When an appropriate pedagogy of nature-based early childhood education (NbECE) is implemented, there are myriad health and cognitive benefits for children’s development. Their learning experience becomes deep, authentic and lasting.

Merry Lea is a resource to area districts and educators in NbECE to incorporate nature-based experiences into the classroom for furthering children’s learning.

You can find upcoming professional development and observation opportunities on our webpage here:

In addition to providing professional development opportunities, we support teachers and administrators on their own journey of discovery and implementation in the following ways:

1. Written program resources
2. Program design and implementation
3. A curated list of research

We work with schools to adapt, create and implement nature-based practices or programs that get their students learning outside. Recognizing that each school’s needs and settings are unique, our partnership models are flexible and individualized. We provide varying degrees of implementation, from a 3-year track model to a consultation model.

We encourage schools we work with to consider:

1. How families and the community can be involved as critical stakeholders. Families and community partners can be engaged in supporting student success through regular updates, engagement as active participants and many other contributions.
2. How their NbECE program should be structured to meet its stated goals. This may influence the location of the program, its frequency or program elements.

No matter the type of partnership, we want to support educators in adapting and designing NbECE into their settings. We are a resource for training, philosophy development, classroom connections and other support as needed.

Reach out to Marcos Stoltzfus at marcosas@goshen.edu to learn more about partnering with us.

Research and Resources: Nature-based Education

What is a Nature Preschool? How do Forest Kindergartens support students’ growth? What are the benefits of a nature-based education program?

This resource is a collection of pedagogies, philosophies and cited benefits associated with nature schools that are back by research. These cited sources are hyperlinked and made available for further reading to: aid educators in incorporating nature-based practices into their classrooms, provide justification for administrators or parents, or simply inform interested parties.