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Students and educators have a right to experience the profound health and learning benefits of spending time outdoors, therefore, we are forming a coalition to expand outdoor learning during the school day for all California students, beginning with those most vulnerable.
Why outdoor learning?
Why outdoor learning?
Outdoor learning is a research-based, cost-effective solution to many of the challenges students face today. When students learn outdoors, they experience:
Improved Health
Improved Health
Time outside reduces stress and ADHD, boosts physical activity, and enhances well-being.
Accelerated Learning
Accelerated Learning
Real-world, outdoor learning improves focus, deepens engagement, retention, and critical thinking.
Better Mental Health
Better Mental Health
Outdoor time reduces anxiety, depression, aggression, and fosters social-emotional growth.
We imagine a future where
We imagine a future where
We are building momentum through
We are building momentum through
Leading Edge Exemplars
Leading Edge Exemplars
Policy and Advocacy
Policy and Advocacy
Communications and Messaging
Communications and Messaging
Research and Evaluation
Research and Evaluation
Coalition
Coalition
Campaign Timeline
Campaign Timeline
Timeline Details
Timeline Details
Phase 0: Investigation
Phase 0: Investigation
July - June 2023: Exploration
Conducted 30+ exploratory meetings across education, health, outdoor learning, language acquisition, and policy sectors
Identified key leaders and scoped coalition structure
Phase 1: Foundation Building
Phase 1: Foundation Building
Jan — June 2024: Concept Development
Raised seed funding and launched the Campaign concept
Published Campaign call to action
July – Sept 2024: Fundraising & Planning
Articulated proposed mission, goals, and governance outline
Continued outreach to funders and exemplars
Sept 2024 – June 2025: Launch & Engage
Hosted 3 statewide convenings and shared reports:
Broad Kickoff (Sept 2024, 42 attendees) – article and summary report
Research & Evaluation Convening (April 2025, 35 attendees) – article and summary report
Leading Edge Exemplar Convening with an ELOP focus (May 2025, 30 attendees) — overview and detailed outline
Launched caoutdoorlearning.org and published storytelling content
Drafted early policy strategy and initiated early agency and legislative meetings
Phase 2: Policy Influence
Phase 2: Policy Influence
July – Dec 2025: Build Visibility & Relationships
Share key messages and stories at conferences
Meet with legislators, agencies, and candidates
Submit white papers and campaign proposals to decision-makers
Jan – June 2026: Shape Policy & Pilot Solutions
Explore the creation of a legislative outdoor learning task force
Launch communities of practice for research, leading edge exemplars
Identify opportunities to align existing education funds with outdoor learning
July – Dec 2026: Secure Long-Term Support
Host Sacramento Advocacy Day and a statewide coalition gathering
Launch formal coalition workgroups
Align with new administration priorities and finalize 2027 policy/budget proposal
Learn more
Learn more
Photo Credit: Escondido Creek Conservancy
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