Outside with Jena Ponti Jauchius Landscape Architect for Nature Play Sensory

On the Edge with April Mahoney

Youtube versin https://youtu.be/SNdrmEqhNSM https://nisfornatureplay.com Jena, Landscape architect. Nature play expert. Artist-Builder. Garden fanatic. Mom of twins I’ve dedicated my decades-long career to designing children’s nature play areas, sensory gardens, learning landscapes, and custom playscapes. My philosophy has stayed strong - children of all abilities and diversities, from early childhood to teens, need daily access to nature-based environments so they may blossom. I’ve spent almost my entire career designing children’s nature-based play, learning, and therapeutic environments. In 2004, after a series of “A-HA moments”, I began researching neurodiversities, like autism and sensory processing disorders, because I wanted to make sure the spaces I helped create supported all kids and how each are “wired” a little (or a lot) differently. As my understanding of the neurodiverse experience grew, I realized just how important children’s sensory experiences are in play, learning, and connection. For me, nature play is one of the most powerful tools we have to regulate children’s nervous systems so they can play to their greatest ability, learn to their greatest potential, and connect in the deepest, most meaningful way they can.