Nature Everywhere Kingston

Who is Nature Everywhere Kingston?

Nature Everywhere is a national initiative led by Children & Nature Network, National League of Cities, and KABOOM! working to increase equitable access to nature in 100 U.S. communities by 2025. In fall 2023, Kingston, NY was selected as part of the first cohort of 19 Nature Everywhere communities.

The Nature Everywhere Kingston core team includes:

Together, we are working to create equitable access to nature for Kingston youth.

Sprouting plant icon growing from a mound.

Why Nature Everywhere?

On average, today’s youth spend up to 44 hours per week in front of a screen, and less than 10 minutes a day playing outdoors.⁽¹ ⁾ For many youth, regular and safe access to nature is determined by race and ethnicity, family income, identity, and ability.⁽²⁾

Time in nature is essential for healthy development.

Learning in natural environments can boost creativity, critical thinking, and problem solving.⁽³ ⁾
Spending time in nature can support reduced anger and aggression.⁽⁴⁾
Access to parks and greenspace can foster increased physical activity and reduce the risk of obesity.⁽⁵⁾

From improving academic and social-emotional learning, to supporting physical and mental health, children thrive when they have frequent access to natural spaces, experiences, and learning.

Lightbulb icon with stylized leaf as the bulb.

Nature Everywhere Kingston Vision

All Kingston youth have a meaningful connection to nature

Nature Everywhere Kingston Values

Equitable access to nature in the City of Kingston
Collaboration between the voices of the community and institutional leadership invested in the vision
Safety and rootedness in nature for all people who live, work, and play in Kingston
Compassion and support for the diverse ways that community members prefer to engage in nature