C&NN News Archive
The C&NN news archive offers access to the latest media coverage of the children and nature movement. This ever-expanding archive connects leaders and organizers, parents, youth, civic leaders, educators and health-care providers to a growing body of articles dating back to 2007. For a comprehensive C&NN database search, use the advanced search feature to scan news center articles, C&NN's annotated research bibliographies, and the C&NN blog.C&NN Announces NEW OPEN REGISTRATION for GG2013
By C&NN
News Center
June 18, 2013
C&NN is pleased to announce that a limited number of OPEN REGISTRATION spaces are available for the 2013 C&NN Grassroots Gathering (GG2013.) [+]
Is Nature-Deficit Disorder Depressing Kids?
By Cate Shanahan, M.D.
Paleo Magazine
June 01, 2013
A primary care doctor explores Nature-Deficit Disorder and its relation to the growing rates of depression in college students. As Richard Louv notes in "Last Child in the Woods", "As children’s connections to nature diminish and the social, psychological, and spiritual implications become apparent, new research shows that nature can offer powerful therapy for such maladies as depression, obesity, and attention-deficit disorder." [+]
Robert Bateman Centre to Promote More Than Artist’s Work
By CBC News
CBC News
May 24, 2013
Celebrated Canadian nature artist Robert Bateman is opening a new gallery in Victoria, British Columbia, but the artist says the aim is to do much more than showcase his work. The Bateman Centre will display the largest exhibit of original works by the popular wildlife artist, in an effort to help people reconnect with the outdoor world that he spent his life documenting and seeking to protect. [+]
Agreeing to Disagree?
By Doug Skeates
Orangeville Citizen
May 09, 2013
In his book, “For Earth’s Sake”, theologian Stephen Bede Scharper emphasizes the importance of nature in people’s lives: "The vast majority of the human species does not have access to the basic necessities of life such as clean water, food, shelter and education. We cannot deal with such deep concerns properly until we change our relationship with the planet." [+]
Are You Getting Enough Vitamin N?
By Women's Health
Women's Health
April 02, 2013
Richard Louv: "The vast majority of evidence points in one direction: We can be happier, healthier, and smarter if we weave more nature into our lives." Louv points to a surge in studies that strongly suggest a link between the outside and your insides, and that the best mind-body medicine may lie right beyond your front door.
[+]
Raise a Nature Lover
By Leslie Garisto Pfaff
Parents Magazine
June 03, 2013
Kids blossom when they head outside -- but you may need to shut off your screens and nudge them out the door. While you're at it, go yourself. Looking for families to go with? Join a family nature club. [+]
Dispatches from Congress for the New Urbanism: Won’t Somebody Think of the Physically Inactive Children?
By Arnold Weinfeld
Next City
May 31, 2013
Poor neighborhood design joins a growing list of factors that discourage children from going outside. As the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have pointed out, only one in five children live within walking distance of a park or playground. As a result, we are beginning to see the same diseases in people who lead sedentary lives as we do in those who smoke. [+]
A Community’s Quest to Leave No Child Inside
By April Anderson
Quintessential Barrington
May 13, 2013
Since 2009, Leave No Child Inside-based special events conducted throughout the Chicago Wilderness service area (extending from southeastern Wisconsin, across Northern Indiana to Southwestern Michigan) have served 40,000 people. According to Chicago Wilderness’ youth and community engagement coordinator, Emilian Geczi, LNCI-Greater Barrington and Lake Zurich Area was the first group in the Chicago region to apply the national message of Nature-Deficit Disorder to a local level. [+]
New “Delaware Outdoor Family” Program Helps Kids Experience State Parks
By Cape Gazette
Cape Gazette
May 13, 2013
The program, a partnership between the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control and the Children In Nature/No Child Left Inside initiative, offers guided overnight camping trips to help families get outdoors and experience state parks in a new way. [+]
The Children & Nature Network Announces New Executive Director
By C&NN
C&NN
May 28, 2013
Sarah Milligan-Toffler Is selected after extensive search to become the organization’s Executive Director in July 2013. Milligan-Toffler will replace Dr. Cheryl Charles, C&NN founding President and CEO, who announced her intent in 2011 to leave the CEO role in 2013. [+]
San Francisco Group Seeks Children’s Outdoor Bill of Rights
By Alison Hawkes
Bay Nature
January 30, 2013
San Francisco Children and Nature Forum, a coalition of educators, park staff and health care and urban planning professionals, has created a Children’s Outdoor Bill of Rights, which it plans to present to the county supervisors and school district. The forum is basing the bill on a survey of the top 10 outdoor activities residents think are most important for every San Francisco child to experience. [+]
Sales of Camp Sites Throw Girl Scouts into Turmoil
By Ryan J. Foley
Associated Press
May 27, 2013
Nationwide, Girl Scout councils are confronting intense opposition as they sell camps that date back to the 1950s and earlier. Leaders say the properties have become a financial drain at a time when girls are less interested in camp. Defenders insist the camping experience shaped who they are and must be preserved for future generations. [+]
Natural Fun Takes a Back Seat to Tech Time for Kids and Familes
By PRNewsWire
PRNewsWire
May 07, 2013
Survey reveals that both parents and children are concerned about their nature deficit. The survey, commissioned by Busch Gardens®, found that 85 percent of moms worry that their children don't experience enough natural, unstructured outdoor playtime – the kind of activity so common in previous generations. Forty-nine percent of kids agree and actually ask for more opportunities to engage in more natural, unstructured outdoor play. [+]
Why Kids Flourish at Camp
By Audrey Monke
American Camp Association
May 23, 2013
Camp promotes five measurable elements that lead to well-being, based on the work of University of Pennsylvania's Martin Seligman and Positive Psychology. Campers often describe camp as their “happy place” or “the best two weeks” of their year. So many fun things happen at camp every day that it’s no surprise it’s such a happy place for kids. [+]
Chicago Area School Gets Outdoor Classroom
By Graydon Megan
Chicago Tribune
May 06, 2013
Instead of the books and computers and art supplies that are found in most classrooms, the instructional materials at Hawthorne Elementary School in Elmhurst include a weather station, a rain garden, rain barrel, vegetables growing in fabric pouches on the walls and a three-compartment composting bin. [+]
Boy Scouts to Admit Openly Gay Youths as Members
By Erik Eckholm
New York Times
May 23, 2013
Boy Scouts of America ended its longstanding policy of forbidding openly gay youths to participate. Their CEO called the act “compassionate, caring and kind.” The decision, which followed years of resistance and wrenching internal debate, was widely seen as a milestone for the Boy Scouts, a symbol of traditional America. [+]
How to Get Your Child Interested in Nature
By Roddy Scheer and Doug Moss
Earth Talk
May 04, 2013
Getting kids away from computer and TV screens and outside into the fresh air is an increasing challenge for parents everywhere. EarthTalk shares tips for getting them outside to appreciate nature more. [+]
The Healing Power of Nature
By Don MacMannis and Debra Manchester MacMannis
Psych Central
April 23, 2013
Do you or your kids suffer from Nature-Deficit Disorder? What do we know about the positive effects of time spent outdoors, immersed in nature? A growing body of studies shows how exposure to nature has profound effects on health and well-being of children and adults. [+]
OH Leave No Child Inside Gets Kids Back to Nature
By Anna Jeffries
Marion Star
April 29, 2013
In fall 2007, Alice Hohl and Central OH collaborative founder Jenny Morgan planned the first Leave No Child Inside summit, which brought dozens of local leaders and groups together to talk about getting kids to experience nature. The conference has grown every year, and about 150 people are expected to attend this fall. Since the group was founded, participants have been working to spread the word about the children and nature movement. [+]
Nature’s Classroom: Reconnecting with Nature on VA’s Presquile Island
By L Fausz
Village News Online
April 17, 2013
New island school is joint venture between James River Association (JRA) and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. [+]
Georgia State Parks’ First-Time Camper Program Expands
By Tony Potts
Coosa Valley News
April 22, 2013
Novice campers spend two nights in a campground, trying out gear from REI and The North Face and getting a Camping 101 lesson. [+]
Nature’s Backpack Offers Outdoor Wilderness Club for Girls
By RobinR
Oakville.com
April 10, 2013
Program founder hopes to foster confidence and self-awareness through outdoor skills. [+]
Join the David Suzuki Foundation’s 30×30 Nature Challenge
By David Suzuki Foundation
David Suzuki Foundation
May 01, 2013
Suzuki Foundation is challenging Canadians to commit to spend 30 minutes in nature each day for 30 days in May. [+]
Enter the Come Alive Outside Conversation Contest
By Come Alive Outside
Come Alive Outside
May 01, 2013
Contest promotes the idea that everybody wins when somebody goes outside. [+]
Houston Wilderness and C&NN: Our Kids Need Time Outside
By Richard Louv, Richard Torres
Houston Chronicle
April 13, 2013
Nature-based exercise especially effective at fighting "pandemic of inactivity" that is public health problem. [+]
C&NN Announces NEW OPEN REGISTRATION for GG2013
C&NN is pleased to announce that a limited number of OPEN REGISTRATION spaces are available… [+]
Is Nature-Deficit Disorder Depressing Kids?
A primary care doctor explores Nature-Deficit Disorder and its relation to the growing rates of… [+]
Robert Bateman Centre to Promote More Than Artist’s Work
Celebrated Canadian nature artist Robert Bateman is opening a new gallery in Victoria, British Columbia,… [+]
Are You Getting Enough Vitamin N?
Richard Louv: "The vast majority of evidence points in one direction: We can be happier,… [+]
A Community’s Quest to Leave No Child Inside
Since 2009, Leave No Child Inside-based special events conducted throughout the Chicago Wilderness service area… [+]
New “Delaware Outdoor Family” Program Helps Kids Experience State Parks
The program, a partnership between the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control and… [+]
The Children & Nature Network Announces New Executive Director
Sarah Milligan-Toffler Is selected after extensive search to become the organization’s Executive Director in July… [+]
San Francisco Group Seeks Children’s Outdoor Bill of Rights
San Francisco Children and Nature Forum, a coalition of educators, park staff and health care… [+]
Sales of Camp Sites Throw Girl Scouts into Turmoil
Nationwide, Girl Scout councils are confronting intense opposition as they sell camps that date back… [+]
C&NN Synthesis of Research and Studies
[+] Introduction
[+] Research & Studies Vol. 1
[+] Research & Studies Vol. 2
[+] Research & Studies Vol. 3
[+] Research & Studies Vol. 4
[+] Research & Studies Vol. 5
Nature Clubs for Families Tool Kit

Download the Tool Kit [>]
The Tool Kit includes a Quick Start Guide with simple instructions on how to start a local Nature Club for Families.
Newsletter Archive
JUNE 18 – Natural Teachers News
JUNE 13 – Guest Blogs & News
MAY 28 – C&NN Announces New ED
MAY 16 – Grand Ideas
APR 25 – News and Commentary
APR 16 – News and Commentary
MAR 29 – Natural Teachers News
MAR 21 – Natural Families News
FEB 14 – News and Commentary
[+] view full archive
C&NN Publications
As part of our ongoing efforts to build the movement, the Children & Nature Network has published these resources for leaders, organizers, and participants at the local, national, and international levels:
2010 C&NN Report
[>] Download PDF [2MB]
Children and Nature 2009: A Report on the Movement to Reconnect Children to the Natural World
[>] Download PDF [1.1MB]
C&NN Community Action Guide: Building the Children & Nature Movement from the Ground Up
[>] Download PDF [1.4MB]



