Cleveland's COBOR outlines twelve fundamental nature experiences every child deserves, from breathing clean air to walking tree-lined streets. Over the last several months, Renee Boronka from Western Reserve Land Conservancy worked closely with Cleveland Metropolitan School District Teacher Mary Kennedy-Brown, and her class of AP Environmental Science Students from John Marshall High School, to analyze data and compose the COBOR, which will serve as practical framework for future environmental planning and nature-based programming.

On Earth Day, the twelve AP Environmental Science students and their teacher presented the COBOR to Cleveland City Council's Committee on Workforce Education Training and Youth Development. The young scholars did an amazing job advocating for the youth of Cleveland and the passing of the resolution shows Cleveland’s commitment to helping children enjoy the benefits of time spent in nature. 

Cleveland City Council Resolution 436-2025. Adopted 4/28/25

We adopt this Children's Outdoor Bill of Rights in which all children in Cleveland have the right to:

1. Breath fresh and clean air.

2. Recreate safely on the beaches and in the waters of Lake Erie.

3. Play in clean parks, greenspaces, rivers, and streams.

4. Bike on safe trails in parks that connect community.

5. Hike and explore safely in nature.

6. Walk along tree-lined streets in their neighborhood.

7. Play in the snow, build a snowman, ride a sled, throw a snowball.

8. Dig in soil, plant and nurture a seed, watch it grow.

9. Engage and connect with their community at events in parks and greenspaces.

10. Bond with family and friends over an outdoor meal.

11. Watch the stars shine bright during a peaceful night of camping.

12. Learn in nature, building confidence to be stewards of our natural world.

A trip down memory lane!

The City of Madison, Wisconsin is one of seven cities across the US participating in an initiative to provide all children with opportunities to spend time in nature. Recognizing the power and potential of youth to shape the future of place and policies within our cities, Madison’s approach incorporated youth leadership and voice in the city-wide planning process. Lessons will be used to engage youth in other city planning processes, helping to forge more community-driven planning for our Parks and Open Space and Comprehensive Plans.

Public Health of Madison and Dane County and the city of Madison's Parks Division collaborated with Wanda Fullmore interns to explore how spending time in nature can provide valuable leadership experiences and is a space for improving peace and mental health. Nature is nearby. Nature activities can bring people together and strengthen community, in a common space. Time in nature can improve well being, especially in young children. Youth can inform and lead efforts to connect children and families to nature. Everyone deserves the chance to spend time in nature.

Nature-Based Field Trip Guide

Library Programs

Educator Grants

• Children’s Equity Nature Index was created and is being used to make decisions about where to direct resources.

• We held several community convenings- sharing data, asking for input on priorities, increasing engagement

• Launched a multi-step community engagement process to inform COBOR, have language now about the “rights”, which is with the AZ Youth Climate Coalition for their input and final revisions. Presenting to City Commissions and planning for similar presentations to County Departments.

• Proposed plan presented to Pima County department director for a nature inspired outdoor area at the NW Service Center, if completed, would create a space for families with children who are seeking benefits and programs through Pima County to explore nature.

Our team has received the Award for Innovation in Health and Wellness. This statewide award recognizes excellence in collaboration, creativity, and problem-solving to help better the community across the state in local government. We also received the honor of being presented with the President’s Award for excellence in partnership and collaboration.

This initiative is powered by amazing partners, including Danville Parks and Recreation, Danville Public Works, Dan River Basin Association, Danville Science Center, Danville Public Schools, Virginia Cooperative Extension, Virginia Master Naturalist Program, the Danville Master Gardeners, The Garden Club of Danville, The Gabriella Garden Club, Schoolfield Nature Club, and the Box Turtle Sanctuary of Virginia.

Our partners also serve on several other committees and continue to offer their programs and services to help better our city! Below are a few projects and programs that we have and continue to work on as a group.

A few of our projects and programs:

- Ballou Park Reforestation Project

- Ladybug Release Events

- Creating hands-on environmental programs for the Schoolfield Elementary afterschool Nature Club and their new Nature Class. The Nature Class occurs during school hours and focuses on SOL curriculum with hands-on nature experiences.

- Creating hands-on environmental programs for youth in the Danville Redevelopment Housing Authority.

We are so proud and happy to be a Nature Everywhere Community!!

For the first time in more than 30 years, this beloved community playground is being reimagined for exploration, play, and connection with nature. The new design will feature logs, stumps, and other nature-based play elements that spark creativity and adventure, along with the addition of 16 new trees and over 1,000 square feet of lush new plantings to bring more shade, greenery, and life to the site. Construction is expected to wrap up by summer 2026.

This project is made possible through the partnership of KABOOM!, the Mimi and Peter Haas Fund, Crankstart, Cal Fire, Wu Yee Children’s Services, SF Children & Nature, the Low Income Investment Fund, the Department of Early Childhood, and Head Start California.

Collaboration and coordination of resources is what lifts up this work and makes it easier to get more projects in the ground.