OUR STORY

A dedicated group of nature-based preschool directors, teachers, and childcare providers dreamed of a professional association where they could find specialized support and local training to help all children benefit from nature-based education. Founding director Monica Wiedel-Lubinski reached out to leaders from across the region with a call to action to establish what was initiatlly known as the Eastern Region Association of Forest and Nature Schools (ERAFANS). All of them rose to the occasion. 

These founding members forged our association in late 2016, one in purpose, to provide support, services, and inspiration to nature-based educators with the ultimate goal of giving all children access to meaningful nature-based education. We incorporated as a non-profit in November 2016, and became a 501(c)3 non-profit organization in June 2017. In July 2024, having long since outgrown the 'Eastern' region and serving thousands of educators across the U.S. and around the globe (far beyond forest and nature schools), we formally changed our name to the Association for Nature-Based Education (ANBE).

The forest and nature school movement continues to flourish, as does the need for nature-based education in every setting, for every child. There is an ever-growing need for relevant professional development for teachers working in (or working towards creating) nature-based schools, childcare, and programs of all kinds. ANBE is thrilled to be part of the solution!