National News
Health | Campaign/Initiative | Legislation/Policy
Children & Nature Network – February 04, 2010
Groups Ask First Lady to Include “Outdoor in Nature” Component
In the wake of First Lady Michelle Obama's announcement that she will be leading a special nationwide initiative to combat childhood obesity, a number of organizations have written her an open letter urging this initiative to include an “outdoors in nature” component. The National Wildlife Federation, the Sierra Club, and the Children & Nature Network are among the groups that signed the letter. [+]
Health | Legislation/Policy
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services – January 28, 2010
U.S. Surgeon General Advocates Outdoor Play
In her first release to the nation, Surgeon General Regina Benjamin is encouraging communities to build and enhance infrastructures to support more walking and bicycling, and to improve the safety of neighborhoods to facilitate outdoor physical activity. The Surgeon General’s Vision for a Healthy and Fit Nation highlights the alarming trend of obesity in this country, especially among young people, and asks all Americans to join her in a grassroots effort to commit to changes that promote the health and wellness of our families and communities. [+]
Campaign/Initiative
Where’s Buddy Bison Been?™
By the National Park Trust
NPT has launched an initiative called 'Where's Buddy Bison Been?™' which encourages children and their families to get outside and share their American Park Experience.
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Media & Culture | Campaign/Initiative
San Francisco Chronicle – September 25, 2009
Youth Outreach at Core of Major National Parks Report
By Peter Fimrite
A new report by the National Parks Second Century Commission encourages parks administrators, legislators, educators, and others to focus on engaging youth in their efforts moving forward. Interior Secretary Ken Salazar, in accepting the report from the 26-member commission, remarked, "We have a real need to reconnect people to our outdoors and the natural world. This is especially important for our young people."
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Access | Campaign/Initiative
National Recreation and Park Association – September 07, 2009
Partnership Develops Action Plan to Reconnect Kids with Nature
Three major parks conservation organizations announced an historic partnership to confront the diminishing relationship between children and nature. The National Recreation and Park Association, National Association of State Park Directors, and National Park Service developed a five-point plan of action that includes promoting a national campaign to recognize the importance of connecting children and families to nature. [+]
Access | Legislation/Policy
Seattle Times – August 18, 2009
News of Increase in Park Visits Sparks Optimism
By Matthew Daly
The National Park Service’s announcement that there were 4.5 million more visits to national parks in the first half of this year compared to the same period a year ago has prompted much speculation about the cause for the increase. In addition to lower gas prices and the waiving of entrance fees three weekends this summer, the growing awareness of nature-deficit disorder and efforts by groups affiliated with the children and nature movement are believed to have been contributing factors.
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As part of our ongoing efforts to build the movement, the Children & Nature Network has published these new resources for leaders, organizers, and participants at the local, national, and international levels:
