Our Roots

Maine Early Childhood Outdoors (MaineECO) began as a small, passionate group of educators, environmentalists, and community leaders who believed in the power of nature to support early childhood development.

Inspired by the resilience and creativity of the pandemic period, the group came together to form a statewide network dedicated to ensuring that all young children in Maine have access to meaningful outdoor experiences. MaineECO was built on collaboration, shared vision, and a deep belief that connecting children to nature early and often helps them thrive.

We are grateful to the founding members and partners who laid the groundwork for this growing movement. MaineECO has now grown to a thriving membership across the state, all of whom have seen firsthand the benefits of regular outdoor learning opportunities for our children.

Become A Member

Mission:
Maine will ensure the right of every young child to access nature through a community of early childhood stakeholders supported and prepared to provide outdoor learning experiences for children and families.

Anne Adams, Network Coordinator
aadams@maineeco.org

Anne Adams is the Network Coordinator for Maine Early Childhood Outdoors (MaineECO), where she brings a deep commitment to connecting young children with the natural world. With a background in early childhood education, play-based learning and a deep personal connection to the outdoors, Anne supports MaineECO’s statewide network through strategic coordination, partnership development, and on-the-ground program support.

Her work focuses on advancing outdoor learning opportunities for all children in Maine by facilitating collaboration, organizing professional development, and advocating for systems change.

When she’s not supporting the MaineECO network, Anne can be found exploring the woods, fields, and coastlines of Maine—often in the company of children and muddy boots.

Steering Committee

Josh Bower

Cliff House Resort
Recreation and Events
Connect with me for outdoor education ideas, how to get involved in the outdoors in your area and building confidence and knowledge through experiential play.
Diane Hancock

Maine Roads to Quality
ECE Program Quality Specialist
Connect with me to work on increasing and improving the time you spend in nature with your child care progam.
Lisa Henderson

Co-Founder, Sprouts Farm and Forest Kindergarten, Millis, MA
Outdoor, Nature-Based Play Educator, Advocate and Mentor
Connect with me to learn how to integrate the magic of outdoor nature play into your early childhood program.
Rhonda Kaiser

Educare Central Maine School Director

Connect with me about how Educare’s nature-rich environment sparks curiosity and learning
Jessica Lewis

Inch By Inch Preschool
I'm passionate about learning through play while allowing children time and space to find the wonder and awe of nature. Connect with me to find ways to simplify spending more time outside in your childcare or preschool setting.
Laura Newman

Nature-Based Outdoor Play Space Consultant, Educator and Advocate
Creator of Quality Outdoor Play Environments Guidebook and the MRTQ Training “Creating Quality Outdoor Spaces. “ Connect with me to learn more about how your outdoor space can better serve children's developmental needs!
Jessica Pinkham

Faculty & Chair of Early Childhood Department, Kennebec Valley Community College
Sessa Salas

M.Ed., Director, Peopleplace Cooperative Preschool, Camden
Connect with me about being the Director of an outdoor nature-based preschool serving children ages 18 months to 5 years old and how to navigate educating families on the benefits of spending time outside with young children.
Selina Green Warren

Kindergarten Teacher & School Garden Coordinator, Kingfield Elementary School

The Forest System: A Metaphor for MaineECO

MaineECO is structured like a thriving forest ecosystem—each layer playing a vital, interconnected role.

The Overstory represents the Membership & Network Coordinator, who provides overarching connection and coordination across the network.

The Trees symbolize our three focus areas—Professional Development, Public Policy & Advocacy, and Resources—each rooted in strong leadership from the field and growing toward shared goals.

The Understory is where our purpose lives: young children in Maine, nurtured and supported through access to outdoor experiences.

Beneath it all, the Mycelium—our Steering Committee—forms the hidden yet essential network that feeds, supports, and connects all other layers, enabling the system to grow and thrive together.

This living system reminds us that each part of our work is deeply connected, and that lasting change happens through collaboration, care, and shared purpose.

MaineECO Network