The autonomy-authority duality of shared decision-making in youth environmental action

Educators find that achieving a suitable balance between autonomy and authority in youth action projects is challenging

Schusler, T.M., Krasny, M.E., Decker, D.J., (2017). The autonomy-authority duality of shared decision-making in youth environmental action. Environmental Education Research, 23(4), 533-552.

A theory of engagement for fostering collective action in Youth Leading Environmental Change

The YLEC theory of engagement reflects the existing knowledge on youth engagement

Hickman, G., Riemer, M., YLEC Collaborative, (2016). A theory of engagement for fostering collective action in Youth Leading Environmental Change. Ecopsychology, 8(3), 167-173.

How participatory processes impact children and contribute to planning: A case study of neighborhood design from Boulder, Colorado, USA

Participatory planning can have significant positive impacts on young people while also contributing valuable ideas to the planning processes

Derr, V., Kovács, I. G., (2017). How participatory processes impact children and contribute to planning: A case study of neighborhood design from Boulder, Colorado, USA. Journal of Urbanism: International Research on Placemaking and Urban Sustainability, 10(1), 29-48.

Beyond the ‘usual suspects’? Engaging children in diverse communities in co-producing an arboretum-meadow: Professional partner perspectives

Engaging children in the co-production of nature-based solutions can foster their connections to nature

Hoyle, H., Cottrill, W., (2023). Beyond the ‘usual suspects’? Engaging children in diverse communities in co-producing an arboretum-meadow: Professional partner perspectives. Urban Forestry & Urban Greening, 79

The effect of exposure to nature on children’s psychological well-being: A systematic review of the literature

Future research should investigate the association between the quality of natural environments and children’s long-term psychological well-being

Liu, J., Green, R. J., (2023). The effect of exposure to nature on children’s psychological well-being: A systematic review of the literature. Urban Forestry & Urban Greening, 81

The teacher’s role for engagement in foraging and gardening activities in kindergarten

Early childhood educators nurture young children’s enthusiasm for learning in nature

Bergan, V., Nylund, M. B., Midtbø, I. L., Paulsen, B. H. L., (2023). The teacher’s role for engagement in foraging and gardening activities in kindergarten. Environmental Education Research

The effect of different combinations of physical activity and natural environment videos on children’s attention levels between class breaks

Viewing nature through virtual reality can be combined with physical activity to improve young children’s attention

Luo, X., Tao, M., Lu, J., Lu, L., He, X., (2023). The effect of different combinations of physical activity and natural environment videos on children’s attention levels between class breaks. BMC Pediatrics, 23(60)

Outdoor nature-based play in early learning and childcare centres: Identifying the determinants of implementation using causal loop diagrams and social network analysis

Educator confidence and agency, along with other key leveraging points, are crucial for optimal implementation of nature-based play

Zucca, C., McCrorie, P., Johnstone, A., Chambers, S., Chng, N. R., Traynor, O., Martin, A., (2023). Outdoor nature-based play in early learning and childcare centres: Identifying the determinants of implementation using causal loop diagrams and social network analysis. Health and Place, 79

Heat-resilient schoolyards: Relations between temperature, shade, and physical activity of children during recess

More tree canopy in children’s play area is associated with more moderate to vigorous physical activity

Lanza, K., Alcazar, M., Durand, C. P., Salvo, D., Villa, U., Kohl III, H. W., (2023). Heat-resilient schoolyards: Relations between temperature, shade, and physical activity of children during recess. Journal of Physical Activity and Health, 20, 134-141.

Connection to nature is associated with social-emotional learning of children

Children with a strong connection to nature have higher social emotional learning skills than those with a weaker connection to nature

Lanza, K., Alcazar, M., Chen, B., Kohl III, H. W., (2023). Connection to nature is associated with social-emotional learning of children. Current Research in Ecological and Social Psychology, 4

Nature-based early childhood activities as environmental education?: A review of Japanese and Australian perspectives

Guidelines and practices for nature-based activities with young children tend to lack a comprehensive approach to early childhood education for sustainability

Inoue, M., Elliott, S., Mitsuhashi, M., Kido, H., (2019). Nature-based early childhood activities as environmental education?: A review of Japanese and Australian perspectives. Japanese Journal of Environmental Education, 28(4)

‘Becoming-with bees’: Generating affect and response-abilities with the dying bees in early childhood education

A theatrical performance could be an effective tool for addressing sustainability issues in early childhood

Weldemariam, K., (2020). ‘Becoming-with bees’: Generating affect and response-abilities with the dying bees in early childhood education. Discourse: Studies in the Cultural Politics of Education, 41(3), 391-406.

A nature’s way—Our way pilot project case assemblage: (Re)storying child/physical literacy/land relationships for Indigenous preschool-aged children’s wholistic wellness

Cultural connections can play an important role in the wholistic wellness of Indigenous children

Riley, K., Chow, A. F., Wahpepah, K., Houser, N., Brussoni, M., Stevenson, E., Erlandson, M. C., Humbert, M. L., (2023). A nature’s way—Our way pilot project case assemblage: (Re)storying child/physical literacy/land relationships for Indigenous preschool-aged children’s wholistic wellness. Children, 10(3)

Developing sense of place through a place-based Indigenous education for sustainable development curriculum

A sustainable development curriculum developed in collaboration with an Indigenous community increased students’ sense of place

Li, Wei-Ting, Shein, Paichi Pat, (2023). Developing sense of place through a place-based Indigenous education for sustainable development curriculum. Environmental Education Research, 29(5), 692-714.

Etuaptmumk (Two-Eyed Seeing) in Nature’s Way-Our Way: Braiding physical literacy and risky play through Indigenous games, activities, cultural connections, and traditional teachings

A “two-eyed seeing” approach can support Indigenous self-determination and wholistic health

Riley, K., Chow, A. F., Wahpepah, K., Humbert, M. L., Brussoni, M., Houser, N., Erlandson, M. C., (2023). Etuaptmumk (Two-Eyed Seeing) in Nature’s Way-Our Way: Braiding physical literacy and risky play through Indigenous games, activities, cultural connections, and traditional teachings. AlterNative: An International Journal of Indigenous Peoples

“We should have held this in a circle”: White ignorance and answerability in outdoor education

Barriers to addressing settler colonialism in outdoor education programs include lack of understanding, fear, and adherence to white ignorance

Brooks, S. D., Sabzalian, L., Weiser-Nieto, R., Springer, S., (2023). “We should have held this in a circle”: White ignorance and answerability in outdoor education. The Journal of Environmental Education, 54(2), 114-131.

Visual storytelling, intergenerational environmental justice and Indigenous sovereignty: Exploring images and stories amid a contested oil pipeline project

Intergenerational visual storytelling can address issues relating to Indigenous rights and sovereignty

Spiegel, S. J., Thomas, S., O’Neill, K., Brondgeest, C., Thomas, J., Beltran, J., Hunt, T., Yassi, A., (2020). Visual storytelling, intergenerational environmental justice and Indigenous sovereignty: Exploring images and stories amid a contested oil pipeline project. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17(7)

A ramp that leads to nothing: Outdoor recreation experiences of children with physical disabilities during the COVID-19 pandemic

Children with physical disabilities face barriers to outdoor recreational activities

Vogt, A.L., Zajchowski, C.A.B., Hill, E.L., (2022). A ramp that leads to nothing: Outdoor recreation experiences of children with physical disabilities during the COVID-19 pandemic. Leisure Studies, 41(5), 742-752.

Nature experiences in childhood as a driver of connectedness with nature and action for nature: A review

Different types of nature experiences may have different effects on connectedness with nature

van Heel, B. F., van den Born, R. J. G., Aarts, N., (2023). Nature experiences in childhood as a driver of connectedness with nature and action for nature: A review. Ecopsychology, 15(4), 354-367.

The impact of music making outdoors on primary school aged pupils (aged 7–10 years) in the soundscape of nature from the perspective of their primary school teachers

The benefits of outdoor activities in nature may go beyond what can be achieved in school

Adams, D., Beauchamp, G., (2021). The impact of music making outdoors on primary school aged pupils (aged 7–10 years) in the soundscape of nature from the perspective of their primary school teachers. Journal of Outdoor and Environmental Education, 24, 37-53.

The impact of a ‘‘Three Good Things in Nature’’ writing task on nature connectedness, pro-nature conservation behavior, life satisfaction, and mindfulness in children

Interventions designed to increase nature connectedness may also promote pro-nature behaviors and life satisfaction in children

Harvey, C., Sheffield, D., Richardson, M., Wells, R., (2023). The impact of a ‘‘Three Good Things in Nature’’ writing task on nature connectedness, pro-nature conservation behavior, life satisfaction, and mindfulness in children. Ecopsychology, 15(1), 26-36.

Cripping environmental education: Rethinking disability, nature, and interdependent futures

Cripping environmental education means disrupting the able-bodiedness within the field

Schmidt, J., (2022). Cripping environmental education: Rethinking disability, nature, and interdependent futures. Australian Journal of Environmental Education

Outdoor recreation experiences in youth with visual impairments: A qualitative inquiry

Youth with visual impairments need adapted support and special programming to safely participate in outdoor recreation activities

Lieberman, L. J., Haibach-Beach, P., Perreault, M., Stribing, A., (2023). Outdoor recreation experiences in youth with visual impairments: A qualitative inquiry. Journal of Adventure Education and Outdoor Learning, 23(2), 170-183.

“It was like I was not a person, it was like I was the nature”: The impact of arts-in-nature experiences on the wellbeing of children living in areas of high deprivation

Nature and art together can support the mental and emotional well-being of children in disadvantaged communities

Moula, Z., Walshe, N., Lee, E., (2023). “It was like I was not a person, it was like I was the nature”: The impact of arts-in-nature experiences on the wellbeing of children living in areas of high deprivation. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 90

Experiencing nature with sight impairment: Seeking freedom from ableism

Individuals with a sight impairment experience ableism as one form of discrimination

Bell, S.L., (2019). Experiencing nature with sight impairment: Seeking freedom from ableism. Environment and Planning E: Nature & Space, 2(2), 304-322.

Teachers as learners: Outdoor elementary science

Outdoor Science Education program helps teachers learn science as 5th graders learn science

Carrier, S. J., Fraulo, A. B., Peterson, M. N., Stevenson, K. T., Romeo, L. M., (2023). Teachers as learners: Outdoor elementary science. Electronic Journal for Research in Science & Mathematics Education, 27(2), 1-24.

Children’s usage of inclusive playgrounds: A naturalistic observation study of play

A playground intentionally designed for accessibility and inclusion supports outdoor play among males and females and attracts children across different age groups

James, M. E., Jianopoulos, E., Ross, T., Buliung, R., Arbour-Nicitopoulos, K. P., (2022). Children’s usage of inclusive playgrounds: A naturalistic observation study of play. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(20)

Can universal design support outdoor play, social participation, and inclusion in public playgrounds? A scoping review

The physical environment plays a critical role in supporting play, social participation, and inclusion in public playgrounds

Moore, A., Lynch, H., Boyle, B., (2020). Can universal design support outdoor play, social participation, and inclusion in public playgrounds? A scoping review. Disability and Rehabilitation, 44(13), 3304-3325.

A scoping review of evidence-informed recommendations for designing inclusive playgrounds

Existing playground accessibility standards aren’t enough to ensure children of all abilities have equal and equitable play opportunities

Brown, D. M. Y., Ross, T., Leo, J., Buliung, R. N., Shirazipour, C. H., Latimer-Cheung, A. E., Arbour-Nicitopoulos, K. P., (2021). A scoping review of evidence-informed recommendations for designing inclusive playgrounds. Frontiers In Rehabilitation Sciences, 2

Nature exposure and social health: Prosocial behavior, social cohesion, and effect pathways

Exposure to nature is linked to improved social health

Arbuthnott, C. D., (2023). Nature exposure and social health: Prosocial behavior, social cohesion, and effect pathways. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 90

The meaning of the physical environment in child and adolescent therapy: A qualitative study of the Outdoor Care Retreat

Natural surroundings and biophilic design may enhance therapeutic work with children and youth

Hauge, A. L., Lindheim, M. O., Røtting, K., Johnsen, S. A. K., (2023). The meaning of the physical environment in child and adolescent therapy: A qualitative study of the Outdoor Care Retreat. Ecopsychology, 15(3), 244-258.

Nature doesn’t judge you – How urban nature supports young people’s mental health and wellbeing in a diverse UK city

Young people appreciate urban nature as a support for their mental health and wellbeing

Birch, J., Rishbeth, C., Payne, S. R., (2020). Nature doesn’t judge you – How urban nature supports young people’s mental health and wellbeing in a diverse UK city. Health & Place, 62

How do urban environments affect young people’s mental health? A novel conceptual framework to bridge public health, planning, and neurourbanism

Conceptual frameworks based on research from public health, planning, and neurourbanism can be used to promote the mental well-being of young people living in cities

Buttazzoni, A., Doherty, S., Minaker, L., (2022). How do urban environments affect young people’s mental health? A novel conceptual framework to bridge public health, planning, and neurourbanism. Public Health Reports, 137(1), 48-61.

Adolescents’ experiences in nature: Sources of everyday well-being

Nature is an important part of adolescents’ leisure time experiences and everyday well-being

Puhakka, R., Hakoköngäs, E., (2023). Adolescents’ experiences in nature: Sources of everyday well-being. Journal of Leisure Research

Adventure therapy for adolescents with complex trauma: A scoping review and analysis

Adventure therapy provides adolescents with complex trauma an opportunity for healing

Pringle, G., Boddy, J., Slattery, M., Harris, P., (2023). Adventure therapy for adolescents with complex trauma: A scoping review and analysis. Journal of Experiential Education, 46(4), 433–454.

The effect of brief exposure to virtual nature on mental wellbeing in adolescents

A brief exposure to virtual nature can promote adolescents’ mental well-being, nature connection, and spirituality

Owens, M., Bunce, H., (2023). The effect of brief exposure to virtual nature on mental wellbeing in adolescents. Scientific Reports, 13

Urban green, blue spaces and their joint effect are associated with lower risk of emotional and behavior problem in children and adolescents, a large population-based study in Guangzhou, China

Combined exposure to urban green and blue spaces may reduce the risk for emotional and behavior problems among youth

Liang, J., Yang, R., Liu, M., Pu, Y., Bao, W., Zhao, Y., Hu, L., Zhang, Y., Huang, S., Jiang, N., Pu, X., Huang, S., Dong, G., Chen, Y., (2024). Urban green, blue spaces and their joint effect are associated with lower risk of emotional and behavior problem in children and adolescents, a large population-based study in Guangzhou, China. Environmental Research

Decline in independent activity as a cause of decline in children’s mental well-being: Summary of the evidence

Children need expanded opportunities for independence to support their mental well-being

Gray, P., Lancy, D. F., Bjorklund, D. F., (2023). Decline in independent activity as a cause of decline in children’s mental well-being: Summary of the evidence. The Journal of Pediatrics, 260

“We do it anyway”: Professional identities of teachers who enact risky play as a framework for education outdoors

Teachers’ opportunities for mentorship are essential to risky outdoor play and learning in schools

Zeni, M., Schnellert, L., Brussoni, M., (2023). “We do it anyway”: Professional identities of teachers who enact risky play as a framework for education outdoors. Journal of Outdoor and Environmental Education

Running the risk: The social, behavioral and environmental associations with positive risk in children’s play activities in outdoor playspaces

Topography and other physical features of outdoor play spaces encourage children’s engagement in risky play

Loebach, J., Ramsden, R., Cox, A., Joyce, K., Brussoni, M., (2023). Running the risk: The social, behavioral and environmental associations with positive risk in children’s play activities in outdoor playspaces. Journal of Outdoor and Environmental Education

The prevalence of risky play in young children’s indoor and outdoor free play

Preschoolers engage in significantly more risky play outdoors than indoors

Sandseter, E. B. H., Kleppe, R., Sando, O. J., (2021). The prevalence of risky play in young children’s indoor and outdoor free play. Early Childhood Education Journal, 49, 303-312.

Enable, reconnect and augment: A new ERA of virtual nature research and application

Immersive virtual nature experiences may enhance human-nature interactions and improve public health

Litleskare, S., MacIntyre, T. E., Calogiuri, G., (2020). Enable, reconnect and augment: A new ERA of virtual nature research and application. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17(5)

Elementary students’ ‘outdoor – digital’ explorations in ecology - learning through chains of transduction

Children’s learning across natural and digital environments supports developing eco-literacy

Caiman, C., Kjällander, S., (2024). Elementary students’ ‘outdoor – digital’ explorations in ecology - learning through chains of transduction. Environmental Education Research, 30(1), 83-100.

Do people who experience more nature act more to protect it? A meta-analysis

People with more nature experiences are more likely protect it

Soga, M., Gaston, K. J,, (2024). Do people who experience more nature act more to protect it? A meta-analysis. Biological Conservation, 289(110417)

From childhood blue space exposure to adult environmentalism: The role of nature connectedness and nature contact

Childhood exposure to blue space may support pro-environmental behaviors in adulthood

Stehl, P., White, M. P., Vitale, V., Pahl, S., Elliott, L. R., Fian, L., van den Bosch, M., (2024). From childhood blue space exposure to adult environmentalism: The role of nature connectedness and nature contact. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 93

The effectiveness of a community-based playgroup in inspiring positive changes in the environmental attitudes and behaviours of children and their parents: A qualitative case study

Playgroups inspire pro-environmental attitudes and behaviors for both children and their caregivers

Mintoff, Z., Andersen, P., Warren, J., Elliott, S., Nicholson, C., Byfield-Fleming, H., Barber, F., (2023). The effectiveness of a community-based playgroup in inspiring positive changes in the environmental attitudes and behaviours of children and their parents: A qualitative case study. Australian Journal of Environmental Education

Walking in nature may improve affect but not cognition

Walking in nature improved affect, not cognition, for California undergraduates

Trammell, J., Harriger, J. A., Krumrei-Mancuso, E. J., (2024). Walking in nature may improve affect but not cognition. Frontiers, 18

Long-term exposure to greenspace and anxiety from preschool and primary school children

Greenspace at home and school is associated with reduced anxiety among children

de la Osa, N., Navarro, J., Penelo, E., Valentí, A., Ezpeleta, L., Dadvand, P., (2024). Long-term exposure to greenspace and anxiety from preschool and primary school children. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 89

The influence of interaction with nature in childhood on future pro-environmental behavior

The emotional bond between a child and nature is a central influence on future environmental behaviors

Křepelková, S. D., Krajhanzl, J., Kroufek, R., (2020). The influence of interaction with nature in childhood on future pro-environmental behavior. Journal of Baltic Science Education, 19(4), 536 - 550.

Noticing nature on the waterways

Cameras can help children notice nature

Smith, T. A., Pitt, H., (2024). Noticing nature on the waterways. Children's Geographies