Nature Connection, Partnership, and Immersion

Below is a curated list of organizations and resources that are strongly aligned with Kindred World’s mission of advancing wellness, relationship-centered living, nature connection, the Evolved Nest, and a Kinship Worldview. Rather than focusing solely on conservation, this list emphasizes organizations that foster human flourishing through connection with the natural world, particularly for children, families, educators, and communities.

KINDRED RESOURCES

Nature Connection posts, podcasts and videos on Kindred.

FROM THE NESTED WORLD LEARNING CENTER

WHY IS NATURE CONNECTION, IMMERSION, AND PARTNERSHIP IMPORTANT?

We care for those we care about. One of the causes for the planetary ecological crises humanity has brought about is the lack of caring for the rest of nature and a sense of separation from it (T. Berry, 1999; W. Berry, 2012). In the modern world, we too often forget that our species is a creature of Earth and has evolved with the rest of the natural world, which preserves us. As Jack Forbes noted (paraphrased), ‘I could lose my arms, legs, eyes and still live, but if I lose the air, the water,’ I die.

The Indigenous or kinship worldview encompasses all of life on Earth. We have a world of sentient relations. Children immersed in Nature know this. We can relearn this and can hone perception and skills to get along with our local landscape—animals, plants, waterways, soil—so that we live regeneratively instead of destructively towards All.

Foundational Nature Connection Organizations

Children & Nature Network

One of the world’s leading organizations promoting children’s healthy development through nature. Founded by Richard Louv and others, it provides research, advocacy, Nature Everywhere initiatives, early childhood resources, and policy guidance. Particularly compatible with Kindred World’s work on the Evolved Nest.

The Nature Connection

Provides trauma-informed, accessible nature experiences for people of all ages and abilities, including those in healthcare, special education, and community settings. Their emphasis on well-being, social connection, and person-centered programming closely parallels Kindred World’s values.

Association of Nature Center Administrators

Supports hundreds of nature centers throughout North America, offering professional development and best practices for environmental education.

North American Association for Environmental Education

Global leader in environmental education standards, research, and community engagement.

Early Childhood & Family Nature Organizations

Natural Start Alliance

A collaborative network supporting nature-based early childhood education.

Forest School Foundation

Promotes child-led learning in natural settings through Forest School principles.

Cedarsong Nature School

One of the pioneers of full-immersion forest kindergarten education.

Outdoor Play Canada

Research and public education focused on healthy outdoor play and risk competence.

Indigenous & Kinship-Oriented Organizations

Center for Earth Ethics

Explores Indigenous wisdom, ecological ethics, spirituality, and environmental justice.

Braiding Sweetgrass Institute

Inspired by Robin Wall Kimmerer’s work integrating Indigenous ecological knowledge with Western science.

See their Plant, Baby, Plant initiative and the Less Lawn, More Life Partner Project

Indigenous Environmental Network

Advocates for Indigenous leadership, ecological stewardship, and environmental justice.

Ecopsychology & Human Well-being

International Ecopsychology Society

Explores relationships among psychology, ecology, healing, and human development.

Center for Humans and Nature

Publishes thoughtful essays and interdisciplinary research exploring human relationships with nature.

The Biophilic Institute

Promotes biophilic design and human well-being through nature.

Outdoor Education

National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS)

Leadership and resilience through wilderness experiences.

Outward Bound USA

Adventure education emphasizing character, empathy, teamwork, and resilience.

Leave No Trace

Ethics of respectful engagement with natural environments.

Project Learning Tree

Curriculum and educator resources integrating forests, ecology, and sustainability.

Project WILD

Hands-on environmental education emphasizing wildlife and ecosystems.

Nature-Based Health

Nature and Health Alliance

Promotes the health benefits of contact with nature.

Park Rx America

Encourages healthcare providers to prescribe nature for improved health.

International Society of Nature and Forest Medicine

Research on forest bathing (Shinrin-yoku) and health outcomes.

Conservation Organizations with Strong Educational Missions

These organizations offer educational materials and community engagement opportunities that complement Kindred World’s emphasis on fostering caring relationships with the living world.

Nature-Based Schools & Networks

Children’s Museums & Nature Play

Research Centers

These institutions contribute research on resilience, empathy, well-being, and human–nature relationships that can support Kindred World’s educational mission.

Especially Compatible with Kindred World’s Vision

Among all of these, the organizations whose philosophy most closely aligns with Kindred World’s integration of the Evolved Nest, relational health, and a Kinship Worldview are:

Together, these organizations span child development, family well-being, trauma-informed practice, ecological literacy, Indigenous wisdom, health, and nature connection—making them an excellent foundation for partnerships, resource sharing, and collaborative learning within Kindred World’s mission.

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