Hudson Highlands Nature Museum

The Hudson Highlands Nature Museum will develop its Early Childhood Action in Nature (ECAN) project, which will increase understanding about the educational and developmental value of frequent Nature Play, or unstructured play in natural outdoor settings, in the mid-Hudson Valley. Through free programs for early childhood programs (ECPs), ECP staff trainings, and public visitor programs, ECAN will promote the value of Nature Play on the cognitive, physical, social, and emotional development of young children to two audiences: early childhood professionals and a subset of the general public that includes parents, grandparents, and caretakers of preschool-aged children. The project will increase opportunities for Nature Play at early childhood centers, develop a community of parents and caretakers who connect about Nature Play through social media, and ultimately help more children develop a love of nature and a desire to care for it.