CANN - Children & Nature Network Launch!

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“Even though we live in an urban place, there is nature all around us,” Board Chairman Jay Fisette said. “This is a terrific idea: It’s the parents, the kids, non-profits, the community and government coming together.”

On February 24th, a growing number of students, parents, teachers, elected officials and nonprofits  teamed up to connect children with nature.   No matter if you grew up in a suburb, on a farm, or in a big city, you probably spent a lot of time playing outside, getting covered in dirt, and coming home with a big ol' grin on your face.

The Children and Nature Network is trying to bring kids back to basics.  In our world today, for better or worse, kids are plugged in constantly. Turning down the thermostat on the technologically overheated aspect of youth has real benefits.

But why is it important to connect kids with nature?

If you are thinking about having kids or already have kids, but haven't read Richard Louv's book, Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children From Nature-Deficit Disorder, you should make time.  This book details the plethora of reasons nature is important to the development of children and learning.

Much has changed over the past few decades that have caused a major disconnect with the natural world. To name a few - computers, the internet, text messaging, iPods, DVD players in vehicles, email, gaming machines such as PlayStation, cell phones, digital cameras, yadda yadda yadda.

Did you ever think about all of the prepackaged games and entertainment for kids and how it removes the need for kids to construct games from their own mind, create forts, enjoy deep imaginative play, and explore?

I won’t hit on all the details, but some of the BIG issues linked to increased technology use and lack of nature in American youth include obesity, depression, attention deficit disorder, decreased creativity, and diminished critical thinking skills.  There are far more reasons than just the increased technology levels in our kids lives, but you will have to read the book to learn more.

 

Here are 3 simple things you can do to learn more and get involved:

1.  Join the CANN network and pledge your support:  http://www.arlingtonenvironment.org/cann.php

2.  Read this article from the Sun Gazette to learn more about CANN:  http://www.sungazette.net/articles/2010/02/25/arlington/news/nw232.txt

3.  Read this book, which you can obtain from your local Arlington Library in eBook MP3 format or hard copy:  http://www.acornweb.org/

 

Here are more photos from the CANN kickoff event: