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Dubuque Nature EverywhereCopyrighted July 21, 2025 City of Dubuque WORK SESSION # City Council ITEM TITLE: 6:00 PM - Dubuque Nature Everywhere SUMMARY: Dubuque Nature Everywhere will provide an update on their progress in establishing a community -wide Nature Everywhere vision and developing an implementation plan that focuses on strategies for connecting young children (ages 0-6) with nature. SUGGUESTED DISPOSITION: ATTACHMENTS: 1. MVM Memo 2. Staff Memo 3. Dubuque Nature Everywhere 1-pager 4. Presentation 5. 24-9-3 Council Packet - Nature Everywhere Accelerator Community Letter of Support and Appointment of City Representative to Lead Page 9 of 720 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 for Dubuque Nature Everywhere DATE: July 16, 2025 Dubuque AI WIN av 2007-2012.2013 2017*2019 Interim Parks and Recreation Director Stephen Fehsal is providing information for the July 21, 2025, 6:00 p.m. Work Session Dubuque Nature Everywhere. Mic ael C. Van Milligen MCVM:sv Attachment cc: Crenna Brumwell, City Attorney Cori Burbach, Assistant City Manager Stephen Fehsal, Interim Parks and Recreation Director Marie Ware, Acting Project and Facilities Manager Page 10 of 720 THE COF DtUB E Masterpiece on the Mississippi TO: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager FROM: Stephen J. Fehsal, Interim Parks and Recreation Director SUBJECT: Work Session for Dubuque Nature Everywhere DATE: July 15, 2025 INTRODUCTION Dubuque A I-Amen cm City 2007.2012 2013.2017 The purpose of this memorandum is to share background information, achievements since becoming a Nature Everywhere Accelerator Community, and the presentation for the City Council work session for Dubuque Nature Everywhere on July 21, 2025. BACKGROUND The following background is being shared to be able to use the time in the work session on Dubuque Nature Everywhere's most recent efforts and future work. September 3, 2024 The Council approved to be a part of the Nature Everywhere Accelerator Community Technical Assistance application, approved a letter of support signed to be signed by the Mayor, and appointed Parks and Recreation Director Marie Ware as the City representative on the local leadership team. Nature Everywhere is an initiative of Children & Nature Network, National League of Cities, and the KABOOM! Foundation. The application for the Nature Everywhere Accelerator Community Technical Assistance committed to the following: • Development of a community -wide Nature Everywhere vision and implementation plan using a systems -change approach that focuses on nature connection strategies such as early childhood nature connections at a community -wide scale-, elevating equitable access-, and engaging BIPOC partners.' o Identify, advance, and scale a community -wide vision • Activation of city government, school districts, and grassroots momentum for nature access. The application outlined the assistance areas of equitable access in August of 2024. The work we are doing now in the implementation phase of the Nature Everywhere Accelerator Community is focused on removing barriers, success for all, welcoming and supportive environments, and community engagement. Page 11 of 720 • Full participation in o Three-day in person vision lab October 28-30, 2024 in Milwaukee to learn about successful nature connection and community engagement strategies. o Technical assistance meetings and Children and Nature Network and National League of Cities in person Dubuque visit. This direct planning support from experts is for a two-year timeframe. o Access to tools and resources (specifically mapping and community engagement tools o Peer learning events and a national peer learning network o Local planning initiatives Mid -September 2024 Dubuque was chosen to become a Nature Everywhere Accelerator Community Technical Assistance program 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. October 28-30, 2024 The Dubuque Nature Everywhere team attended the Nature Everywhere Vision Lab where we learned about proven nature connection strategies from technical experts and data from the sponsors, in addition to touring some on the ground successes in Milwaukee. The team identified their area of focus as early Childhood Nature Connection with the following goal and definitions. Goal: Development of an Early Childhood Nature Connection Strategy and Implementation Plan 1. Early Childhood: For this strategic planning effort Dubuque Nature Everywhere defined early childhood as being children ages 0-6. 2. Audiences: Children ages 0-6 and their caregivers, childcare providers, early childhood educators, other early childhood stakeholders. October 2024 to present The local team has been meeting bi-weekly and working on the commitments made above with the assistance of the Technical Assistance Team from Children & Nature Network and the National League of Cities. The original local Dubuque Nature Everywhere team is Jared McGovern from Wanderwood Gardens and Dubuque Forward Recreation Spaces & Natural Areas Passion Team, Lisa TeBockhorst, Director of Early Childhood Education Dubuque Community School District, Daniele Willis and Kaitlin Schmidt of St. Mark Youth Enrichment, Dee Althoff of Hills and Dales, and Marie Ware of the City of Dubuque. The team has been expanded to include more members which will be shared later in this memo. Interested community members are being recruited at the events and activities attended by Dubuque Nature Everywhere. October 2024 to present The local team has monthly technical assistance calls from the staff of Nature Everywhere and the League of Cities. The calls have focused on the community scan of programs and partners, policies and initiatives, coalition and movement building, case making and guiding decisions, equity mapping, community 2 Page 12 of 720 engagement, developing an implementation plan, and sustaining Dubuque's Nature Everywhere initiative. Each call and in between calls the team receives potential funding opportunities. December 2024 The team adopted a vision and mission. Vision Statement: Inspiring meaningful nature connections for all young children to be happy, healthy, and hopeful Mission Statement: Dubuque Children and Nature's mission is to connect all young children aged 0-6 with nature every day by 1. Inspiring a community movement to foster awareness and buy -in for Nature Everywhere 2. Empowering households, caregivers, and educators with tools, trainings, continuing education, and resources 3. Collaboratively bridging gaps in equitable access 4. Focusing on nature space improvements that support community climate resilience January 2025 Dubuque Nature Everywhere teamed up with Dubuque Forward as the fiscal agent with connection to their Recreation Spaces & Natural Areas Passion Team. The Team is supported by Wendy Scardino, Director of Dubuque Forward, Claira Sieverding Kapraun and Debi Butler of Dubuque Forward. Kaytlan Moeller, Outreach Coordinator for Dubuque County Conservation has now joined the Dubuque group and brings great expertise and insights. January 2025 The team applied for and received a seed funding grant of $50,000 from Children & Nature Network, National League of Cities, and KABOOM! Foundation. This grant included the hiring of a part-time position approx. (20 hrs/week) to work on the initiative and community engagement as well as supplies to assist with meetings, gatherings, and give giveaways. This support has been extremely helpful as the initiative engages the public in the plan. January 2025 to present The team developed a one -pager to explain the Dubuque Nature Everywhere initiative (attached). Branding for Dubuque Nature Everywhere was developed and is now being used. The team created our community's assessment using a workbook provided by Children & Nature Network which includes a policy scan, review of relevant organizational plans, research for relevant stakeholders, programs/ experiences, policies. Community focus groups have begun to engage many community experts in this focus area. The team will also be attending and out in the community at events meeting people where they are and hearing their input. Each of these activities will be used in the development of an action plan. The team determined one action step they wish to accomplish is to engage the community, develop, gain support for, and bring forward for adoption by City Council and other organizations and individuals a Dubuque Children's Outdoor Bill of Rights. Click this link for three cities examples on the right hand side of the webpage 3 Page 13 of 720 ://www.chiIdrenandnature.ora/resources/chiIdrens-outdoor-bill-of-riahts-brina- leaders-residents-together/. February 2025 The team developed a job description for Dubuque Nature Everywhere Coordinator, advertised, hired, and on -boarded Colleen McKenna part-time. May 5, 2025 The team brought the Kids to Parks Proclamation to City Council and then had a table at the Parks and Recreation kite event on May 17 at Allison Henderson to celebrate Kids to Parks day. May 2025 The national Nature Everywhere Conference was attended by Daniele Willis and Kaitlin Schmidt of St. Mark Youth Enrichment as well as Tara Roddick, Child Care Consultant Supervisor for Childcare Resource and Referral of Northeast Iowa. Tara works with childcare providers across the community and was excited to be invited to this opportunity as childcare providers (0-6) have been asking for more nature connection resources. Tara's registration was paid for by the Children and Nature Network. June -July 2025 The Dubuque Nature Everywhere Team has been planning for and begun community engagement and focus groups. Q6*401::111*]►1 During this work session Dubuque Nature Everywhere will share their progress in and setting the foundation for a community -wide Nature Everywhere vision and the implementation plan that focuses on nature connection strategies for early childhood (0- 6 years) nature connections. ACTION REQUESTED I respectfully share this memo and presentation in preparation for the City Council Work Session to be held on July 21, 2025. Prepared by: Marie L. Ware, Acting Project and Facilities Manager and member of Dubuque Nature Everywhere 0 Page 14 of 720 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 15 of 720 Early Childhood Research shows that connecting young children to nature during the early years of life has many long-term benefits. C 01 "4f S/ Inspiring a community movement to foster awareness and buy -in. 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. Children NATIONAL � Nature LEAGUE VKIABOOM! DUoB ENLCOFCITIES A "trr.ica• onUwM......i11 n Dubuque Network COMMUNITY SCHOOLS Lets OM" - * ST. MARK �Ou"l�Vl Create Action • • • Hills&Dales ENRICHMENT THE _� A W GARDENS � Page 16 of 720 OUBUOUE IVA TV A EVERYWHERE CITE CI WORK SESSION liN JULY 21ff 2025 GU9000E NATVQt- EUERYWHERE UR WHM AND HOW -IT 0 N To inspire meaningful nature connections for all young children to be happy, healthy, and hopeful. Page 19 of 720 it HOW NATURE BENEFITS CHILDREN T Physical activity T Eye health T Vitamin D T Fetal growth T Birth weights J, Stress J, Anger Aggression T Academic performance T Creativity T Focus +attention T Impulse control T Learning engagement T Learning enthusiasm ADHD symptoms Disruptive behaviors T Social skills T Self-esteem T Environmental stewardship T Connection to people + nature T Relationship skills T Satisfaction with life See research and one =payers._ age LI0f /20 -0- •�� tea. 1 ' .3-'�:' �` � � -�.... � `.,ice► .�... witil nature. •. • - is A"BUInspiring I communitv�_ - _- Ham. i - _� IT J M v --� = If If -- C LC Wmovement to foster fir- u uawareness and buy -in. W IL .r m 0 LA _JLLwit i ilk?ILL ~— 1, Ik .�• ,.° MISSIOH To connect all young children aged 0-6 with nature every day by: Empowering households, caregivers, and educators with tools, training, resources. Page 22 of 720 40 mi I N To connect all young children aged 0-6 with nature every day by: Collaboratively bridging yaps in access and belonging. KI MI I N To connect all young children aged 0-6 with nature every day by: Focusing on nature space improvements that support community climate resilience. Page 24 of 720 HOW WE GOT HERE � SEPT Dubuque selected as Nature Everywhere Accelerator Community! ocT— Vision, mission, strategies. Messaging, branding. PRESENT Community scans of stakeholders, programs, policies, and funding. NUY-JUN Research, preparation for focus groups and events, and community events. Proclamation —Kids to Parks. JUN-JUL Focus groups/community engagement meetings and increasing every day. 10 Page 25 of 720 WHATffs NEXT? Focus groups continue, equity mapping, parents' survey, JUL-AUG site visit from the Children and Nature Network, and the National League of Cities. SEP-OCT Summarize findings, quotes, themes, maps, presentations of community engagement. NOV-DEC Children's Outdoor Bill of Rights, quick wins based on engagement, action plan based on engagement, working groups created, fundraising, and grants. Page 26 of 720 DU9000E NATVQt- EUERYWHERE Focus GROUP THEMES T _7■r_LJ- NIGH PR I ES The Arboretum, Miracle League of Dubuque Complex, Comiskey Park, Bee Branch Creek Greenway, River Museum, and Mowing to Monarchs are favorites 6ensory-friendly design, accessible trails, multi -use water features, proximity to diverse neighborhoods. Free gear and education Dubuque County Conservation's free kayak, snowshoe, and ski lending breaks cost barriers and improves programming. Interacting with nature in your own backyard. Multiuse greenways .. Linear corridors connect splash pads and playgrounds, enabling families (often on bikes or scooters) to discover new spaces organically. Page 28 of 720 �r "Nature is in your own 1 backyard. If you have a tree, a mud pile, an anthill kids are learning from that," •r _ IL RRIER T NATURE Adult engagement + confidence Parents hesitate to take young kids outdoors if they didn't have a strong connection to nature as children. Parents put too much emphasis on structure and visible outcomes. Logistics + costs >> Weather- appropriate clothing, transportation, and time constraints hamper participation. Perceived safety + liability Fear of bugs, injury, or legal repercussions (e.g., bee stings at schools) leads to overly structured programming. Page 30 of 720 y "Kids mirror their parents. When a 3-year-old says they're afraid of spiders or they can't go outside because it's too cold, they're echoing what they've heard." V rr 1 WA .� J. r foil 0 A RRIER TO NATURE Information gaps Many families don't know what's available or how to access scholarships, gear, or new park features. Cultural norms + social judgment » Caregivers often worry they'll break unspoken rules of outdoor play or be judged by neighbors and peers. "It's the adults." Under -represented groups Single parents, families with children with disabilities, teens (as sibling caregivers), and 0-6-year-olds themselves. Page 32 of 720 "It's his dignity. If he struggles, I can get him through it. We can decide whether to try it again. s But if he struggles and somebody else sees it, I feel like a terrible parent because I set him up to fail. �+ Somebody else has a bad f image of him, and that's not his fault." M "I think many of our residents have access to parks. A lot fewer have access to nature ." 0 1 " i • .a Rol • f. 41 lI L'� fir. y • � 4 4.• IDEAS � ASPIRATIONS Bring nature to families Pop-up kits and small-scale urban installations (e.g., planters, play "Puddles") in neighborhoods with limited green space. Integrate into existing processes » Embea nature-frienaiy aesign into routine park and city work to reach families without new costs. Reach underrepresented families with trusted partners Partner with trusted hubs like the Multicultural Family Center. amain staff to ask for input and share nature -play resources. Page 35 of 720 "What if we brought loose parts—pinecones, microscopes —to parking lots? Because I think it's changing that mindset. Nature is literally everywhere." IDEAS � ASPIRATIONS Demystify + destigmatize Live -stream park tours and build detailed on -site guides. Which paths are best for strollers/wheelchairs? Best spots to stop for snacks? Where are kid -friendly features? Child -centered feedback Get more input from teens + kids most adults don't know what they truly want. Use sticker boards with image prompts and draw - and -tell methods to capture their preferences and interests. Page 37 of 720 Ile 0.9 ie Aw w.i•' ,. ,� i f .V F '�r^ :�1,"Y2S"t7: tr, • s y".,T . n� . , y� ?;a '.,� ..�.3 „ r.... { ♦•�- i - ,' - _ - - ! . � � I '* fr~'b=yC'- __ . � .. _tom - • �wLi�:., Y - r ?i.!'. r i!�® Y _ r � :� _ ti/��..t. "The universal language ispictures. Everyone - understands it. By incorporating images, r .� children can communicate their needs. IDEAS 0 ASPIRATIONS Better connect resources to parents —and each other Increase awareness and promotion of offerings and resources. (Hills &Dales can train staff and families on designing truly inclusive activities and tactful ways to assist caregivers when a child with a disability needs extra support.) Create stormwater "play bowls" and use natural landscape They naturally contain little explorers, give parents 360° sightlines, and keep kids safely away from road traffic. it Page 39 of 720 GU9000E NATVQE- EUERYWHERE HOW CAN I Uri n'O Ways to Participate and Gi HOW CAN I HELP? Help draft Dubuque's Children's Outdoor of Rights (COBOR). Bill Sign on to the COBOR, share it, and help us lead it to adoption. Focus on kids 0-6 in your upcoming activities, programming, and planning. Take kids 0-6 outside, explore, and play! See Austin, Baltimore, SF COBORs. Page 41 of 720 YOUR C R INPUT What outdoor Dubuque experiences should every child have the right to? • Play • Grow � • Explore _ • Understand • Feel 9 Harvest What activities are unique to our community? it Page 42 of 720 t DUBUOUE NATUAt EUERYWHERE THANK M 0;1" u�