---

Nature Explore Program Launched by Arbor Day Foundation

If you're interested in creating or expanding a nature education program or outdoor classroom but don't know where find resources, you're in luck. The National Arbor Day Foundation's new Nature Explore program may be just what you've been looking for.

The National Arbor Day Foundation has launched the Nature Explore program, offering fun and effective resources for educators, parents and caregivers to connect young children with nature. They have created an inexpensive book, "Learning With Nature Idea Book," you can order from the website www.arborday.org/explore/ideabook/certify.cfm. Be sure to check out the tour of the model outdoor classroom.

The Foundation has also created a certification and training program, so you can attend a full-day Nature Explore workshop and share ideas with others on the website. Join a growing network of schools and organizations committed to reconnecting children with nature. Schools and organizations with outdoor classrooms and nature education can apply for the Nature Explore Classroom Certification if they meets certification standards and design or redesign an outdoor classroom using the 10 guiding principles. Find out more at the website.

---