We’re at our best when we take our cues from nature. Whether it’s the calm of a green space or the resilience of a ravine, public spaces give us the chance to learn important lessons from the world around us.

Back to school doesn't mean back indoors. In this month’s edition of Evergreen News, we’re finding exciting new ways to learn from the great outdoors. Read on for interesting stories, exciting events and helpful resources.

Don't forget to join us for the Evergreen Conference, October 9–10, where we'll dive even deeper into the theme of learning from nature, like how to bring nature into the city, using nature as a source of wellbeing and even how to care for our vital natural assets like ravines.

"How do we make this show something greater than a hiking show and tell? How do we incite action in our young viewers to get them to turn off their screens (after the show, of course) and ask to go outside?"

Melissa Peters, co-creator of the children’s television show Secrets of the Forest, shares how she brought wonder to life on screen and offers a few ways to help children explore and appreciate the outdoors and public spaces.

Looking to nature for inspiration is something we all do — as children, as educators, as problem-solvers. That’s why some of our favourite crafts incorporate the wonder of the natural world, like leaves, pinecones and twigs. Evergreen’s outdoor educators are some of the best at creating nature crafts that are simple and fun for kids and adults alike. Check out our list of nature crafts for all ages!

Societies around the world are becoming more disconnected, fragmented and conflicted. Could parks, libraries, and schoolgrounds be part of the solution? According to Eric Klinenberg, the answer is yes.

The sociologist, scholar and 2024 Evergreen Conference speaker explains how investing in public spaces can address our cities’ most pressing challenges. 

This month marks 14 years since we opened the doors to Evergreen Brick Works. But well before the marketplace began bustling, before songs and laughter were heard in the Children’s Garden and before hands got digging in the gardens, Evergreen had invested eight years in planning, designing, proposing, constructing and piloting to transform the abandoned brick factory into a community hub.

Read the story and take a peek at some of the original renderings that inspired the Brick Works.

As the days grow shorter and the air becomes crisper, fall is the perfect time to give your garden some thoughtful care. Whether you’re prepping for next year’s harvest or preserving what remains of this season’s bounty, there are plenty of ways to keep your garden thriving through the cooler months.

The 2024 Evergreen Conference is our annual national gathering on the power of public spaces. It’s an opportunity to learn and connect with people across sectors committed to building more inclusive and sustainable communities. We're excited to share that new speakers and sessions have been added! Visit the website to learn more and buy your ticket.

Join us for workshops and experiences, with plenty of room for trail walks and fireside conversations. Some of the sessions we're excited about include:

• Hands-on activities at our PLAYcemaking Warehouse, from a Better Block build to a designing spaces with children
• Bringing Nature Into the City: Urban Stream Daylighting as a Nature-Based Solution to Climate Change with Professor Luna Khirfan
• Who Owns Public Space?
• Nature as Nurture: Impact of Public Spaces on Health and Wellbeing with Dr. Eileen de Villa and Dr. Kate Mulligan

This year’s conference redoubles our shared commitment to climate-ready spaces — and each other. Read Evergreen CEO Jen Angel on why we're coming together this year.

"Great public spaces can do so much more than just mitigate flooding. And when we build them together, unlocking community ideas and capacity and even investment to build local projects in common purpose, the positive impacts are even greater."

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