Whether you’re strengthening an existing nature/environmental education program or building your first one, the challenge is the same: translating good intentions into experiences that are engaging, inclusive, and practical in your setting, with outcomes you can clearly articulate. Cornell University’s Civic Ecology Lab invites you to join Nature Education, a four-week global online course (March 2–29, 2026) focused on research-informed practice that supports well-being, learning, and stewardship.

At a glance

• Dates: March 2–29, 2026 (four weeks).
• Format: Weekly asynchronous modules (videos, readings, discussion prompts) + optional live webinar (Wednesdays, 9:00 AM–10:00 AM New York time; recorded).
• Time commitment: About 4–5 hours/week, plus an additional week to finalize your lesson plan (about 25 hours total).
• Platform: EdX Edge for modules/discussion; Zoom for live sessions.
• Credential: Cornell University certificate (PDF) documenting 25 professional development hours.
• Course Website

What you’ll do (and walk away with)

Using your own program (or a program idea), you will:

• Explore approaches such as unstructured outdoor play, forest schools, citizen science, and nature center/park programming.
• Identify the experiences and outcomes you want to support (for learners, families, and communities).
• Design a practical nature education lesson plan or activity sequence for your setting, with peer and instructor feedback.
• In addition, you’ll learn alongside a global community, adapting ideas and tools to your local context.

Who it’s for, and tuition

No prior background in nature education is required. The course is open globally and designed for school and community educators, nature center/park staff, community leaders and volunteers, university students and early-career professionals, and parents/caregivers. 

Tuition: $90 standard fee (participants in the U.S./Canada/Europe and other listed countries) and $20 reduced fee (all other countries).

LEARN MORE AND REGISTER >

Questions? Email CivicEcology@cornell.edu and include “NE” in the subject line.