How We’re Building Nature-Based School Environments That Help Students Thrive

Across West Michigan, school leaders are asking hard questions: How do we help students focus? Regulate their emotions? Engage with learning in a world built for distraction?

Increasingly, the answer starts outside. A growing body of research in child development and neuroscience confirms what educators have long sensed—time in nature restores attention, reduces stress, and creates the conditions that make deep learning possible. For schools, that means rethinking not just curriculum, but the physical and ecological spaces where learning happens.

ODC Network is a trusted, hands-on partner to lead schools through the full spectrum of nature-based engagement opportunities. Our programs and services improve wellbeing, spark curiosity, strengthen focus, and foster belonging—in school, at work, and in our neighborhoods.

That includes experience-driven education models that integrate seamlessly into school curriculum and learning spaces, design and construction of nature-rich spaces such as natural playscapes, outdoor learning environments, and trail systems, and ecological restoration and habitat design that improves ecosystem health while reducing long-term maintenance costs.

Experiential Curriculum Partnerships

We’re redefining education across West Michigan, partnering with school systems to advance an outdoor learning model that strengthens academic performance and engagement. Nature-based learning boosts focus, improves mental health, and increases participation for students of all ages.

We provide:

Fully-planned outdoor enrichment experiences aligned to curriculum
Nature-based ambassadors who co-plan and co-teach alongside classroom educators
Systems-level implementation support, from campus design to district-wide planning
Professional development for teachers and administrators

Natural Playscapes

ODC Nature Design Studio develops nature-rich play-and-learn spaces tailored to your school’s needs. For younger children, spaces often include natural climbing structures, sensory exploration areas, and loose materials that invite open-ended discovery. For older students, gathering circles, hammock areas, and flexible outdoor seating provide space to connect, reflect, and collaborate. Unlike traditional playgrounds with fixed structures, natural play environments encourage imaginative problem-solving and are significantly less expensive to maintain over time.

Research shows natural play environments:

Enhance cognitive abilities and academic performance
Reduce stress and support emotional regulation
Improve cooperation and imaginative play
Support intellectual, social, emotional, and physical development

Living Classrooms & Ecological Campus Features

School campuses are ideal settings for ecological restoration that benefits both students and the broader environment. We create immersive learning environments and give students direct connection to the natural systems around them, while reducing maintenance costs and boosting biodiversity in the long term.

Rain gardens and stormwater bioswales
Wildlife and pollinator habitats
Restoration and management of prairies, wetlands, and woodlands

Interested in learning more about how our ODC services can benefit your school, corporation, or community? Download our latest brochure or contact services@outdoordiscovery.org.

ODC Network