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April 2008
C&NN’s Children & Nature Awareness Month:The Start of a New Tradition
If the response of local governments, private groups, and individuals across the country is any indication, the first annual Children & Nature Awareness Month has been an unqualified success—and a full week of April still remains!
From the special proclamations of civic leaders to a collection of songs written to celebrate the movement (see below), Children & Nature Awareness Month has both inspired those already interested in reconnecting children with nature and focused the attention of others on the importance of outdoor play in childhood development. It has also helped bring attention, visibility, and a sense of community to the many outstanding efforts already underway.
Our Google map and directory to over 160 events is extensive, and can be viewed on the Children & Nature Network website. Here are a few of the highlights:
 In Northern California, the Marin County Department of Parks and Open Space, Health and Human Services, and the Environmental Education Council of Marin (EECOM) drafted the April 2008 Children and Nature Awareness Month proclamation. Signed on April 1 by the Marin County Board of Supervisors, the proclamation declares the county's commitment to “the ongoing promotion of programs, policies, and practices that will reconnect children and nature in enduring, meaningful ways.” [+] PDF
Up the coast, California’s Mendocino County is encouraging parents to “grab the kids and get outside,” providing a list of local events and area parks to visit.
The National Wild Turkey Federation’s JAKES program is sponsoring events in Florida, Kentucky, New York, and other states as part of Children & Nature Awareness Month.
In North Carolina, the North Carolina Zoo and the North Carolina Zoological Society and members of the NC children and nature coalition announced that Governor Mike Easely has proclaimed April Children and Nature Awareness Month.
[+] PDF
Governor Jennifer Granholm of Michigan proclaimed April 22-27 No Child Left Inside Days, noting that “a national movement has been initiated to connect children with nature, and it is in our state’s interest to join this initiative.” The Department of Natural Resources has posted online resources including tips for getting started and a pledge for parents and children.
Make a Pledge to Get Outdoors!
The New Jersey Audubon Society is hosting the Try Nature outreach campaign in an effort to encourage families to undertake nature-based discovery with a " Ticket to Discovery,", which entitles participants to one free nature program (up to a $20 value).
Singer-songwriter Jenny Morgan, who also happens to be co-chair of the Leave No Child Inside Central Ohio Collaborative, will be releasing Nature Needs Kids and Kids Need Nature: Music Inspired by the Children and Nature Movement on April 28.
In Cedar Creek, Texas, the Acorn Eaters Nature Club for Kids is offering wilderness adventures, games, and exploration as a way of helping young people connect with the natural world.
The Virginia Museum of Natural History hosted Bug Daze, a festival for all ages featuring talks by entomologists, roach races, and bug art.
Elsewhere in Virginia, Meadowlark Botanical Gardens was the site of Hangin’ with Nature…Just for Kids, a special afternoon of bird-watching, vegetable planting, dancing, and hiking.
Perhaps the best news is that, in many regions, this April is not so different from any other month. From coast to coast, we're seeing grassroots leadership working every day to increase awareness and inspire others to take action. It is the innovation and enthusiasm of these efforts and individuals that is fueling the children and nature movement.
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