Children & Nature Network - March 11, 2010
The Children & Nature Network (C&NN) was created to encourage and support the people and organizations working worldwide to reconnect children with nature. C&NN provides access to the latest news and research in the field and a peer-to-peer network of researchers and individuals, educators and organizations dedicated to children's health and well-being.
Congressional Reception for Hispanics Living Green Book
A new book called Hispanics Living Green details the community- and family-based relationship between Hispanic culture and the earth through stories of people who have steered environmental action away from individualism. The book includes the stories of the organic farmer Chris Velez, who has accepted the need of balance between conventional agriculture and organic farming, Sierra Club columnist Javier Sierra and Juan Martinez, C&NN Natural Leader Coordinator. A Congressional reception for the book will be held in Washington on March 17.
[+] find out more
Education | Event
New and Expanded Coyote’s Guide to Connecting with Nature, 2nd Edition
Expanded material provides new methods of mentoring children in nature. The second edition is more comprehensive and features beautiful full color photographs, a comprehensive index, and color codes that link the principles and activities for easier navigation. Hailed by Richard Louv, author of Last Child in the Woods, as “good medicine for nature-deficit disorder.” Visit www.naturementoring.com to learn more about the 2nd edition and take advantage of a limited-time offer. [+]
Education | Event
North Texas Parks to Offer Camping Classes
Five state parks in north Texas will host Texas Outdoor Family workshops this spring to familiarize families with the outdoors and teach them how to tent camp, cook outdoors, and get the most out of their outdoor experience. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department program is designed to combat nature-deficit disorder, and it has taught hundreds of families throughout the state since its start in 2008. [+]
Media & Culture
James Cameron: We All Suffer from Nature-Deficit Disorder
At a recent benefit for the Natural Resources Defense Council, director James Cameron talked about trying to change people's perceptions about the natural world though the blockbuster Avatar. Cameron described himself as a "nature geek" and told the audience at the fundraiser that we all suffer from nature-deficit disorder. [+]
Education
Florida Wants Network of Youth Conservation Centers
Members of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission would like to establish a statewide network of conservation centers that will provide opportunities for young people to participate in outdoor activities and strengthen their connections with and support for fish and wildlife conservation. As one commissioner put it, "We hope to create the next generation of outdoor recreation enthusiasts and conservationists who will continue the work of protecting our wildlife and natural habitats." [+]
Education
Environmental Charter School to Open in Rhode Island
Inspired by Richard Louv's Last Child in the Woods, educators in Rhode Island are creating a new charter high school open to students from across the state. The curriculum at the Greene School will focus on environmental research in a real-world setting while still meeting or exceeding all of the state education requirements, as well as standard college admission requirements. [+]
Health
New UK Report Details Ten Priorities for Action
There's growing evidence that contact with nature and the physical activity related to this contact affect not only children's well-being in the present but also their health in later life. To encourage more such contact, the Interdisciplinary Centre for Environment and Society at the University of Essex in England has released "Nature, Childhood, Health and Life Pathways," a report that describes ten priorities for policy action to improve the well-being of both children and adults. [+]
Natural Leaders Network
Natural Families Network
Natural Teachers Network
Nature Rocks
The Movement Map
Follow us on Twitter
Become a fan
Read our blog
Join us on NING
Sign up for News
Includes updated research, a progress report on the movement and an all new "Field Guide" with 100 practical actions we can take and 35 discussion points for book groups, classrooms, and communities.
As part of our ongoing efforts to build the movement, the Children & Nature Network has published two new resources for leaders, organizers, and participants at the local, national, and international levels: