C&NNINITIATIVES
Campaigns & Networks
NFN Resources: There are a variety of terrific resources available to help inspire, inform and support Nature Clubs for Families with ideas, activities, tips and tools. Link here for access to a sample of such resources —including links to existing Nature Clubs for Families, programs, and products. This list is useful but is not intended to be comprehensive. Send us your suggestions for additions! Download the Resource List [>]
Tips for Starting a Family Nature Club
• You don’t have to do it alone. To start a family nature club, partner with another family.
• Enlist grandparents. They’re often a fount of knowledge about nature, and they have the time and resources that parents sometimes find in short supply.
• Start with nearby nature. You’ll be surprised how exotic your local parks can be – whether you’re exploring an urban center, a suburb, or a rural region.
• Schedule a variety of fun outdoor activities – hikes, nature photography expeditions, fishing, camping, nature restoration projects. Go harvesting, learn to track, explore local fossil beds, go birding, start a neighborhood garden.
• Create an e-mail list. Write a blog. Send out notices and recommendations for places for families to play and books to read.
Resources and Reading
[+] read "Do-It-Yourself Family Nature Clubs Could Spread Quickly" on Richard Louv's blog, "Notes from the Field"
[+] read selections from the C&NN summer reading list
We encourage linking to the following Web sites for useful information. However, C&NN is not responsible for the accuracy of the content of those Web sites.
[+] visit the Centers for Disease Control Web site for outdoor safety tips
[+] visit the KIVA Web site and blog
[+] visit the Nature Strollers Web site
For OrganizersResources you can use to reach parents and to help parents reach you.
[+] Find out more
“I believe family nature clubs help break down barriers to getting out in nature and also get “nature” back on the family calendar – a real challenge in today’s over-scheduled world. If we can help families connect to nature and to each other, we’ve achieved our main goal. ”
Janice Swaisgood, Family Adventures in Nature
DAILY DOSE
Natural Learning Initiative
Natural Learning Initiative
NLI promotes the importance of the natural environment in the daily experience of all children, through environmental design, action, research and education.
NFN Community
- Together in Nature: Pathways to a Stronger, Closer Family
- Nature Traditions for the Holidays... Will You Join Us?
- Toasty Tootsies - Keeping Your Kiddos' Feet Warm for Winter Fun
- Taiga Trekkers - Byron Glacier Trail
- Thursday's Trek - Campbell Creek Bike Trail
- Rabbit Creek Trail with the Taiga Trekkers - Photo Essay