Nature Preschool Adaptations for a Changing Climate

Citation: Underwood, C. (2026, January 21).  Nature preschool adaptations for a changing climate. [Webinar]. Natural Start Alliance, Virtual.

As climate change brings more frequent periods of extreme heat, wildfire smoke, and shifting seasonal conditions, nature preschools are adjusting how they plan for and support outdoor learning. These evolving patterns are prompting programs to revisit daily routines, communication practices, and long-term planning to ensure children can continue to learn, play, and thrive outdoors safely and joyfully.

In a webinar that took place on January 21, 2026, we heard from Claire Underwood, a Natural Start Alliance Graduate Student Network leader, to learn about findings from a national study exploring how nature-based early learning programs across the country are responding to climate-related challenges. Participants learned about what strategies are working, where programs are facing barriers, and how educators are innovating to keep children safe, connected to nature, and thriving outdoors.