Institutes & Symposia

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Institutes & Symposia

At the forefront of interdisciplinary dialogue and innovation lie two pivotal gatherings—The NLI Design Institutes and the Growing IN Place Symposium series. These forums converge at the crossroads of urban planning, community development, and the well-being of families and children. Spanning over a decade, they’ve championed transformative change, shaping urban landscapes with inclusivity, resilience, and foresight.

The NLI Design Institutes stand as pivotal forums for advancing nature-centric design principles, particularly concerning children’s environments. Professionals from diverse fields, including landscape architecture, education, public health, and recreation, convene to explore the transformative potential of integrating nature into the built environment. From fostering outdoor play to promoting healthy lifestyles and environmental stewardship, these institutes offer practical insights and innovative solutions that enrich the lives of children and families.

The Growing IN Place Symposium series advocates for environments that nurture health, sustainability, and community connectivity in cities. Each annual gathering brings together professionals, policymakers, educators, and advocates to explore innovative approaches to urban landscape planning. Emphasizing accessible green spaces, pedestrian-friendly pathways, and culturally vibrant neighborhoods, these symposiums envision cities as dynamic ecosystems where every resident thrives. Through collaborative discussions and shared insights, they pave the way for transformative change in urban landscapes.

Outdoor play at kidZone, North Carolina Zoo, featuring children exploring nature-based environment, educational playground design, and re-naturing urban childhood.
2022 Growing IN Place Symposium: People walking outdoors, greenery, and educational environment.

12th Annual Growing IN Place

Children engage in outdoor play at the 20th Annual NLI Design Institute, exploring nature-based learning and educational playground design.

20th Anniversary NLI Design Institute

Children explore nature with butterflies and flowers at the 16th Annual NLI Design Institute.

16th Annual NLI Design Institute

2018 Growing IN Place Symposium: Man and child walk on brick path, surrounded by greenery and trees, promoting outdoor play and nature-based learning.

Growing IN Place Symposium 2018

Outdoor garden with signs teaching children to predict, plan, observe, weed, water, and measure, promoting educational play and nature-based learning.

15th Annual NLI Design Institute

Children play in a nature-based outdoor space with wooden structures, plants, and wheelbarrow, promoting educational and accessible play.

Early Childhood Design Institute 2017

2017 Growing IN Place Symposium: Children play outdoors near trees and picnic tables.

Growing IN Place Symposium 2017

Children explore nature with binoculars, promoting outdoor play and educational design at the 14th Annual NLI Design Institute.

14th Annual NLI Design Institute

Children play in a sunny, nature-rich outdoor space with benches and pathways, promoting accessible and educational play.

Growing IN Place Symposium 2016

Children explore nature in a forested area, engaging in outdoor play and educational activities.

13th Annual NLI Design Institute

Children play on a paved path surrounded by lush greenery, promoting outdoor learning and nature-based play.

Growing IN Place Symposium 2015

Boy plays with stick in forest, promoting outdoor play and nature-based learning.

12th Annual NLI Design Institute

2014 Growing IN Place Symposium: Children play in a lush, tree-lined urban park with accessible pathways and greenery.

Growing IN Place Symposium 2014

Children explore nature in a garden, promoting outdoor play and educational design at the 11th Annual NLI Design Institute.

11th Annual NLI Design Institute

Children play near a fountain in a sunny outdoor space, promoting accessible and nature-based learning.

Growing IN Place Symposium 2013

Child explores nature at a wooden railing, surrounded by greenery and ducks, promoting outdoor play and educational design.

10th Annual NLI Design Institute

Children play on a natural playground with rocks, sand, and a slide, promoting outdoor learning and accessibility.

Growing IN Place Symposium 2012

Child plays in natural materials, promoting outdoor exploration and learning.

9th Annual NLI Design Institute

Two children walk on a path, enjoying nature, with buildings in the background.

Growing IN Place Symposium 2011

Children play outdoors in a forest setting, exploring nature and engaging in educational activities.

8th Annual NLI Design Institute

Children play on a sunny sidewalk, promoting outdoor learning and accessibility.

Growing IN Place Symposium 2010

Children play on logs in a lush outdoor setting, promoting natural learning and accessible play.

7th Annual NLI Design Institute

2009 Growing IN Place Symposium: Man and child walk on sunny sidewalk, trees and outdoor seating visible.

Growing IN Place Symposium 2009

Boy wading in water with paddle, promoting 6th Annual NLI Design Institute for outdoor play and nature-based environments.

6th Annual NLI Design Institute

2008 Growing IN Place Symposium: Family walks on sidewalk with plants and awnings, promoting outdoor play and nature-based learning.

Growing IN Place Symposium 2008

3 children play in a stream, surrounded by nature, with colorful bubbles floating above.

5th Annual NLI Design Institute

Children explore nature in a forested setting, engaging in outdoor play and educational activities.

4th Annual NLI Design Institute

Children play with toys in a natural setting at the 3rd Annual NLI Design Institute.

3rd Annual NLI Design Institute

Child plays on fish-shaped playground structure, promoting outdoor learning and nature-based play.

2nd Annual NLI Design Institute

Children engage in outdoor play, planting with soil and greenery, promoting nature-based learning at the 1st Annual NLI Design Institute.

1st Annual NLI Design Institute

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