Every Child Outdoors (ECO) Launches in Jamaica Plain/Roslindale

A new nonprofit focused on play and learning with nature is taking root. Every Child Outdoors (ECO) recently celebrated its launch with a joyful community gathering at the Jamaica Plain Library.

Founded by JP resident Sarah Besse, ECO works to expand access to childhoods rooted in play and nature that nurture creativity, resilience, and environmental stewardship.

ECO builds on more than a decade of work in experiential and nature-based education and is guided by an all-female board of local teachers, parents, and community members with backgrounds in education and occupational therapy.

ECO believes children grow best through nature-play and that every child deserves a joyfully muddy childhood and a strong sense of community. The organization seeks to expand access to nature-based learning through both direct programming and support for schools and community partners.

This spring, ECO is sharing strawberry plants with local family childcare programs, school gardens, and early education centers. Together with neighbors, ECO is also helping to revitalize a vacant lot in Roslindale with pollinator gardens and perennial food crops inspired by food forest principles.

Families, educators, and community members interested in learning more can visit www.every-child-outdoors.org.