THE MUSIC FOREST PROJECTA unique attempt in Germany to combine music education with education for sustainable developmentDoes it make sense to combine music education with education for sustainable development? Are such “serious topics” even suitable for working with preschool children? Is music education in the forest or outdoors meaningful and possible? And if so, how and with what objectives can such programs be designed?We have developed a training program for music educators and worked with them to develop suitable content and formats. Children and families have participated in various setttings. The two themes of “forest” and “music,” as well as the unusual location, bring together people who would not otherwise meet. Some are interested in music, others in nature conservation, and some simply love being in the forest. But everyone—adults and children alike—shares an experience that engages all the senses, the joy of sound, and curiosity about plants and animals.In a team consisting of a biologist/forest educator and two music educators, we taught the participating teachers the necessary legal, educational, biological, and musical skills and knowledge. The implementation of these offerings for children and families always makes very specific reference to the local circumstances. In this respect, it was particularly important to develop a basic understanding of what makes sense and is possible in nature with simple means and very different conditions.Three ideas guided our project:1. Music is not only a fantastic way to convey nature education content. Engaging with music also heightens sensory perception and creates awareness of the environment as a whole.2. Approaches from elementary music education support the project’s interdisciplinary approach. Examples of this include multisensory activities and action-oriented approaches as a basis for developing knowledge and understanding of contexts.3. Children enjoy moving around in natural habitats because they offer them a wide range of stimuli. We offer them the opportunity to explore such places and get to know them in a setting tailored to their needs. Because only what people, and especially children, know can they love. And only what they love will they treat with respect and care, and preserve.There are good reasons to launch such a project. But there are still hurdles to overcome in the education system. We must continue to work to ensure that art and research in early childhood education can come together and prepare our children for their future.