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.
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
- The Nature Conservancy
- National Wildlife Federation
- Sierra Club
- Audubon
- World Wildlife Fund
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
- Forest School Association
- Nature Preschool Professional Practice Network
- Green School International
- International School Grounds Alliance
Children’s Museums & Nature Play
- Association of Children’s Museums
- Nature Explore
Research Centers
- Yale Center for Environmental Communication
- Stockholm Resilience Centre
- Center for Healthy Minds
- Greater Good Science Center
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:
- Children & Nature Network
- The Nature Connection
- Natural Start Alliance
- Center for Humans and Nature
- Center for Earth Ethics
- Braiding Sweetgrass Institute
- Park Rx America
- International Ecopsychology Society
- Nature Explore
- Greater Good Science Center
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.