Work Session Request: Dubuque Nature EverywhereCity of Dubuque
City Council
ACTION ITEMS # 13.
Copyrighted
June 16, 2025
ITEM TITLE: Work Session Request: Dubuque Nature Everywhere
SUMMARY: City Manager recommending City Council schedule a work
session for Dubuque Nature Everywhere on July 21, 2025, at
5:30 p.m. to present an overview of their work.
SUGGUESTED Receive and File; Council
DISPOSITION:
ATTACHMENTS:
1. MVM Memo
2. Staff Memo
3. Dubuque Nature Everywhere Overview
Page 1046 of 1053
THE CITY OF
DUBE
Masterpiece on the Mississippi
TO: The Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
FROM: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager
SUBJECT: Work Session Request for Dubuque Nature Everywhere
DATE: June 10, 2025
Dubuque
AI WIN av
2007-2012.2013
2017*2019
Parks and Recreation Director Marie Ware is recommending City Council schedule a
work session for Dubuque Nature Everywhere on July 21, 2025, at 5.30 p.m. to present
an overview of their work. Dubuque in September of 2024 was chosen to become a
Nature Everywhere Accelerator Community sponsored by the Children & Nature
Network, National League of Cities, and KABOOM! Foundation after a competitive
application process. Dubuque was the first city in Iowa to be chosen. The City of
Dubuque is an active partner in this initiative.
I concur with the recommendation and respectfully request Mayor and City Council
approval.
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Mic ael C. Van Milligen
MCVM:sv
Attachment
cc: Crenna Brumwell, City Attorney
Cori Burbach, Assistant City Manager
Marie Ware, Parks and Recreation Director
Page 1047 of 1053
THE COF
DtUB E
Masterpiece on the Mississippi
TO: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager
FROM: Marie L. Ware, Parks and Recreation Director
SUBJECT: Work Session Request for Dubuque Nature Everywhere
DATE: June 9, 2025
INTRODUCTION
Dubuque
AI-lneria City
2007.2012
2013.2017
The purpose of this memorandum is to request a City Council work session for the
Dubuque Nature Everywhere on July 21, 2025 at 5.30 p.m. to present an overview of
their work.
BACKGROUND
Dubuque in September of 2024 was chosen to become a Nature Everywhere
Accelerator Community sponsored by the Children & Nature Network, National League
of Cities, and KABOOM! Foundation after a competitive application process. Dubuque
was the first city in Iowa to be chosen. The City of Dubuque is an active partner in this
initiative.
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This work session will allow Dubuque Nature Everywhere to share their progress in
setting the foundation for a community -wide Nature Everywhere vision and
implementation plan that focuses on nature connection strategies for early childhood (0-
6 years) nature connections. The Dubuque Nature Everywhere team is excited to share
an update with the City Council.
ACTION REQUESTED
I respectfully request a City Council work session for Dubuque Nature Everywhere to be
scheduled on July 21, 2025 at 5:30 p.m.
Page 1048 of 1053
The Children & Nature Network, National League of Cities, and Kaboom! selected the
City of Dubuque, IA to join a national initiative called Nature Everywhere Communities,
designed to increase equitable access to nature everywhere children live, learn, and
play.
As a project team of Dubuque Forward, our overarching goal is to ensure every young
child in Dubuque can grow up with meaningful, everyday experiences in nature. We aim to
spark a community movement that supports families, caregivers, and educators in
making nature a vibrant and accessible part of everyday life.
We envision a joyful, nature -rich childhood for every young child —where wonder
grows wild, curiosity takes root, and hope blossoms. We will do this by equipping
families, educators, and local leaders with the inspiration, spaces, and support to
Page 1049 of 1053
Early Childhood
Research shows that connecting young
children to nature during the early years of life
has many long-term benefits.
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Empowering households, caregivers, and educators with tools, trainings, continuing
education, and resources.
Collaboratively bridging gaps in equitable access.
Focusing on nature space improvements that support community climate resilience.
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Page 1050 of 1053