On November 9th, educators and community members gathered at the San Mateo County Office of Education to learn more about the importance of exposing children to nature. Whether it’s reducing stress, providing opportunities for exercise, or serving as a living laboratory, there are many reasons to increase the amount of time we spend outside. Sharon Danks, executive director of Green Schoolyards America, provided an overview of the science behind the many benefits of being in nature. She also highlighted some amazing examples of what schools across the country and even internationally are doing to create green spaces on their campuses. Andra Yeghoian, Environmental Education Coordinator, San Mateo County Office of Education, then shared what the SMCOE is doing to increase access to outdoor education for students in the county by developing an Environmental Literacy Framework for K-12 schools. Many of the community-based organizations that provide outdoor education opportunities to county students were also there to share their resources.