DENVER, Colo. — The National Wildlife Federation’s Early Childhood Health Outdoors (ECHO) Program has been named one of the 2020 Advancing Environmental Literacy Award recipients by the Colorado Alliance for Environmental Education. Only two organizations were selected to receive this award. 

Each year individuals and organizations from around the state of Colorado are recognized and honored for their hard work and dedication in the field of environmental education. This award recognizes the outstanding contributions made to environmental literacy in Colorado through business, media, research, philanthropy, collaborative efforts or other innovative initiatives that advance the environmental literacy of Colorado citizens or the field of environmental education. 

“The benefits of connecting to nature are well-documented, collectively showing that children's social, psychological, and physical health is positively impacted. In addition, time in nature helps children gain a sense of environmental awareness, connection and responsibility,” said Sarah Konradi, ECHO program director. “Receiving the Advancing Environmental Literacy Award is a testament to our innovative, inclusive approach to making the benefits of nature play equitable and accessible for all young children.”

ECHO is creating a movement to promote a worldview where healthy, quality outdoor spaces for young children are no longer seen as ‘amenities’ but rather necessities. With ECHO, the National Wildlife Federation facilitates the creation of nature-based outdoor play settings and provides resources for caregivers, educators, and parents to activate these spaces. To date, the program has reached more than 10,000 children in Colorado and trained over 2,300 professionals to create and activate natural, dynamic outdoor spaces.