Smithsonian Evaluated Nature-Based Learning Barriers
A 2025 national survey identified funding and training as primary obstacles for early childhood educators.
Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Education — General
Live Poll
Should your local public schools prioritize integrating nature-based learning into their daily classroom curriculum?
In 2025, the Smithsonian conducted a national survey of 2,560 early childhood educators to identify the primary challenges preventing the implementation of nature-based learning in classrooms. Results highlighted that limited training and inadequate funding remain the most significant barriers for teachers across the country.
Why it matters
Understanding these systemic obstacles is critical because positive early childhood nature experiences are linked to long-term environmental stewardship. Addressing these gaps aims to improve the accessibility and consistency of outdoor education in classrooms.
The assessment relied on 2,560 survey responses and seven focus groups with 48 educators. Among resource sites, Pinterest was used by 10% of teachers, while Facebook and Instagram usage rates were 4% and 2%, respectively.
The players
Smithsonian
The Smithsonian is a world-renowned museum and research institution that provides educational resources and professional development programs nationwide.
The details
Private school educators integrate nature-based learning more frequently than their public school counterparts, with the highest usage reported in the Mid-Atlantic region. Conversely, educators in the Southeast US, South Central US, and the West Coast and Pacific Islands reported the lowest levels of integration.
Timeline
The Smithsonian conducted the Nature Needs Assessment survey in 2025.
Project funding for the Growing Together Cohort expires in 2027.
Culture Shift
This initiative follows a pattern set by the Growing Together Cohort, which offers structured professional development to bridge gaps identified in current teaching practices. It reflects a growing institutional movement to standardize nature-based curricula as a core component of early development.
Participating educators can receive a $1,500 stipend for attending summer workshops and $1,000 in funding for classroom Seed Projects. These resources are designed to directly offset the costs of supplies and training that previously hindered teachers from launching nature-based projects.
The takeaway
Educators who work with children under three or over five years old are currently more likely to incorporate nature-based learning into their routines. Teachers interested in this pedagogy can leverage available professional development programs to overcome common funding and training hurdles.
What happens next
The Growing Together Cohort project will continue to provide professional development and online resources through 2027, including week-long summer workshops and quarterly check-ins for participating educators.
Further reading
For more background on national classroom trends, visit the Education — General section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Smithsonian Magazine.
Live Poll
Should your local public schools prioritize integrating nature-based learning into their daily classroom curriculum?
