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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
California Coalition Partners
California Coalition Partners
National Coalition Partners
National Coalition Partners
Where Things Stand
Where Things Stand
Timeline Details
Timeline Details
Phase 0: Investigation
Phase 0: Investigation
July – Dec 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 meeting
Phase 2: Policy Influence
Phase 2: Policy Influence
July – Dec 2025: Built Visibility & Relationships
Shared key messages and stories at conferences
Met with legislators and agencies
Jan – Sept 2026: Ran the AB 2158 Advocacy Campaign
Sponsored AB 2158, the Outdoor Learning and Environmental Literacy Act of 2026
8 bipartisan, bicameral coauthors
Unanimous support in the Assembly (77-0) and Senate Education Committee (7-0), with AYE votes from both parties and no opposition
726 organizations and individuals signed the letter of support
Held in Senate Appropriations in August 2026; lessons learned now shape the future legislative strategy
Phase 3: Advance
Phase 3: Advance
Oct 2026 – Oct 2027: Potential Activities
Meet with legislators and agencies and prepare the 2027 advocacy campaign
Identify opportunities to align existing education funds with outdoor learning
Host Sacramento Advocacy Day and a statewide coalition gathering
Coordinate workgroups to develop statewide outdoor learning guidance
Learn more
Learn more
Photo Credit (header and banners): Escondido Creek Conservancy
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