The Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE) hosted its 4th annual Green Schools Symposium at the Natural History Museum, drawing educators and school leaders from across the region to explore how schools can foster environmental stewardship and student well-being through nature-based learning.

This year’s keynote speaker was Adam Bienenstock, a globally recognized advocate for nature play and outdoor learning environments. Bienenstock shared how children thrive when their senses are engaged and challenged. From reducing anxiety to building creativity and preventing long-term injuries, Bienenstock emphasized that sensory-rich environments are critical for healthy child development.

Bienenstock’s company has designed thousands of nature-focused learning spaces around the world, from Canada to Australia to New Zealand. His framework for a balanced outdoor play environment includes four essential elements: gross motor play, fine motor play, creative play and a quiet, contemplative space.

Participants took part in a log walk exercise, walking across natural logs both with shoes and barefoot to experience how sensory input changes perception and balance. Bienenstock also led a hands-on inclusive playground design workshop, encouraging educators to think critically about accessibility, creativity and the value of unstructured “risky” play.

Attendees also joined walking tours of the museum grounds where Bienenstock discussed design considerations, risk management and certification standards for nature-based play spaces. He spoke about the concepts of kinesthetic sense, sense of place and sense of wonder as guiding principles in creating meaningful outdoor environments.

The symposium also featured panel discussions on securing funding for climate and environmental projects in schools, equipping educators with tools to support sustainability efforts. The event is sponsored by the Greater Los Angeles Education Foundation (GLAEF). GLAEF President Kerry Franco asked participants to complete a survey to support the development of LACOE’s Sustainability Action Plan by May 16th to ensure their voices are included as we shape the plan.

The Green Schools Symposium continues to serve as a vital platform for networking, collaboration and innovation, inspiring schools to transform their campuses into environments that support the academic, emotional and social development of the student through connecting physically with nature on their campuses and through multi-disciplinary curriculum focused on environmental literacy.