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December 2008
First National Children and Nature Research Summit
 Dr. Stephen R. Kellert and Dr. Martha Farrell Erickson, who are both leading scholars and C&NN Board Members, convened and co-facilitated the first National Children and Nature Research Summit on Nov. 5, 2008.
The Summit was co-sponsored by Yale University, the University of Minnesota, and the Children & Nature Network. Twenty eminent scholars and practitioners from throughout the United States assembled to address the importance of nature in children’s lives. The purpose of the Summit was to identify strengths and gaps in current knowledge, to specify and prioritize unanswered research questions, and to establish general principles and guidelines for how those questions might be addressed with care and rigor.
A white paper will be produced as a result of the Summit, and will lead to the development of a research agenda that could be used to stimulate critical study in this area and begin to garner the necessary funding to support this research.
[+] List of 2008 Summit Participants
[+] For the latest summary of research and studies download C&NN's Research Abstracts Volumes 1, 2 and 3
 The Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies Urges Incoming Administration to Put Children and Nature at the Top of Their Agenda
In a letter to President-elect Barack Obama dated Nov. 10th, 2008, the AFWA presented conservation priorities for consideration by transition staff and the incoming administration. These priorities are summarized in a two-page overview entitled, “Furthering Conservation in the Public Trust: A National Fish and Wildlife Agenda.” Children and nature are right at the top – ahead of climate change.
[+] Read the letter, the 2008 agenda, and the AFWA policy analysis white papers [PDF]
 Alaska Summit Draws Attention to Nature-Deficit Disorder
Officials from local, state, and federal organizations gathered in Alaska recently for the Get Outdoors, Anchorage! summit to discuss nature-deficit disorder and its causes. Among those participating were C&NN Board Member Martha Farrell Erickson and Bob Peart, C&NN Senior Associate.
Summit participants also learned how others successfully reconnected children and nature, and how to identify opportunities in their area of interest. [+]
 Study Finds Access to Nature Improves Health
Researchers in the UK report that living near parks and woodland boosts health, regardless of a person’s economic status. It’s the first time anyone has systematically shown that the health gap between rich and poor can be decreased with the help of green spaces. The researchers hope their findings will influence planning authorities to consider making green spaces available for reasons of human health and well-being. [+]
 "Blog" Replaces "Beaver" in Oxford Junior Dictionary
A decision by the publisher of the Oxford Junior Dictionary to replace words like “beaver” and “dandelion” with “blog” and “MP3 player” has prompted some to react with outrage. As noted wildlife artist and conservationist Robert Bateman observed, “If you can’t name things, how can you love them? And if you don't love them, then you’re not going to care a hoot about protecting them or voting for issues that would protect them.” [+]
 Children and Nature Forum Coming to British Columbia
The Children & Nature Network is co-sponsoring Get Outside! It’s in Our Nature, an international conference on children, families and nature taking place next March in British Columbia. The forum will offer an opportunity for academics, educators, researchers and youth to learn, share, and contribute to developing a strategy and action plan for British Columbia and its people.
[>] For more information and to register visit the Royal Roads Web site
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NEWS IN REVIEW
Field Notes from the Future
C&NN's online column features articles by author and C&NN Chairman Richard Louv.
[+] read the BLOG
REGIONAL NEWS
Book Inspires Local Pennsylvania Official to Act
Founder Describes Evolution of New York’s Westchester County Earth School
Idaho Fish and Game Announces New Outdoor Campaign
New Jersey Legislators Vote for Recess Task Force
NATIONAL NEWS
Stick Inducted into Toy Hall of Fame
Visits to National Forests Declining
RESEARCH & STUDIES
BBC: Children Playing Outside Laugh More
COMMENTARY
Gift Ideas to Get Kids Outdoors
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