Page 9 - NatureStart Network

Preface

Ours is an increasingly urbanized world. Today, more than 80% of U.S. citizens
live in cities. The NatureStart Network, the inspiration for this e-book, is
dedicated to “city kids” who live, learn, and flourish in bustling metropolises.

Nature play and exploration is vital for children’s physical, for ongoing organizational relationships and shared goals.
social, emotional, and cognitive development. Or, you could say, we planted the seeds for a wondrous
We live in the Chicago area, and when most people living organism, an ecosystem for early childhood nature
think of our city, skyscrapers come to mind; industry, play and learning.
transportation, museums, sports. But, our city was
founded with the motto: Urbs in Horto – city in a The culmination of the NatureStart Network pilot
garden—and we are dedicated to helping urban-dwelling project was a two-day symposium held at Brookfield
children find joy and learning playing in nature. Zoo, May 17-18, 2016. It was attended by 100 people
What happens when nature isn’t in your own from more than 20 organizations. In addition to the
backyard because you don’t have a backyard? Connecting NatureStart Network partner organizations, participants
with nature can happen in myriad and simple ways, even attended from the Center for Humans and Nature,
in the most industrialized, commercial, or urban settings. Chicago Botanic Garden, Chicago Park District, Chicago
The Chicago area boasts exceptional early childhood Department of Family and Support Services, Lake
educators. It also is home to 69,000 acres of natural
spaces and a corps of knowledgeable and dedicated
environmentalists. The Chicago Zoological Society
NatureStart program’s goal was to bring these educators
and environmentalists together so they could share
knowledge and resources with each other and so we could
share our proven nature play learning models with them.
What’s the NatureStart Network? It’s a collaboration
and learning community of early childhood and
environmental professionals brought together by
the Chicago Zoological Society, working together to
expand nature play opportunities within urban Chicago
neighborhoods.
The NatureStart Network was established in 2015
with support from the Institute of Museum and Library
Services (IMLS). It includes Head Start teachers and
directors, family engagement supervisors, education
managers, as well as the Forest Preserve District of Cook
County (FPDCC) naturalists, nature center directors,
outreach environmental educators, and recreation
supervisors.
Through shared learning, professional development,
and collaborative programs, we found common ground

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