Nature Connection

Nature Education

“The future will belong to the nature-smart—those individuals, families, businesses, and political leaders who develop a deeper understanding of the transformative power of the natural world and who balance the virtual with the real. The more high-tech we become, the more nature we need.” Richard Louv – The Nature Principle

Engaging the community in nature

Whether from a community group, volunteers or professionals, environmental educators engage the community in nature, about nature and for nature. We understand the power of living in nature—not with it, but in it. We know that people who care for the local environment are deeply connected to their place and nature.  Read on for suggestions and examples, useful resources, and ways to get involved…

How do we do it? 

Our skills and knowledge are about:

• immersing people in nature, and encouraging a sense of freedom and play  
• connecting people with their local environment, and empowering them to get involved e.g. as citizen scientists 
• facilitating groups in an outdoors environment
• recognising local Indigenous culture – past, present and future
• using technology for education. 

Our work

EE NSW delivered a terrific community nature education project (Nature Connect) that aimed to help NSW environmental educators share and improve their skills and knowledge about connecting the community to place and nature. This project was supported by the NSW Government through an Environmental Trust ‘Lead Environmental Community Groups’ (LECG) grant.  The project was primarily based in the Hunter Region and saw educators from early learning centres and schools come together to discuss ways to help their students connect with nature.

EE NSW delivered Take Me Outside NSW, based on the successful Canadian project, to help support educators across the state get kids outside. Resources from Take Me Outside NSW are available below.