This paper describes an environmental education initiative called Starting out Wild (SoW) designed for toddlers and their caretakers. The program, developed by staff and volunteers of a city parks department, engages children ages 1-3 and their parents and caretakers through outdoor learning experiences. We suggest that environmental education learning for young children should focus on nurturing positive emotional relationships with nature and keep in mind practices that are appropriate to the children's development. In this article, first we offer a rationale for situating early environmental learning in an affective approach. Next, we examine learning about the environment in the context of developmentally appropriate practice for young children, drawing on guidelines developed by the North American Association for Environmental Educators (NAAEE) and the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). Then we describe the San Antonio-based SoW program, including discussion of a sample lesson. We conclude with recommendations for practice. (author abstract)