Angela Hanscom

How Much Nature Is Enough? 120 Minutes a Week, Doctors Say

A new study from the UK finds that people who spent at least 120 minutes a week in nature saw a boost in their mental and physical health, compared to people who didn’t spend any time in nature. The researchers, who surveyed more than 19,000 people in the United Kingdom about the recreational time they spent in nature during the past week, along with their self-reported health and well-being, say the size of the health benefits was similar to what people would get by meeting the guidelines for physical activity.

By Knvul Sheikh | Jun 14, 2019 | | | The New York Times

Bass Pro Shops, Cabela’s Donating 55,000 Rods and Reels to Children Nationwide

Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s are donating 55,000 rods and reels to children nationwide to encourage them to get outdoors this summer. The company says it wants to challenge families to put down their digital devices and get outside to discover the joy of fishing. Bass Pro Shops will donate the rods and reels to nonprofit organizations that help children.

By Editor | Jun 14, 2019 | | | MSN

Poor Work-life Balance Leaves Women Without Time to Enjoy Nature, Poll Claims

Almost half of British women do not have enough time to enjoy nature, according to a new poll. Only half of the 2,000 women polled had managed to take a walk in the countryside or visit a park in the previous six months. The women surveyed cited hectic workloads and busy family lives as reasons why they did not experience enough of the outdoors.

By Editor | Jun 14, 2019 | | | The Independent

In Scotland, Outdoor Play Gets Funding Boost

An anonymous donation will fund outdoor preschools in some of the most disadvantaged communities in Scotland. The funding is intended to give Scottish children from disadvantaged backgrounds the opportunity to spend their preschool years learning outside. This new private funding is a testament to a growing movement in Scotland to embrace outdoor learning and of a deepening understanding of the physical, mental, social and emotional benefits of playing outside from an early age.

By Jody Harrison | Jun 7, 2019 | | | Herald Scotland

Houston Mayor Announces Park Plan

Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner announced a plan aimed at drawing private investment to city parks in underserved areas. Turner’s “50-for-50″ plan aimed at revitalizing city parks “primarily in communities that have been underserved.” Under the plan, 50 companies would each “partner” with a city park, volunteering to “take ownership” of the park and maintain it for about five years.

By Jasper Scherer | Jun 7, 2019 | | | Houston Chronicle

Air Pollution Kills 100,000 Indian Children Every Year, Study Says

A new study published for World Environment Day found that pollution in India kills more than 100,000 children under five every year. The State of India’s Environment (SoE) Report found air pollution is responsible for 12.5 percent of all deaths in the country. Last year a UN report found 14 of the world’s 15 most polluted cities were Indian.

By Editor | Jun 7, 2019 | | | CBS News

CITY SPROUTS: The Budding Movement to Integrate Garden-Based Learning in Public School Education

When does a public school district decide that it’s worthwhile to invest in building school gardens? The Boston Schoolyard Initiative built more than 30 outdoor classrooms in the city’s public schools, driven by the mayor’s strong interest and commitment. San...

By Jane Hirschi | Jun 5, 2019 | |

Children Who Walk to School Less Likely to Be Overweight or Obese

A new study, led by researchers from the University of Cambridge, found that children who regularly walk or cycle to school are less likely to be overweight or obese than those who travel by car or public transportation.
The results were based on more than 2000 primary-age schoolchildren from across London. Of note is that researchers found that walking or cycling to school is a strong predictor of obesity levels, a result which was consistent across neighborhoods, ethnicities and socioeconomic backgrounds.

By Editor | May 31, 2019 | | | Child in the City

Survey: More than 70% of Kids in Urban, Rural Japan Not Playing Outside

Over 70% of Japanese elementary school students surveyed said they do not play outside on weekdays and over 10% say they do not have friends to play with. The survey, conducted by researchers at Chiba University, surveyed both rural and urban-dwelling children.

By Editor | May 31, 2019 | | | The Mainichi

Thousands of UK Children Connect with Nature Thanks to National Parks Futures

A new national program from UK National Parks and Forest Holidays will help connect over 20,000 young people with nature by supporting their visits to National Parks. Over the next five years ‘National Parks Futures’ aims to help reduce the major barriers to many schools visiting National Parks.

By Lewis Clarke | May 31, 2019 | | | DevonLive

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News Center Items by Angela Hanscom