self-confidence. We are programmed to need risk, after all babies take on risk when they learn to walk. But regulations, particularly in Maryland, reflect the fear factor and I would suggest, even try to absence any possibility of risky play.

02:54:42
What are the names of the apps for identification?

02:54:44
That was great Rose! Thank you.

02:54:51
SEEK and iNaturalist are both good apps for ID

02:55:20
Yes, I've been using those apps a lot and sharing it with groups every chance I can

02:56:27
Thank you Rose

02:56:50
Girl Scouts love the Seek app and another is Picture this app for plants

02:56:54
iNaturalist is wonderful!

03:01:19
I've always seen bugs as a great tool for children to learn how to care about and care for living creatures.

03:01:32
Hey, my organization is reading Dr Finney’s book as a book discussion this month!

03:02:08
Dr. Finney has a wonderful Ted talk as well!

03:03:53
You right, Monica!

03:04:06
sustainable Brooklyn had a great talk about this, it also incorporated the pain, and attachment of land to grief for the BIPOC population that being in nature included healing first

03:04:25
what is Naomi's email again

03:04:55
nsachs@umd.edu

03:05:15
Article on John Muir: https://www.washingtonpost.com/climate-environment/2020/07/22/liberal-progressive-racist-sierra-club-faces-its-white-supremacist-history/?fbclid=IwAR0xPmwdCNgr3OIWuBpMawmgqJVekVKFZn7R1SjQRDDoYBAaUtUaoppd5CA

03:05:44
EXCELLENT anti-racism and the outdoors resource: https://www.findingnature.org/post/anti-racism-in-the-outdoors-resources-related-to-inclusion-diversity-equity-access

03:06:38
Naomi, is the book author Caroline Finney?

03:07:21
Rose-who is the dissertation's author?

03:07:26
Dr Ellen Sandseter?

03:07:34
Yes, Sandseter.

03:07:46
Helen Tovey has a great deal of risky play research as well.

03:07:47
How do you spell name of risky play researcher?

03:07:51
Do you have any children’s books which can be read to help children and teachers understand what animals/plants to touch and what to watch or avoid. Our children want to touch everything and voraciously hunt for toads, salamanders and turtles. They turn over stones everywhere. I’m trying to give them guidance to keep the woods safe for both the children and wildlife.

03:08:05
I love this!

03:08:21
love this! learning risk management is vital, how do we convince parents na more nervous teachers?

03:08:28
Ive seen more incidents on a trampoline than trees!

03:08:41
PSU has a continuing ed. class on Adventurous Play. I found it very helpful.

03:09:06
Children's books: The Salamander Room and The Hike are both great.

03:09:09
PSU?

03:09:19
Yes, that class on Adventurous Play is absolutely great.

03:09:21
Penn State

03:09:23
rolling down the hill/ spinning so good for the vestibular system

03:09:24
The Natural Learning Initiative and Children & Nature Network both have excellent resources on risk and play and benefits

03:09:36
swiss army knife?

03:10:28
Hand cranked drills are great too

03:10:33
We use small hammers in our preschool program.

03:11:30
Will the chat be saved and sent as a doc for the attendees?

03:11:33
We have a family campfire picnic in Spring and Fall. Nothing like cooking outdoors.

03:12:15
I knew a child who said “ooh la la” when he saw a soil knife. He had an infinity for dangerous tools.

03:12:23
We spend a great deal of time examining risk management during our Nature-Based Teacher Certification courses (www.erafans.org/teacher-certification).

03:13:10
Antioch University New England has a graduate certificate in Nature-based Early Childhood. At this point it is all virtual and going surprisingly well. There is a weeklong class on managing risk taught by Ann Stires of the Juniper Hill School in Maine.

03:15:30
Angela Hanscom, pediatric occupational therapist, delivers a great TED talk about the importance of movement and outdoor play for children

03:15:41
Oooh la la is hilarious!

03:16:53
I would love more information about how other programs who are in areas with a lot of deer ticks/Lyme handle this risk.

03:17:28
Ellen Sanseter (2010)

03:17:49
So true- positive nature experiences fostering a love and stewardship for the Earth that will only continue to grow as they grow

03:19:45
Research on nature play = nature connection in later life said early nature interaction was manipulative and destructive. Meaning digging, damming streams, smashing plants and picking leaves, etc. is part of it so we need to allow spaces to explore in that way.

03:20:19
Here is a link to the Antioch graduate certificate in Nature-based Early Childhood: https://www.antioch.edu/new-england/degrees-programs/education/nature-based-early-childhood-education-certificate/

03:21:06
I love these models, Rose!

03:21:11
Christie, I wonder if there is a group that addresses this? I would love to know about them!

03:21:25
John, I agree. That’s the research I’ve read.

03:22:43
is there some way the presenters can provide a list of education/schools and concentrations for those of us who want to continue on with certifications or higher Ed?

03:22:54
I did NOT know mosquitos were pollinators... thank you so much for that information, I already feel the shift happening!

03:23:04
Could the panelists speak to John's comments. I think a lot of us try to teach respect for nature and how can damming, picking leaves, etc. be done in a way that doesn't have lasting negative impacts?

03:23:09
So true! Same for spiders and how beneficial they are!

03:23:37
YES, ROSE!!!!

03:24:01
we call ourselves earth ambassadors!!!

03:24:15
Yes! To everything you just said, Rose! :)

03:24:25
Yes, we are the ambassadors of the earth.

03:24:56
The Biophilia Bunch

03:24:58
Fantastic presentation!

03:25:21
I enjoyed the information presented.

03:25:30
Thank you Rose and Naomi! Wonderful information!

03:25:56
This was a wonderful presentation! Thank you.

03:26:41
To John's point on the research I can see the benefits of cause and effect... seeing how pounding, daming effect the area or going through the motions of the process create a connection. I have never really thought about it through this lens before. Thought provoking.

03:26:46
Very insightful information! Thank you so much Naomi and Rose!!

03:26:48
thank you for articulating this.I have always felt this way but did'nt know how to describe it.

03:26:49
inspiring - both of you! good info

03:26:54
Thank you Rose and Naomi - So grateful to have the chance to hear your perspectives. Very inspired by your brilliance and passion for nature education - THANK YOU!

03:27:03
Thank you to all the panelists. Great information.

03:27:37
As the person also responsible for restoration at our nature sanctuary, I'm also wondering if folks have experience addressing the potential ecological damage - soil compaction, understory growth removal - of free play in the woods.

03:27:47
So inspring. Thans to both of you!!

03:27:50
I'M

03:27:50
Thank you for this, this was really helpful for somebody that is not a fan of bugs. LOve to teach about them but good to have the resources now to implement on my teaching.

03:27:56
Amazing!

03:27:57
Very inspiring! Thank you both so much!

03:28:05
thanks so much!

03:28:10
Thank you!!!

03:28:12
Thank you both so much!

03:28:17
Thank YOU!

03:28:17
Excellent! Thanks so much!

03:28:25
Thank you from a heart.

03:28:27
Thanks you to both speakers!

03:28:27
Thank you!!

03:28:37
Thanks- such great insight!

03:29:14
Thanks for including Rose & Naomi's piece in the agenda today.

03:29:25
is there a way to click the link on the slide?

03:29:35
Thank you so much for listening everyone, enjoy the rest of your day!

03:29:41
Where is Rose doing research? Thank you!

03:29:47
They will be in the chat

03:29:48
Elijah E. Cummings Nature Play Space, Druid Heights, Baltimore City: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dao3S8wtkY4&t=11sIrvine Outdoor Classroom, Owings Mills, Baltimore County: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xjrM4VQ45nk&feature=youtu.beBeth El Nature Play Space, Alexandria, Virginia: https://youtu.be/bxttiKF1-1EFalls Church Episcopal Day School, Falls Church, Virginia: https://youtu.be/8M2Mx4FhiVY

03:30:24
You can help understand how people use nature play spaces by taking this quick survey: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfGXgDj5vx8650VEKg_OBX5ue9kuhLkhjrFx2TUFNhSVyJTdg/viewform?usp=sf_link

03:30:24
thank you!loving this conference.see you in a liitle bit

03:30:30
survey link doesn't seem to work - not a hot link

05:14:47
For those of you who were in breakout 4 -- thanks so much Michelle and Briget, fantastic presentations I learned so much! You can contact Michelle at: mbyron4@gmail.com and you can contact Briget at: solarsea@comcast.net

05:23:55
Here is the script that Gloria used for “How to Heal Yourself in Nature” by Mark Coleman of Spirit Rock Meditation Center link: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1xJn-2vQeRafLX5HPupAGU2oUBTH7gyrQ5SUyLgWHVpI/edit?usp=sharing

05:24:37
Thank you Gloria - I feel better!

05:25:00
Thanks Gloria!

05:25:01
That was great.. thank you!

05:25:10
lovely!

05:26:00
how would I stop sharing my screen

05:26:10
Gloria - You've stopped

05:26:29
Very Good Thank you!

05:29:17
I have an odd question — if your program has an outside emphasis, do you provide outdoor weather gear or stipend etc. for your faculty?

05:35:29
Hello Hilary!!

05:43:15
2 carpenter: that’s a great question, especially acknowledging that early childcare professionals are not well compensated.

05:43:26
can you elaborate on what you mean when you say water “approved” to walk in?

05:46:24
Here is a sample Maintenance Plan that I create for my design clients: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1E-nBZI1wNNopmPdfbufpEgEUIvZjG35P/view?usp=sharing

05:46:30
the animal visitors are the best part

05:46:32
Thank you! Those were all great points to think about

05:48:12
deeply grateful

05:49:40
Where can you get free tree stumps?

05:50:11
Great idea!

05:50:20
tressa, many local arborists will gladly provide free tree rounds

05:50:29
@ tressa— make friends with an arborist or tree company! They often have to pay to put it in a landfill and will happily drop it off at your school.

05:51:08
Nancy will absolutely do!

05:51:23
Any ideas how to prevent erosion?

05:51:59
soil compaction can also be a maintenance issue in areas that are high traffic. in winter, we aerate all of our play areas and paths.

05:52:37
my roommate found a local tree removal company through facebook marketplace looking to get rid of trees, so online resources are great! online neighborhood platforms as well.

05:52:46
hey everyone, using the Best Mangement Practices that your local agricultural extensions have in place for livestock can easily carry over to human trafficking area!

05:52:46
We do aeration as well and focus on native plantings in areas with erosion.

05:52:49
thank you

05:52:50
Plant plants with dense roots in areas that are eroding. Then put steppers in for paths or steps to protect soil from foot traffic

05:53:17
Thank you Amanda!

05:53:18
I haven't heard any discussion about birds. Do nature play spaces include bird feeders, flowers/plants that

05:54:33
QUESTION: Can one obtain clover seed or how does one encourage this type of ground cover? Can it be replanted from other locations?

05:55:53
depending on age, kids LOVE to take ownership and help maintain. part of the day

05:56:18
clover seed is easily picked up online, in home improvement stores, and at your local livestock feed store.

05:56:55
yes, we do have feeders but they can attract mice and such {other than birds}

05:58:36
I agree with Elizabeth that feeders are great but can attract rats if you are in an urban setting. our space is just a third acre, and we have over 30 species of birds at any given time because we’ve planted for habitat and food sources (seed producing plants, nectar rich plants, leave leaf litter for insects)

05:59:03
try planting a legume us cover crop to help to grow your soil microbial life checkout Rodale institute the garden store is found online.they sell seeds online too for clover, peas and oats, and alfalfa

05:59:52
I’d love to know about an inexpensive sail shade!

06:00:32
We used an army surplus parachute for a temporary shade sail

06:00:33
Shade sails are available on Amazon

06:01:51
Yes, bird feeders are wonderful, depending on the location. I like to consider this "wildlife support". We include opportunities to feed wildlife, provide brush piles or bug hotels, water or ponds, bird houses/roosts/bat boxes, and native plants/gardens. What you incorporate certainly depends on your unique conditions, but all can offer important ways to provide caretaking and observation opportunities.

06:03:04
Facebook marketplace is a great resource.

06:03:14
The type of wood you use for stumps and logs in the play space matters— wood like cedar and locust are the most long-lived

06:03:49
I found some cheap shade sails at Lidl this summer. great quality and super cheap.

06:04:08
Where did the water pump come from for ordering?

06:04:29
The pump is from Bison Pumps

06:04:51
Genius!

06:05:22
We have some classes that do that too, Jillian. It is a great lesson for our first graders who learn about birds.

06:05:26
I think everyone can guess this, but fresh pine stumps for sitting are no good

06:05:43
I've heard black walnut lasts (but may be pricey)

06:05:49
LOTS of sap on clothes. we use hardwood and cedar.

06:05:56
What is best to type of dirt use for mud play area.

06:06:23
Any tips for creating a space that can function as both a "traditional" classroom while maintaining some of the free play components of the play spaces?

06:06:29
Although it is not a "natural" looking pump the pumps that attach to the 5 gallon bottles that go on water coolers are great for little hands... search heavy duty drinking water pump on amzon... only 10$

06:07:11
One of early speakers recommended keeping bark on; I thought that would increase the speed for decomposing - thoughts?

06:07:17
Do you see any movement toward planning outdoor learning spaces in new construction?

06:07:47
I have parent who is an arborist, giving me an endless supply of stumps, logs etc. I would suggest checking in with your local DPW or other public agencies that take down hazard trees etc. they may even have mulch/wood chips to share for free

06:08:02
Another wood source for benches, etc. is a sustainable teak company in Costa Rico https://reforestteak.com/our-mission/

06:08:15
does anyone have experience with making a temporary greenhouse as an outside play space?

06:08:18
In the spaces I do we try to remove bark and put gravel for drainage underneath logs (with soft wood chips over the gravel). Both of these extend the life

06:08:34
Keeping bark on will cause the logs to rot sooner because critters want to hide and eat under the bark. This is a huge PLUS if you want the children to find beetles! But yes, they will decompose faster which can make maintenance tough.

06:09:06
Thanks Monika!

06:09:10
LOL! Nancy I love our different angles! :)

06:09:11
what material for the ground would you suggest that is ADA compliant

06:09:17
Melanie, we keep the bark on as the children also love using simple tools to remove sometimes, but we also have a lot of logs and resources as we are surrounded by forest so we can easily replace

06:10:03
John, thanks for the resource. Very much appreciate all of you who’ve participated in educating us about nature space and play!

06:10:43
On ADA compliance -- look up Federal Access Board guidelines for outdoor accessibility. Likely you don't need ADA compliance as for buildings. Bonded gravel is what we are using at Woodend. But you can achieve accessibility with compacted trails and crushed stone.

06:11:42
to see what I mean by bonded gravel look up Klingstone.

06:11:52
I believe there is a rubber surface that can be accessible

06:12:06
Do you have any resources on the licensing aspect of creating an outdoor classroom in Baltimore County?

06:12:10
Flexipave -- they have rubber and stone combination

06:12:19
Thank you!!

06:13:33
Check out the Seattle Children's PlayGarden for ideas on accessibly outdoor play spaces.

06:13:33
I’d love more information about considerations for meeting licensing requirements when starting outdoor classrooms

06:14:33
ADA outdoors: https://www.fs.usda.gov/sites/default/files/Accessibility-Guide-Book.pdf

06:14:45
Thank you Hilary and Ali— that was a great conversation!!

06:14:46
We will be using engineered wood fiber for ADA surfaces in the education/play space.

06:15:27
Compacted EWF is a good accessible surface. I also use concrete with leaf prints

06:15:35
I think we’ve visited that Seattle play space. if it’s the one I thinking of they embraced risky play. there are extremely high climbing set ups.

06:15:38
Thank you, Fred and Monica!

06:15:57
A plug for my book- “Nature Play at Home: Creating Outdoor Spaces that Connect Children to the Natural World” It has lots of child-friendly plant lists, DIY projects and photos of nature play. Available wherever books are sold.

06:15:59
Also U.S. Access Board's 2005 Summary of Accessibility Guidelines for Play Areas: www.access-board.gov/attachments/article/1369/play-guide.pdf

06:16:45
There is also the Public Playground Safety Handbook published by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission: www.cpsc.gov/s3fs-public/325.pdf

06:17:21
I can listen only...experiencing technical difficulties

06:18:39
1- Diane

06:18:46
We considered bonded woodcarpet for accessible trails, but saw at Catoctin that they did not hold up.

06:18:53
thank you for the great program today but i need to leave.

06:19:05
Tressa 3

06:19:10
Becky 1

06:19:15
no, 6!

06:19:24
can i do a survey another way since i cannot stay?

06:19:39
1

06:19:51
Ann 5

06:19:55
3

06:20:16
i must have missed how you do that..

06:20:39
5 Kim Seoni

06:20:43
I want to be in more than 1 :D

06:21:11
4

06:21:14
got it! thank you!!

06:21:36
Tressa1 3

06:21:45
my name is infornt of my number

06:22:18
can I switch after 30 min?

06:22:20
keeps reconnecting

06:22:56
Canyou please switch me to room 3?

06:23:51
5

06:23:54
I need break room 3

06:23:55
Jason to 5 please

06:23:55
sorry

06:23:56
6

07:14:33
Charlotte...thank you so much will do!!!

07:14:59
Survey for chat: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScRYwZKUfOGaOCiqR5r7Cx0CwOknivhx-FGN1nUftIno4RL3g/viewform?usp=sf_linkMSDE Assessment link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdg-iuX6WytVuOGPW03ZBsaY6k_5BnqV_s77MvJXiRVvMTWiQ/viewform?usp=sf_link

07:15:08
This has been a really fantastic conference. Thank you! I especially appreciate that it was free — my organization has a hiring and spending freeze. I would not have been able to attend, had there been conference fees. Also, I am desperate for colleagues as I am the only one who does this work at my workplace. Thank you!

07:15:32
The MSDE one says we need permission - may need to change the permissions!!

07:15:33
Says MSDE - I need permission.

07:15:40
The MSDE says that I need permission

07:15:48
if just need Clock hours, click on the first link?

07:16:01
If we are getting core of knowledge hours for child care do I take the assessment or the survey?

07:16:04
I agree with Lee - this has been fantastic! Thank you all so much!

07:16:31
how do I get to the survey and assessment?

07:16:45
Lee, we're so glad you could join us today and glad we could offer it free of charge and allow you to chat with other like minded folks

07:16:48
have to take both if need MSDE OR JUST DO THE survey

07:16:49
Connecting with new resources and ideas!!

07:16:50
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScRYwZKUfOGaOCiqR5r7Cx0CwOknivhx-FGN1nUftIno4RL3g/viewform?usp=sf_link

07:16:54
it is asking for access to this site

07:16:56
Great info!! Thank you all.

07:16:58
A great list of resources and references

07:16:59
Is there a minimum time frame to complete these?

07:17:01
New ideas for water play!

07:17:02
a lot of great resources! thank you!

07:17:05
Involving parents and teachers in planning process

07:17:06
Yes, it works now.

07:17:07
There are a lot of great folks out there trying to get kids outdoors!

07:17:09
Looking in unlikely places for grant money or corporate sponsorship

07:17:11
Great group of new friends learning in the outdoors! Thank you for setting this up!

07:17:16
Building a play space can be affordable!

07:17:17
I only ask because I am going to have to do carpool at 4

07:17:17
I believe my favorite part was discussing the ParkRX. We are always looking for ways to promote teacher's health and this is another connection to it.

07:17:19
My moments during this conference were thinking of the winter time and such and how to winterize our stuff and as well pack up outdoor classrooms. And also Mud Day I love that idea!

07:17:23
Ways to prepare parents and teachers address concerns for risky play.

07:17:32
Our agency blocks google docs so I'll fill out from home later.

07:17:38
The outdoor break this morning forced me to think creatively about utilizing nature to make things. I took photos of my experience and sent it to the staff I work with as a new idea.

07:17:46
I am not sure how to complete this survery or assessment.

07:17:50
where is the link

07:17:54
Survey: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScRYwZKUfOGaOCiqR5r7Cx0CwOknivhx-FGN1nUftIno4RL3g/viewform

07:18:00
I like the idea of using a wood plank as a roadway, after painting it black with a white dotted line.

07:18:01
MSDE Assessment linkhttps://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdg-iuX6WytVuOGPW03ZBsaY6k_5BnqV_s77MvJXiRVvMTWiQ/viewform?usp=sf_link

07:18:03
my AHA moment was just realizing that Maryland is so much further ahead in outdoor education programs and licensing these programs than Virginia is. !

07:18:05
Risky play was also great discussion

07:18:08
Using hardwoods for play spaces and not softwoods, looking for pinch hazards.

07:18:08
I like the idea of starting with simple ideas to incorporate in the spaces we have.

07:18:16
can I have the link to the assessment it is not allowing me to gain access???

07:18:20
Nature - even with all its imperfections, bumps , spots, jags, is still valuable and whole. This includes 2-legged creatures.

07:18:25
I am looking forward to adding new materials to our prexisting outdoor music wall after being inspired from all of the great discussions we listened to today!

07:18:28
My word is “gratitude” for the people serving families during this challenging time.

07:18:32
Excited to try to add a water feature to our space. It has been wonderful to collaborate with energized educators and supporters of nature play. I really enjoyed delving into the risk vs benefit discussion. Thank you!

07:18:32
Ouch on the MD to VA slam:)

07:18:35
Survey: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScRYwZKUfOGaOCiqR5r7Cx0CwOknivhx-FGN1nUftIno4RL3g/viewform

07:18:38
MSDE Assessment linkhttps://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdg-iuX6WytVuOGPW03ZBsaY6k_5BnqV_s77MvJXiRVvMTWiQ/viewform?usp=sf_link

07:18:40
Getting connected to the Nature Rx program and realizing even more that nature preschools are in such high demand. It makes me even more motivated to look into it for the site I'm working at. Today has been so great, thank you all so much!! :D

07:18:50
got it

07:19:01
Do we have to complete assessment right now or can we break and take it in a moment?

07:19:05
It was really interesting to hear about Parks Rx! That is such a great idea for holistic health and I’m looking forward to learning more!

07:19:16
The MSDE is not presenting as a link to click.

07:19:35
If you can provide another link for the survey since Fx. Co will not allow google docs

07:19:41
MSDE Assessment: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdg-iuX6WytVuOGPW03ZBsaY6k_5BnqV_s77MvJXiRVvMTWiQ/viewform?usp=sf_link

07:20:17
thanks

07:20:24
im having trouble

07:20:41
Monica's email for word doc: director@erafans.org

07:20:55
I will need them emailed to me to complete both survey and assessment to complete them.

07:21:13
director@erafans.org

07:21:17
i filled, i learn a lot today .LOved this day thanks to everybody

07:21:50
Survey: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScRYwZKUfOGaOCiqR5r7Cx0CwOknivhx-FGN1nUftIno4RL3g/viewformMSDE Assessment linkhttps://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdg-iuX6WytVuOGPW03ZBsaY6k_5BnqV_s77MvJXiRVvMTWiQ/viewform?usp=sf_link

07:22:53
MSDE Assessment link https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdg-iuX6WytVuOGPW03ZBsaY6k_5BnqV_s77MvJXiRVvMTWiQ/viewform?usp=sf_link

07:23:00
can we get a certificate for click hours

07:23:03
clock

07:23:19
will we get a certificate of participation after the zoom

07:24:06
I was taking my test and the google assessment just disappeared and brought me back to the meeting. can I get back in?

07:24:40
when you change to full screen it bumps you back.

07:25:08
okay, thanks!

07:26:28
You're amazing Monica!

07:27:10
that is so lovely!!!

07:27:16
Love that Monica. Can you send?

07:27:25
monica I just sent you an email

07:27:25
After spending every day for so many months with barely a moment of not thinking about covid, this was a much needed respite to reset my mind to what is important in education.

07:27:26
I love that <3

07:27:26
Thanks for a fun day!

07:27:38
Great Opportunity. THANKS!!!

07:27:42
I have had a great day and learned so much. Have a great evening.

07:27:46
Thank you all this was great!

07:27:49
Thanks everyone!!!

07:27:50
thank you!

07:27:52
thanks so much!

07:27:53
Thank you everyone. It was a lovely and inspiring day.

07:28:03
Can't wait to see you again soon, hopefully outside. Thank you