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National | Legislation/Policy
Department of the Interior – February 08, 2010
Salazar Unveils New “Youth in the Great Outdoors” Initiative
Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar emphasized the importance of connecting young people with nature when he proposed significant expansion of the Youth in the Great Outdoors initiative. “The future of America’s treasured landscapes depends upon the next generation’s understanding of and connection to the great outdoors," said Salazar. As part of his FY 2011 budget proposal, Salazar is requesting large increases in education and recreation programs that engage youth of all ages. [+]
National | Campaign/Initiative
The White House – September 25, 2009
Obama Declares September 26 National Public Lands Day
President Obama has signed a proclamation declaring September 26, 2009, National Public Lands Day. In the words of the proclamation, this is "an opportunity for all Americans, young and old, to celebrate the majesty of our open spaces and devote our collective efforts to conserving our Nation's unique landscapes." And, "Today, we affirm our resolve to conserve these cherished spaces for our enjoyment and for that of future generations." [+]
State | Leadership
The (Connecticut) Day – September 10, 2009
Connecticut Appointee Vows to Continue No Child Left Inside Efforts
By Judy Benson
Amey Marrella, nominated by Connecticut Governor M. Jodi Rell to be the state’s new commissioner of the Department of Environmental Protection, has vowed to maintain a commitment to state parks and to the No Child Left Inside Initiative begun by her predecessor, Gina McCarthy, to foster a love of the outdoors and outdoor activities among young people.
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National | Resource
Washington Post – August 18, 2009
Washington Post: The Good Side of “Glamping”
By Lori Aratani
As the Washington Post reports, retailers and park officials across the country are scrambling to make camping easier and more comfortable for those unaccustomed to roughing it. But rather than criticizing such efforts, the Children & Nature Network’s Cheryl Charles says they should be encouraged. “I would not be critical of ‘glamping,’ ” she tells the paper. “There’s not one right way to reconnect with nature.”
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Local
(Boulder County) Daily Camera – August 03, 2009
Housing Complex Bans Unsupervised Outdoor Play
By Amy Bounds
Families in the Eagle Place Townhomes affordable housing complex in suburban Colorado are upset about a new policy that they say prohibits kids 15 and younger from playing outside without adult supervision. “Before, kids would all play together and have fun,” one resident told a local reporter. “Now it looks like a ghost town.”
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Local | Leadership
C&NN BOD member Brother Yusuf is Honored by Albany’s Commission on Human Rights
Children & Nature Network board member, Brother Yusuf Burgess, was presented with the award for his work in supporting diversity, tolerance and understanding in the Albany community. Yusuf was honored by the City of Albany's Commission on Human Rights at their first annual celebration held February 4 at City Hall. Brother Yusuf's Camps Diversity Program provides outdoor and natural resource experiences to youth, especially from urban areas, who would not otherwise have such opportunities. Through a comprehensive program of pre-camp activities, one week at DEC summer residential camp, and post-camp activities, the expectation is that some who attend will one day seek higher education and careers in environmental fields.
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International
LiveMint – December 11, 2008
A Call for More Open Spaces for Kids in India
By Himanshu Burte
In a recent article, the architect and writer Himanshu Burte laments the lack of public spaces in India where children can play. “Our cities are expanding, filling up, going higher, and digging down,” he notes. “But have we left our kids behind in the rush?”
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National | Campaign/Initiative
National Recreation and Park Association – September 07, 2009
Partnership Develops Action Plan to Reconnect Kids with Nature
Three major parks conservation organizations announced an historic partnership to confront the diminishing relationship between children and nature. The National Recreation and Park Association, National Association of State Park Directors, and National Park Service developed a five-point plan of action that includes promoting a national campaign to recognize the importance of connecting children and families to nature. [+]
State | Campaign/Initiative
Texas Parks and Wildlife – September 01, 2009
Texas Parks and Wildlife Promotes Family Nature Clubs
By Bernadette Noll
The latest issue of Texas Parks and Wildlife magazine features a primer on family nature clubs and a step-by-step guide for those interested in forming one. “By joining forces and forging a simple path to the outdoors many families have discovered that getting out on a trail or park or other natural setting is the best way to connect—not only with nature but with friends and family as well!”
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National | Legislation/Policy
Seattle Times – August 18, 2009
News of Increase in Park Visits Sparks Optimism
By Matthew Daly
The National Park Service’s announcement that there were 4.5 million more visits to national parks in the first half of this year compared to the same period a year ago has prompted much speculation about the cause for the increase. In addition to lower gas prices and the waiving of entrance fees three weekends this summer, the growing awareness of nature-deficit disorder and efforts by groups affiliated with the children and nature movement are believed to have been contributing factors.
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National | Campaign/Initiative
National Public Lands Day – August 30, 2009
Registration Open for National Public Lands Day
National Public Lands Day is the nation’s largest hands-on volunteer effort to improve and enhance the public lands Americans enjoy. In 2008, 120,000 volunteers built trails and bridges, removed trash and invasive plants, and planted over 1.6 million trees. Registration is now open for the 16th annual National Public Lands Day on September 26. [+]
Research & Studies
The Independent (UK) – November 07, 2008
Study Finds Access to Nature Improves Health
By Steve Connor
Researchers in the UK have found that living near parks and woodland boosts health, regardless of a person’s social class. It’s the first time anyone has systematically shown that the health gap between rich and poor can be decreased with the help of green spaces. The researchers hope their findings will influence planning authorities to consider making green spaces available on grounds of health and well-being.
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International | Campaign/Initiative
International Mountain Biking Association – October 29, 2008
Bike Group Introduces Gateway Trails
The International Mountain Biking Association is launching a new initiative to build what it calls "gateway trails" to broaden the recreational options available to families in urban and suburban communities. The IMBA hopes the new trail systems will “inspire kids to explore the natural world and lead to positive associations with exercise.” [+]
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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:
