Celebrate Outdoor Learning this April!

“We are thrilled to see the state recognize the immense value of outdoor education,” said NHEE Board President, Lindsay Webb. “Outdoor learning promotes physical and mental well-being, enhances academic engagement, and supports environmental responsibility. April offers a fantastic opportunity to get students outside and engaged with nature.”

Here in the Upper Valley, we know how transformative outdoor learning can be. From forest explorations and schoolyard investigations to community-based climate projects, many local educators have long embraced the power of place-based ecological learning. This April, we’re thrilled to celebrate a big step forward for outdoor education across the Granite State.

New Hampshire Environmental Educators (NHEE) recently announced that Governor Kelly Ayotte has officially proclaimed April 2025 as Outdoor Learning Month in New Hampshire! This exciting proclamation encourages educators, students, and communities to step outside and experience the many benefits of outdoor learning—sparking curiosity, boosting critical thinking, and deepening connections to the unique landscapes that make New Hampshire such a special place to live and learn.

This statewide recognition was inspired by the Outside for 5 campaign, led by the North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE) Affiliate Network, of which NHEE is a proud member. The campaign’s goal is simple: get students outside for at least five minutes a day, five days a week—or really, any meaningful amount of time. It’s about making outdoor learning approachable and sustainable, one small step (or outdoor moment!) at a time.

While NHEE is highlighting outdoor learning efforts across New Hampshire, the Upper Valley Teaching Place Collaborative (UVTPC) spans both NH and VT—and we want to recognize that educators across the U.S. and Canada are also celebrating and participating in outdoor learning throughout April. Many in the UVTPC community are teachers who inspire, guide, and empower students every day—and nature can be a powerful partner in helping you do just that. Whether it’s a forest, a city park, or just outside your school building, nature offers endless opportunities to enhance your teaching and support student learning and well-being.

During the month of April, we invite you to sign up to learn more about how to:

• Incorporate an outdoor lesson or activity at least 5 minutes a day, 5 days a week—or whatever meaningful time you can.

• Use your current school curriculum and apply it to outdoor activities.

• Connect with other educators and professionals engaged in outdoor learning.

  
  

We know you juggle a lot in your day, so we’re here to provide YOU with the tools, inspiration, and support to bring the benefits of nature into YOUR classroom.

👉 Sign up today to receive FREE resources and inspiration to help you take learning outside: www.outsidefor5.com

Another fun part of the #OutsideFor5 campaign is the online Nature Artistry Showcase!

This is a unique opportunity to celebrate how time spent outdoors inspires student creativity. Submit your students’ artwork—whether it's drawings, paintings, poetry, or photos—and help inspire others with the beauty and impact of outdoor learning.

🎨 Don’t miss this chance! Visit outsidefor5.com to submit.

#NatureCreations #StudentTalent

Let’s Make April All About Outdoor Learning

Now, it’s our turn to bring Outdoor Learning Month to life! Whether you're planning a nature walk, leading an outdoor science lesson, or getting creative with schoolyard art, every moment outside counts.

Share Your Outdoor Learning Events. To help connect and celebrate efforts across the state, NHEE created a dedicated webpage to highlight NH outdoor learning events happening throughout the month. Click here to check see what's happening and join in the outdoor learning adventures.

You can submit your event to be included on the site and help spread the word.

👉 Add your outdoor learning event

UVTPC also has a community calendar and we are happy to share any events happening in the Upper Valley. Add your Upper Valley events here.

Let’s show how the Upper Valley leads the way in connecting students to place and promoting environmental stewardship—one outdoor moment at a time.