Lead the Change

Outdoor education programs have gained attention in recent years as an effective way to foster environmental stewardship and awareness. These programs immerse participants in nature to provide hands-on learning experiences that deepen students’ understanding of ecosystems, sustainability, and conservation. As climate change and environmental challenges intensify, outdoor education serves as a tool for equipping individuals—especially young people—with the knowledge and motivation to care for their environment.

The increasing popularity of outdoor education programs today builds on a long history of environmental learning initiatives. Let’s explore some key examples.

The Evolution of Environmental Education

The concept of outdoor education in America has deep historical roots, influenced by early educational theorists like John Dewey, who emphasized experiential learning as a way to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. In the 20th century, the environmental movement fueled the rise of structured outdoor education programs, such as the establishment of outdoor learning centers and the passing of the Environmental Education Act of 1970. This act founded the Office of Environmental Education and provided funding for teacher training, curriculum development, and research. It also laid the groundwork for future policies on sustainability and environmental responsibility.

However, outdoor education is not a new concept—it has long been central to Indigenous and global cultural traditions. Native American communities have practiced Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) for generations, passing down environmental wisdom through oral traditions, storytelling, and hands-on learning. TEK emphasizes a deep relationship with nature, sustainability, and conservation. Programs like the Native Science Field Centers and the Indigenous Environmental Network continue to integrate TEK into modern environmental education.

Globally, other cultures have embraced outdoor learning for centuries. In Scandinavia, the philosophy of friluftsliv ("open-air life") encourages direct interaction with nature, which is reflected in forest schools where children spend extensive time outdoors, fostering environmental responsibility. Similarly, in New Zealand, Maori environmental education programs like Te Kura Taiao integrate Indigenous knowledge with conservation, teaching students about biodiversity, sustainability, and cultural responsibility.

In the United States, the popularity of outdoor education programs have remarkably increased in recent years. A 2020 report by the North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE) found that the number of forest schools and nature preschools has surged nearly 25 times since 2010, with numbers doubling from approximately 250 in 2017 to 585 in 2020.

Over time, these initiatives evolved in response to societal shifts, including growing awareness of climate change, the push for sustainability, and concerns about children’s decreasing interaction with nature, which Richard Louv refers to as "nature-deficit disorder".

With this foundation in mind, let’s explore key features of modern outdoor education programs that shape environmental stewardship in students today.

The Benefits of Experiential Learning on Education and Environmental Stewardship

One of the key advantages of outdoor education is its ability to engage learners through direct experiences in nature. Research has shown that hands-on outdoor activities improve environmental literacy, fostering a deeper sense of responsibility toward ecological preservation. 

Outdoor education is instrumental for cognitive development. Programs such as forest schools’ outdoor-based curricula demonstrate how immersive experiences enhance retention and cultivate lifelong environmental values. Research suggests that problem-solving and critical thinking skills improve when students engage in real-world ecological challenges. In the U.S., the National Park Service has pioneered these educational initiatives to expose students to conservation principles through guided explorations and citizen science projects. 

Outside of traditional learning, outdoor programs provide emotional and psychological benefits. Many young people experience climate anxiety, and hands-on engagement with nature offers a sense of agency, helping them channel their concerns into action. Studies also show that time spent in nature reduces stress, improves focus, and enhances social skills, all of which contribute to overall well-being.

By fostering meaningful interactions with nature, experiential learning helps shape environmental advocates, supporting research by Louise Chawla that links early exposure to nature with pro-environmental behaviors in adulthood. Additionally, community engagement initiatives within these programs foster environmental stewardship at the local level, reinforcing the idea that small, meaningful actions can lead to broader environmental change. 

To better understand the real-world impact of these programs, let’s look at some examples of successful outdoor education initiatives.

Impactful Outdoor Learning Center Programs

Several outdoor education programs across the U.S. are making a tangible impact by fostering environmental stewardship and providing hands-on learning experiences. Here are three examples:

The Green School Project (New York, NY)
This urban initiative brings environmental education into city schools by transforming rooftops and vacant lots into gardens where students learn about sustainable agriculture. Through activities like planting, composting, and harvesting, students gain practical knowledge of eco-friendly farming practices while developing a deeper connection to nature. The program fosters environmental responsibility and encourages students to think critically about food systems and sustainability in urban environments.

Genesee Valley Outdoor Learning Center (Baltimore, MD)
The Genesee Valley Outdoor Learning Center offers immersive environmental education experiences for students of all ages. By engaging in hands-on activities like wildlife tracking, ecological restoration, and team-building exercises, participants develop both practical outdoor skills and a strong sense of environmental stewardship. The program emphasizes teamwork, leadership, and conservation, encouraging students to think about the environment not just as something to learn about, but as something to actively protect and preserve.

Wild by Nature (Seattle, WA)
Wild by Nature encourages youth to explore the outdoors through activities like hiking, kayaking, and rock climbing. The program focuses on building confidence, teamwork, and environmental awareness while providing a safe and supportive space for young people to learn new outdoor skills. By spending time in nature, participants develop a stronger connection to the environment and a sense of responsibility toward its protection.

These programs highlight the diverse ways outdoor education can inspire and empower students, equipping them to become proactive stewards of the environment.

Outdoor Classroom Challenges and Opportunities

Despite its benefits, outdoor education remains inaccessible to many, particularly in marginalized communities. Barriers such as cost, lack of green spaces, and systemic inequities limit participation, creating disparities in outdoor engagement. Carolyn Finney’s work explores how racial and socioeconomic factors impact outdoor engagement.

Addressing these challenges requires intentional inclusivity strategies, such as funding support, school partnerships, and culturally relevant programming that reflects diverse experiences with nature. A 2019 NPR/Ipsos poll found that more than 80% of U.S. parents support teaching climate change in schools, with a majority of teachers—86%—agreeing that it should be part of the curriculum. However, despite this widespread support, many teachers report that they do not cover climate change awareness in their classrooms, citing reasons such as it falling outside their subject area or lack of resources. Policy changes, such as state and federal initiatives promoting environmental literacy, can play a pivotal role in improving access to this information.

The need for a generation of environmentally literate citizens is growing ever more urgent, as the impact of climate change intensifies. As climate-related challenges increase, environmental education will become even more instrumental in preparing young people to engage with and address these global issues.

By training educators to work in diverse settings—from urban parks to rural communities—programs can increase the reach and impact of outdoor education. When environmental education is widely accessible, it can truly transform the way we engage with our planet and equip future generations with the tools they need to create a sustainable, just world.

Environmental Education Master’s Program at Bard University

For those interested in leading outdoor education initiatives, Bard University’s Master’s in Environmental Education offers specialized training in environmental stewardship and experiential learning. The program emphasizes hands-on fieldwork, immersive teaching methods, environmental science, policy, and communication, equipping graduates to design impactful outdoor education programs. 

With a focus on place-based education, students gain real-world experiences in diverse environments, from urban parks to rural farmlands, and develop the skills to teach in various settings. The program’s professional preparation includes a required internship, offering practical experience at government agencies, NGOs, museums, or educational centers worldwide.

Bard’s M.Ed. blends academic rigor with career-focused training, preparing students to become leaders in environmental education and tackle growing environmental issues.

Ready to begin your journey in environmental education? 

Request more information about Bard’s M.Ed. in Environmental Education, or read our blog on 6 Reasons to Become an Outdoor Educator.