Congratulations on all your success. I know this message is dated but I hope everything is still going as planned. I first came aware of your efforts while reading your book, Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children from Nature-Deficit Disorder. I had no idea how important natural play was or that your movement was supported by so many groups and organizations. I am now a supporter of the Leave No Child inside Act and will continue to stress the importance of green play with my family and friends. Growing up, I spent numerous hours outside getting dirty with my neighborhood friends; so I know from firsthand experience how beneficial natural play can be. I agree with you 100% when you said, “We believe that future education reform must widen the definition of the classroom. To help young people learn in nature, not just about nature…” As a person who does his best thinking while enjoying the great outdoors I am in favor of this. Taking long walks when I have writers block or when I’m having trouble with a tough assignment always clears my mind. If parents see that school systems are in favor of green play and green learning, they will feel more obliged to get involved themselves. I will continue to spread the word on the benefits of natural play on my end.

Best wishes,

Donald

Artists of all stripes tend to refer back to nature.

I would like to issue an invitation to anyone in the Victoria BC area, to include the following event, if you are coming to hear Richards presentation. The art exhibit has been extended till the end of March.

And I beg your indulgence in a blatant promo to bring people closer to nature and wildlife.

OASES presents: An Afternoon with Wildlife.
*Don’t miss this one! Come and be wowed by visits from a number of live animals, and become informed about lemurs, porpoises, lizards and birds of prey.*

John Creviston, former curator of the Crystal Garden Conservation Centre, will speak about the incredible life and habits of the Solomon Island Skink. These unique lizards have a family structure rarely found amongst reptiles, and have a “grasping” tail used when climbing through their rainforest habitat. Two skinks, each about 2 ft. long, will be in attendance.

Anna Hall will talk on the always fascinating porpoises. Anna, a PhD candidate in Zoology, is considered an expert in these mysterious mammals. She recently spoke at the reception for the “Celebrating Wildlife� art exhibit, and was so well received that she was asked back by popular demand.

Jeff Krieger of Alternative Wildlife Solutions will discuss the life and antics of raptors. Live birds will be present, including a red-tail hawk and gyrfalcon, so that the beauty of these normally shy animals can be appreciated. Some basics of falconry will be discussed by Ben Wallace, president of the BC Falconry Association. A flying demonstration might also occur.

Lisa Gould PhD, professor of Biological Anthropology/Primatology at UVIC will give a talk on some of her favourite creatures…lemurs. There is a lot more to them then just being the stars of a TV series “Lemur Streetâ€�. Come and learn what Lisa has been doing on her trips to faraway Madagascar, and what could be done to help these primates and the people who live among them.

Please be sure to enjoy the display “Celebrating Wildlife�. This exhibit features a variety of sculptures, prints and photographs depicting local and exotic wildlife. Some of the artists will be in attendance and may be persuaded to discuss how they Celebrate Wildlife through their artwork.

When: Saturday, March 7, 2009. From 3-5 pm.
Where: Victoria Arts Connection, 2750 Quadra Street, (just north of Hillside).
*Admission is free, but please support all our presenters in their efforts to help wildlife.*

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For more information or to interview presenters please contact:
Herman Surkis at 250-472-6995, oases@shaw.ca, and visit oasesconservation.org

Their objective rings true: give children of all ages the chance to experience what you are teaching—hands on and in context—so that so much more is learned and appreciated than the one or more learning points of the lesson and the experience is so…

I see that you will be visiting my “neck of the woods” in March with a presentation in Reading, PA. WELCOME. You’ll love our area. There are wonderful facilities for outdoor experiences.

Fortunately, our two sons and now our grandchildren are able to explore outdoors in our still somewhat rural neighborhood. It would be wonderful if all children would be able to enjoy what we have.

Best wishes continuing to spread your message.

Louise