Children & Nature network

C&NN Publications

New from C&NN

ANNOUNCING: Together in Nature: Pathways to a Stronger, Closer Family.

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C&NN is delighted to announce the release of this new tool kit, free and downloadable from the C&NN web site. Research over the last forty years has shown that a secure parent-child attachment is an important foundation for a child’s later competence and well-being. C&NN adds the perspective of nature-based experiences as an especially rich opportunity for the kinds of parent-child interactions that promote and sustain good attachment at any age.

This tool kit begins with a clear and helpful overview of attachment research, and then offers a host of family-friendly, age-appropriate suggestions for things to do outdoors in nature to nurture parent-child relationships and support healthy child development. C&NN Chair and co-Founder, Dr. Martha Farrell Erickson is a developmental psychologist and says, “By following a prescription for more nature experience together, families will discover a win/win situation in which both children and adults benefit as individuals, even as they are strengthening those important family bonds that all children (and adults) need.”

[+] Download Now

This is a pilot version—so send us your comments and suggestions!

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Muir in the New World: Viewing Guides for Families and Educators
In April 2011, C&NN partnered with American Masters to bring you two new discussion and activity guides. These FREE guides offer inspiration and tips to help you get children outside. [>] Download the Guides

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SPECIAL REPORTS from C&NN

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Let's G.O.! 20011 Report
Let's G.O.!(Get Outside) Month was a huge success! An estimated 100,000 participants joined 539 events in 44 states and Canada. Thanks to all of you for playing, serving and celebrating in April and beyond.
[+] Download the 2011 Let's G.O. Report

Special Report on Reconnecting Children & Nature: Three Michigan Communities
In 2008 and 2009, the Children and Nature Network (C&NN) received generous support from the W. K. Kellogg Foundation to initiate and implement three pilot programs in the state of Michigan: one in Holland, one in Kalamazoo, and a third in Detroit. With this support, C&NN and its partnering communities have made tremendous strides in advancing the children and nature movement. Each of their stories is unique, providing a sense of the range of approaches that can be used to reconnect children and nature, and the myriad benefits these programs provide.
[>] download the report [PDF]

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C&NN Leadership Writing Series
Children & Nature Network has publishes resources for leaders, organizers, and participants at the local, national, and international levels. All are available for download free of charge. Leadership Writing Series volume one, number 1
Shared Nature Experience as a Pathway to Strong Family Bonds Dr. Martha Farrell Erickson’s essay on why time spent in nature is an investment in happier families. [>] download this article [PDF] Leadership Writing Series volume one, number 2
Reflections on Children’s Experience of Nature A brief, urgent paper on the biological need for “connections to natural systems and processes,” by Stephen R. Kellert, Professor at the Yale University School of Forestry and Environmental Studies and Executive Chairman, Bio-Logical Capital. [>] download this article [PDF] Leadership Writing Series volume one, number 3
Back to Nature and the Emerging Child Saving Movement: Restoring Children’s Outdoor Play
Joe Frost, Ed.D., L.H.D., Parker Centennial Professor Emeritus, University of Texas, writes on the movement and the need to restore outdoor play.
[>] download this article [PDF]

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Children and Nature 2010
A REPORT ON THE MOVEMENT TO RECONNECT CHILDREN TO THE NATURAL WORLD
Children and Nature 2010 was developed to serve as a tool for those who care deeply about the importance of reconnecting children with nature. Originally published in 2008, updated in 2009 and 2010, this report begins with a concise history of the children and nature movement and then makes the case for the many positive benefits to children when outdoor play is part of their everyday lives. Subsequent sections look at the direction of the movement and the barriers to it; the motivating interests and values of different categories of parents; ideas for the future of the movement; and the progress of the movement around the globe.

2010 C&NN Movement Report
[>] download the 2010 report [PDF] [2MB]

2009 C&NN Movement Report
[>] download the 2009 report [PDF]

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C&NN Community Action Guide: Building the Children & Nature Movement from the Ground Up
C&NN Community Action Guide is a hands-on tool for organizers in the field. It describes in detail an action-oriented process for designing and implementing initiatives to reconnect children and nature. Written especially for regional leaders, the guide covers each step toward success. The first section provides a road map for engaging a community. The next section shows organizers how to create a viable strategic plan. The final section covers the process of implementation. A sample timeline for groups to follow and information on working together and achieving consensus are also included.
[>] download the action guide [PDF]