Our Work

We believe that the well-being of children and the wild places we love are inextricably linked. And while research tells us that regular time outdoors is essential for children’s healthy development, today’s kids are less connected to nature than ever before.

We also know that longstanding systems of injustice have impacted the design and distribution of green spaces, and call for new policies informed by people who have been impacted by racism and systems of inequity. We are committed to strengthening efforts to advance equity in access to nature.

We support and mobilize leaders, educators, activists, practitioners and parents working to turn the trend of an indoor childhood back out to the benefits of nature–and to increase safe and equitable access to the natural world for all.

Boy by garden.Photo: Space to Grow

OUR VISION

A world in which children have access to the benefits of nature everywhere they live, learn and play.

OUR MISSION

To increase equitable access to nature so that children–and the natural world–can thrive.

OUR VALUES

EQUITY

We define equity as fair treatment, access and opportunity. Equitable access to nature is achieved when all members of a community, regardless of race, income, ability, identity or address, have regular opportunities to spend time in healthy green spaces that are nearby, safe, welcoming and culturally relevant.

INCLUSION

We are dedicated to ensuring that all individuals and groups can be and feel welcomed, respected, supported and valued in natural places and in the children and nature movement.

DIVERSITY

We believe that diversity results when equity and inclusion are practiced consistently and with intention. We are working to build an inclusive global movement focused on embracing and honoring the psychological, physical and cultural differences that occur among any and all individuals.

*Adapted from the UC Berkeley Initiative for Equity, Inclusion and Diversity

Learn more about our values
Venn Diagram: Equity on the left, Inclusion on the right. Diversity in the center.

OUR THEORY OF CHANGE

OUR STORY

Picture of book: Last Child in the Woods by Richard LouvIn 2005, author and Children & Nature Network co-founder Richard Louv published his groundbreaking book, Last Child in the Woods: Saving our Children from Nature-Deficit Disorder. He reported that in just a few decades, childhood had moved indoors, disconnected from the natural world. There are many reasons for this, but the impact on children, people and the planet raised dire concerns. Louv called for a New Nature Movement, one that recognized the interconnection of all life on earth, including plants, humans, and other animals. From this call to action, the Children & Nature Network was born.

Nature-deficit disorder was not intended to be a medical diagnosis, but physicians, educators, parents and caregivers recognize its profound impact on children. The phrase caught on and serves as a rallying cry for an international movement of cross-sector leaders working to make sure that children have equitable access to nature. These leaders base their work on a growing body of evidence that highlights nature’s critical role in children’s healthy development — and the belief that all children deserve to benefit from regular time spent playing and learning outdoors.

We need to focus not just on what is lost
when nature experience fades, but on what
is gained through exposure to natural settings,
including nearby nature in urban places.
Richard Louv

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