Publications
2015
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
“What is the Relationship Between Risky Outdoor Play and Health in Children? A Systematic Review”
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
““What Is the Relationship between Outdoor Time and Physical Activity, Sedentary Behavior, and Physical Fitness in Children? A Systematic Review”
2013
Australasian Parks and Leisure
“The trouble with natural playgrounds... if this is really better, why is it so Hard?”
2010
Interaction: Global Perspectives in ECE
“Making the Case for Natural Playgrounds”
Curriculum Vitae
October 2026
Maine AEYC 2026 Statewide Early Childhood Conference
Keynote Speaker
“Getting Past the Grownups”
September 2026
ASTC Conference
Speaker
“Scaling Nature”
May 2026
2026 Take Me Outside Outdoor Learning Conference
Speaker
“Scaling Nature: Harnessing Humor, Hope and Data to Re-Nature our Schools, Regenerate Soil Health, Restore Immune Systems and Replenish Joy”
April 2026
College Board Forum
Speaker
Global Soil Biodiversity Conference
Speaker
“Soil Biodiversity and Play: Integrating Ecological Restoration and Climate Resilience Through Human–Nature Interactions”
March 2026
Metis Nation of Ontario - ELCC Conference
Keynote Speaker
“Getting Past the Grown-ups”
Outdoor Discovery Center
Speakers: Adam Bienenstock and Scott Sampson
February 2026
NAIS Thrive
Speaker: Adam Bienenstock and Morgan Scoville of The Fay School
“From Anxious to Anchored: Rewilding Schools Through Leadership, Sensory Learning & Community Culture”
2025
International Play Association (IPA USA)
Keynote Speaker
Green Schools Symposium, LACOE
Keynote Speaker
The Natural Way Forward Conference
Keynote Speaker
““Optimal Environments for Our Children: What’s new is old, the way nature solves most challenges, and the obvious irony of a keynote from a North American perspective””
Colorado Open Space Alliance 2025
Speaker with David Skuodas, Mile High Flood District
“Playing in the Margins: Where Open Space, Urban Space, and Community Meet”
Play England (Webinar)
Speaker
Texas Children in Nature Network Summit
Keynote Speaker & Workshop Facilitator
May 2024
Children and Nature Network Conference | Madison, WI
Panelist
“Let Them Play: How to bring the benefits of natural playgrounds and unstructured nature play to children in your community”
April 2024
Workshop Facilitator:
“Green schoolyards design for early childhood educators”
The Natural Way Forward Conference | Hasselt, BC
Keynote Speaker
“Optimal Environments for Our Children: What's new is old, the way nature solves most challenges and the obvious irony of a keynote from a North American perspective”
Workshop Facilitator:
“Designing Natural Play,” with John El-Raheb”
City of Boulder | Boulder, CO
Workshop Facilitator
“Designing Natural Play Spaces in Urban Centers,” and “Risky Business: The real data around developmental value & liability of a municipal nature play strategy”
City of Boulder
Keynote Speaker
“Play in Nature: Social, Emotional and Immunological Imperatives”
March 2024
Center for Green, NM, USASchools Conference | Santa Fe
Speaker
“Empathy, Immunity and Nature: A Symbiotic Relationship”
Feb 2024
Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota
Workshop Facilitator
“Idea Jamming & Planning Workshop”
Dec 2023
Texas Children in Nature Network Summit | Houston, TX
Keynote Speaker
“Nature Play: Practical solutions for children's physical and mental health”
May 2019
MCCA 42nd Annual Early Learning & Childcare Conference | Winnipeg, MB
Workshop Facilitator
“Exposing Parents to Risky Play” and “Where the Injuries Really Happen”
March 2019
Parks & Recreation Ontario Educational Forum | Collingwood, ON
Speaker
“Natural Playgrounds That Pass Compliance,” with Scott Belair”
May 2018
Shaping the Future Conference: A Pan-Canadian School Health Summit
Keynote Speaker & Workshop Facilitator
May 2017
Alberta Association of Landscape Design Annual General Meeting
Keynote Speaker
“Why Natural Playgrounds? With Adam Bienenstock and Jeff Lindstrom”
April 2017
Children and Nature Network Conference | St. Paul, MN
Speaker
Nov 2016
Intersections 2016 | Houston, TX
Speaker
April 2016
Urban Drainage & Flood Control District Annual Seminar | Broomfield, CO
Workshop Facilitator
Jan 2015
Halton Waldorf School | Burlington, ON
Speaker
“Connecting Children to Nature”
Nov 2014
Chicago Metro AEYC | Chicago, IL
Speaker
Early Childhood Community Development Centre | Thorold, ON
Speaker
“Cultivating Natural Playgrounds that Nurture Children’s Curiosity and Wonder: A Workshop Series to Deepen Our Thinking”
Oct 2013
Ontario Professional Planners Institute | Niagara Falls, ON
Workshop Facilitator
“Sandbox Charette,” with Robert Voigt”
Feb 2014
BCPRA Annual Parks & Grounds Spring Training | Burnaby, BC
Workshop Facilitator
“Natural Playgrounds”
Nov 2013
Risky Play Symposium
Workshop Facilitator
2013
IFPRA World Congress | Banff, AB
Workshop Facilitator
2010
University of Guelph, Landscape Architecture Program | Guelph, ON
Guest Lecturer
March 2009
Canada Blooms
Speaker