National News
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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Access | Campaign/Initiative
National Public Lands Day – August 30, 2009
Registration Open for National Public Lands Day
National Public Lands Day is the nation’s largest hands-on volunteer effort to improve and enhance the public lands Americans enjoy. In 2008, 120,000 volunteers built trails and bridges, removed trash and invasive plants, and planted over 1.6 million trees. Registration is now open for the 16th annual National Public Lands Day on September 26. [+]
Education
“Creating Memories in Nature”—Fish & Wildlife Service launches summer campaign
Create memories this summer as you get out into nature and see wildlife – in your backyard, at your local park or at a nearby national wildlife refuge. The “Let’s Go Outside” initiative, supported by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, encourages children, educators and parents to venture out and share experiences. And here’s your chance to see your favorite nature photos become part of an image mosaic created by artist Robert Bateman. Become part of the outdoors. Have you captured a memory in nature while enjoying the outdoors? [+]
Legislation/Policy
U.S. Department of Interior – June 08, 2009
Salazar Establishes Office of Youth in Natural Resources
By Press Release
In a ceremony before several hundred schoolchildren on the National Mall, Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar signed a Secretarial Order on June 8 establishing the Office of Youth in Natural Resources at the Department of the Interior. “The program will engage thousands of young men and women in all states and territories, from diverse backgrounds, including tribal and underserved populations and those who have little opportunity to experience the outdoors,” Salazar said.
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Built Environment
Pediatrics – May 31, 2009
American Academy of Pediatrics: Build with Recreation in Mind
The June issue of the journal Pediatrics features a policy statement on the built environment and children’s health from a committee of the American Academy of Pediatrics. The statement encourages communities to provide children with opportunities for recreational physical activity through parks and open spaces. Pediatricians are asked to play a role in establishing these communities designed for activity and health. [+]
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As part of our ongoing efforts to build the movement, the Children & Nature Network has published two new resources for leaders, organizers, and participants at the local, national, and international levels:
