Nature Everywhere in Boulder

Project Overview

Boulder’s Nature Everywhere Initiative is a collaboration between multiple City of Boulder departments and a growing number of community partners including Growing Up Boulder and the Cool Boulder network all working together to PLAY, LEARN and ACT to advance equitable access to nature for Boulder youth and their families.

Nature Everywhere is supported by the Children and Nature Network, a national organization working to turn the trend of an indoor childhood back out to the benefits of nature, and to increase safe and equitable access to the natural world for all.

Why this matters

When young people have access to nature, our whole community benefits. In Boulder, many young people face real challenges and barriers spanning from mental health struggles and social isolation to the effects of financial instability, increasing climate risks and limited access to care. Research at both national and local levels have found that regular, meaningful access to nature supports emotional and physical well-being, creates a sense of place and belonging and helps young people feel more hopeful to act on climate change.

Ensuring all children and families have access to nearby nature and trusted nature mentors and educators, our community can improve mental and physical health, strengthen connection and build our ability to adapt to climate change and further support the next generation in shaping a more resilient future for Boulder.

Our approach: Play, Learn, Act.

All children deserve safe, welcoming opportunities to play in nature. Regular time outdoors supports joy, creativity and well-being while helping young people build a personal connection to the natural world.

Learning in and with nature helps build understanding of local ecosystems and the role people play in protecting them. These experiences can foster positive attitudes toward the environment, deepen awareness of environmental challenges and solutions, and inspire actions that care for the Earth.

When children feel connected to nature, they are more likely to care for it and their community. Creating opportunities to lead, participate and make decisions helps young people build agency and contribute to a more sustainable future. Parents and caregivers matter, too! They play key roles as nature mentors, showing children what it looks like to love and care for nature.

Get Involved

There are plenty of ways to PLAY, LEARN, ACT in Boulder. From enjoying nature play and space activations, following ongoing placemaking projects and taking action, explore all Nature Everywhere opportunities happening throughout the city below.