Natural Learning Initiative

05/13/2026

We were honored to welcome Fariha Tariq to the Natural Learning Initiative office. A former student of Robin Moore, Tariq now serves as Dean at the University of Management and Technology located in Lahore, Pakistan. Her visit focused on fostering future collaboration and strengthening connections between North Carolina State University and UMT.

04/29/2026

On April 8, the Natural Learning Initiative (NLI) took part in NC State’s first-ever Extended Reality (XR) Showcase—an interactive “playground” where faculty and staff explored the future of learning.

Instead of a traditional presentation, attendees moved freely between stations, experiencing immersive tools developed through a 2023–2024 DELTA Exploratory grant. From virtual reality (VR) to augmented reality (AR), participants got hands-on with technologies transforming how we teach and learn. 🎮🌱

04/22/2026

Join the NLI network for FREE webinars featuring the five speakers from the NLI 18th Institute.
Peter Gray, PhD, will discuss how, over the past 75 years, multiple societal forces have limited children’s free play, independence, and outdoor freedom—and the movements now working to reverse this trend.
Register here: https://naturalearning.org/design-institute-2025/

03/25/2026

Make Your Mark by supporting the Natural Learning Initiative at NC State University, building on more than 25 years of continuous work advancing outdoor learning environments for children and communities. Your gift will help support students, expand research, design innovation, and bring nature-rich learning spaces to communities that need them most. Together, we can create healthier places for children to grow and learn.

https://dayofgiving.ncsu.edu/early?campaign_id=253559&utm_campaign=do-lmhipp&utm_source=&utm_medium=referral&fallback_message=Natural%20Learning%20Initiative%20Fund%20(045014)&utm_term=DOG26LINKB

03/23/2026

The story follows four friends through a day of outdoor discovery. From racing trikes on looping pathways to whipping up “treats” in a mud kitchen, the “Butterfly Buddies” highlight how naturalized spaces foster physical activity and healthy habits in our youngest learners. While over 700 copies have been delivered to Grow Outdoors SC in Columbia, SC for distribution to childcare centers, those interested in the project are encouraged to reach out!

03/11/2026

Join Dr. Cheryl Charles to talk about the Global Action being taken to ensure every
child has the right to nature. From international policy to the "mycelial network" of advocates on the ground—find out how you fit into the future of nature-based education.
Find out more here: https://naturalearning.org/rcn-webinar-series/

01/21/2026

Welcome Nazia Afrin Trina, PhD!
Dr. Trina is an NLI Postdoctoral Scholar in Biophilic Design for Optimal Child Development, supported by the Natural Learning Initiative 25th Anniversary Award through the College of Design at NC State University. Bangladesh-style, she prefers to be known to her colleagues as “Trina.”

12/18/2025

The Conestee Nature Playscape has been nominated for USA Today’s 10 Best New Attractions of 2025! NLI designed this playscape located in Greenville, South Carolina. If you have enjoyed this playscape, NLI would be grateful for your support. You can cast your votes here: https://10best.usatoday.com/awards/best-new-attraction/

11/20/2025

On October 22, NLI hosted its 18th Design Institute, a milestone event celebrating the global children and nature movement and 25 years of NLI’s work in advancing healthy childhoods through biophilic free play and learning, driven by design research, education, resource dissemination, and multimedia communication. The day brought together designers, educators, researchers, and advocates to reflect on progress, share insights, and look ahead to the next generation of child-friendly, nature-rich environments.

11/18/2025

Five giant trolls have arrived at Dix Park! Crafted from reclaimed wood by Danish artist Thomas Dambo, these whimsical sculptures invite visitors on a magical trek through the park—blending art, nature, and a message of environmental care.

10/16/2025