Our Work
Ontario Children’s Outdoor Charter
Member organizations of B2N were integral in providing input that allowed this project to become reality, and they were joined by many other Ontario individuals and organizations who contributed their perspectives, including a large number of children and young adults who accounted for nearly half of all responses received. The outcome is a true reflection of your participation and we hope you’ll recognize your voice in it: thank you for playing a key role in the creation of this Charter!
Two-Year Ontario Research Program in Simcoe County
In January 2016, B2N launched a two-year Ontario research program with Simcoe County District School Board and Dr. Andrea Faber Taylor, University of Illinois, to investigate the outcome of regular time learning outdoors at school on students, educators and families.
Simcoe County District School Board is a leader in promoting outdoor learning at all its elementary schools, and Dr. Faber Taylor has produced internationally-recognized work on the impacts of nature exposure to children’s health, including the influence of time in nature on children with ADHD.
This research will investigate the impacts of regular outdoor learning time at school for kindergarten students. Results from the research, the first of its kind in Canada, will provide a framework for educators to better understand the influence of the learning environment on student success, and could generate a model for other Canadian schools.
Funding for the research program is generously provided by TD Friends of the Environment Foundation. Read the full news story in this Toronto Star article.
Education Module for Health Professionals
B2N is partnered with the Ontario College of Family Physicians on a project to deliver an education module for health professionals on the benefits of nature to human health.
Read the full news story in this Toronto Star article.
Network Weaving Training
In partnership with the Children and Nature Network, B2N is working to support a large, diverse and broadly skilled community of organizations by providing webinar training and access to Network Weaving tools. These tools will assist Network Members by allowing them to share lessons, resources, and inspirations around our shared mission to connect children and families with nature.
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This network is funded through the support of The Ontario Trillium Foundation, an agency of the Government of Ontario.