Film & Panel Focus on Connecting Kids to Nature

RIVERWOODS, IL - On Sunday, April 2, Brushwood Center at Ryerson Woods and Heller Nature Center brought the Chicago region a free screening of award-winning documentary, NaturePlay. The event was well-attended with around 50 nature and education enthusiasts taking part in the event. Following the film screening, the audience toured Heller Nature Center's nature play space, Wander Woods, and participated in a panel discussion with local education experts.

The panel focused on how to get kids connecting to nature, why it is important, and what resources are available to make the connection happen. The panel was facilitated by Emilian Gesci of the North American Association for Environmental Education and Brushwood Center board member, and included Dean of Environmental Learning at Prairie Crossing Charter School, Naomi Hershiser, Executive Director of The Alliance for Early Childhood, Liza Sullivan, and Heller nature Center Naturalist, Jessica Reyes.

The film and panel, hosted at Heller Nature Center, brought a thoughtful discussion to the Chicago region community of how adults can facilitate more, and more meaningful, youth connections with nature. Brushwood Center and Heller Nature Center were thrilled to host the NaturePlay film screening and panel discussion and look forward to partnering on more events.