Leadership News
State | Event
First Ever Youth Congress on Children and Nature Held in Wyoming
The First Wyoming Youth Congress on Children and Nature was held at Teton Science Schools in Jackson, WY on October 15-18, 2009. Students representing Wyoming’s 48 school districts were invited to convene in a structured setting to voice opinions, share visions, and identify new ideas related to their connection to the outdoors. These youth leaders were empowered to effect change across the state of Wyoming by inspiring other youth, parents, teachers, and decision-makers to take action.
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State | Access
The (Connecticut) Day – September 10, 2009
Connecticut Appointee Vows to Continue No Child Left Inside Efforts
By Judy Benson
Amey Marrella, nominated by Connecticut Governor M. Jodi Rell to be the state’s new commissioner of the Department of Environmental Protection, has vowed to maintain a commitment to state parks and to the No Child Left Inside Initiative begun by her predecessor, Gina McCarthy, to foster a love of the outdoors and outdoor activities among young people.
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Commentary
The Passing of Thomas Berry
On June 1, 2009, Thomas Berry, whose philosophy helped shape the way we perceive the human relationship with nature, died. He was a great supporter of our work, and served on the C&NN advisory board. Andrew Revkin of the New York Times wrote a perceptive and sensitive obituary. In addition, Revkin wrote a wonderful entry about the remarkable Berry legacy on his Dot Earth blog for the Times. Both pieces include a video clip of a 2006 interview with Berry. We hope you’ll read Revkin's story and blog, and watch the inspiring video. We believe that Berry will be remembered as one of the great thinkers of the 20th century, and we will miss him. Visit our own C&NN blog to read an updated essay about Thomas Berry by C&NN Chairman Richard Louv.
Local | Access
C&NN BOD member Brother Yusuf is Honored by Albany’s Commission on Human Rights
Children & Nature Network board member, Brother Yusuf Burgess, was presented with the award for his work in supporting diversity, tolerance and understanding in the Albany community. Yusuf was honored by the City of Albany's Commission on Human Rights at their first annual celebration held February 4 at City Hall. Brother Yusuf's Camps Diversity Program provides outdoor and natural resource experiences to youth, especially from urban areas, who would not otherwise have such opportunities. Through a comprehensive program of pre-camp activities, one week at DEC summer residential camp, and post-camp activities, the expectation is that some who attend will one day seek higher education and careers in environmental fields.
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Allies | Media & Culture
BassPro Video Game Trade-in; 15% off to Get Kids Out
By BassPro
BassPro announces one of the most innovative strategies we've seen to date for getting kids outdoors. This week, all around the country, kids and adults will be turning in their video games for a 15% discount off fishing gear, water sports items, tents, sleeping bags and footwear.
"One of the most exciting and invigorating places to go this summer is just beyond your front door," said Larry Whiteley, Bass Pro Shops Manager of Communications. "Bass Pro Shops is committed to helping adults and children across the nation put away their laptops, video games, PDAs and cell phones this summer and head outdoors.
Allies | Health
Grist – December 18, 2007
REI Chief Bemoans Overscheduled Kids
By Sarah Van Schagen
Sally Jewell, the head of outdoor-equipment retailer REI, says in a recent interview that children spend far too much of their time in front of computer or television screens. She credits Richard Louv with putting into words her concerns about young people today. The challenge, she says, is getting technology and nature to work together for their benefit.
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SECTIONS | Regional Updates | National | CATEGORY 1 | Built Environment | CATEGORY 2
National Parks Traveler – January 30, 2012
TRACK Trails Offer Nationwide Weapon Against Nature-Deficit Disorder
By Randy Johnson
New interpretive trail system for kids comes to U.S. national parks.
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SECTIONS | Commentary | CATEGORY 1 | Access | CATEGORY 2
Psychology Today – December 02, 2011
What Summer Camp Can Teach Us
By Steve Baskin
Summer camp gives children meaningful advantages in college.
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SECTIONS | Press Release | Regional Updates | National | CATEGORY 1 | Access | CATEGORY 2
PR Newswire – January 25, 2012
National Kids to Parks Day Set for May 19
By National Park Trust
Nationwide day of outdoor play organized by National Park Trust. Classroom contest ends March 1.
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CATEGORY 2
REI.com – January 11, 2012
REI Foundation Funds Initiative to Get More Kids Outside
By Bethany H.
REI Foundation partnering with nonprofit programs to encourage more hands-on outdoor exploration.
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CATEGORY 2
National Fish and Wildlife Foundation – December 15, 2011
Grants Established to Develop the Next Generation of Conservationists
By NFWF
National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) announces new initiative to connect youth to the outdoors.
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CATEGORY 1 | Access | Built Environment | Health | CATEGORY 2
Towards Magazine – December 15, 2011
New Nature Movement: A Nature-Smart Society
By Hank Edson
Richard Louv discusses balancing the virtual with the real.
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Natural Leader Tamara Poles and Virginia Museum of Natural History are Putting People Back in Touch with Nature
Nearly 13,000 people have taken part in 247 programs of the Community Nature Initiative. [+]
TRACK Trails Offer Nationwide Weapon Against Nature-Deficit Disorder
New interpretive trail system for kids comes to U.S. national parks. [+]
Applications Open for 2012 TogetherGreen Fellowships and Innovation Grants
Audubon & Toyota seek to fund promising conservation leaders and community-based projects. [+]
“No Child Left Ashore” Movement Makes Waves
SF Bay Area's Pegasus Project gets students out on the water, where transformations occur. [+]
Play England Calls for Support to Help Kids Play Outside
Research shows that 21% of children play outdoors daily, compared to 71% during their parents'… [+]
A Healing Place for Children
C&NN Founding Chair Richard Louv consulting on new children's treatment center in MN, which is… [+]
National Kids to Parks Day Set for May 19
Nationwide day of outdoor play organized by National Park Trust. Classroom contest ends March 1. [+]
Chevy Chase, MD, Preschool Encourages Learning Outside the Box
Preschoolers spend at least half a day outside in woods, in all seasons. [+]
Study: Preschoolers Need to Get a Move On
Most pre-school children spend hours doing sedentary activities instead of playing outside, research has shown. [+]
C&NN Synthesis of Research and Studies
[+] Introduction
[+] Research & Studies Vol. 1
[+] Research & Studies Vol. 2
[+] Research & Studies Vol. 3
[+] Research & Studies Vol. 4
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
JAN 31 – News and Updates
JAN 12 – News and Updates
DEC 22 – News and Updates
DEC 6 – Ecology of Hope
NOV 22 – Natural Families News
NOV 10 – News and Updates
NOV 1 – 2011 Report Outs
OCT 6 – Natural Teachers News
SEPT 8 – APOCALYPSE NO
[+] 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]


