Explore the 10 most-read Finding Nature News articles of 2023
As we turn the page on an incredible year of nature reporting, Finding Nature News extends heartfelt gratitude to our readers and members of the Children & Nature Network. Your unwavering support has propelled us to new heights, and together, we produced 39 articles on the great outdoors during 2023. Before we step too far into 2024, let’s reflect on the incredible journey we’ve shared.
Finding Nature News is dedicated to celebrating leaders in the children and nature movement, exploring the wonders of the natural world and promoting outdoor accessibility for all. Throughout the year, our reporting has taken us to numerous green schoolyards, nature-based organizations and urban greenspaces across the United States, as well as to countries like Hungary, Sweden, Colombia and beyond. From heartwarming stories of new playgrounds to insightful explorations of nature and art, we’ve endeavored to bring you captivating tales that spark an adventurous spirit and foster a global community bound by a shared love for nature and the well-being of young people.
Join us in celebrating this journey by exploring our top 10 most-read stories of 2023, and stay tuned for new, exciting publications in the coming year!
10 most-read Finding Nature News articles of 2023:
Neurodiversity in nature: Occupational therapy in the outdoors helps children find confidence
By Amber Amaya
Laura Park Figueroa, an occupational therapist, believes that nature challenges and inspires children in a way that is impossible to replicate in an indoor setting. So she transitioned her practice to small-group sessions outdoors and was astounded by the results.
Creating a stronger family culture through “friluftsliv”
By Linda Åkeson McGurk
Friluftsliv is the age-old Nordic custom of connecting with nature in everyday life – whether that be taking naps in the open air or foraging in the forest – a custom that profoundly shapes family life in the Nordic region.
“Naturally Inclusive” outdoor experiences for children of all abilities
By Amelia Rhodeland
Staying active is not just a nice-to-have for Leela — her congenital heart defects mean that regular physical exercise is essential for her current and long-term heart health. “Hiking can be her medicine,” Allyson, Leela’s mother says.
Park pilgrimages: Unearthing new ways of being in nature
By Yakuta Poonawalla
Read this guest column to hear the story of how one park employee in San Francisco, California facilitated a welcoming environment for local Muslim families and children to connect with nature in the Golden Gate Parks.
Indoor expeditions: For when you really can’t go outside
By Richard Louv
When it’s just too hot or cold, or because of smoke or other air pollution, or if family members are unable to leave the home or classroom for health reasons, here are some ideas for how you can still connect with the natural world.
Outdoor Participation Trends Report offers insights into how to connect more children with nature
By Emily Halnon
The Outdoor Foundation recently released its 2022 Outdoor Participation Trends Report. Key findings from this report offer insights into the future of the children and nature movement – and shed light on what systems-level changes could help connect more children with the benefits of nature.
Research-based graduate-level “Children and Nature” course engages students in making the case for nature connection
By Yaphet May
A new course at North Carolina State University is equipping students with the skills to seamlessly integrate research on children and nature into educational institutions, park systems and broader community frameworks. The course helps students envision the incorporation of this knowledge into their future professional careers.
Nature helped Nicole Jackson see possibilities over trauma; today she helps others do the same
By Tonyaa J. Weathersbee
Nicole Jackson doesn’t remember much about her life before being placed in foster care – but she does remember that being outdoors helped her survive it. Today, Jackson is an environmental educator and founder of a coaching business that helps Black women find ways to connect with nature and use it as a conduit for joy and healing.
2023 Richard Louv Prize winner Luis Alberto Camargo creates transcendent moments for children in nature
By Laura Mylan
For more than 25 years, Luis Alberto Camargo has been connecting children to the natural world. On June 15, Luis was named the 2023 Richard Louv Prize recipient, in recognition of his life’s work, which has impacted 130,000 children and youth across Colombia.
The things they lost, the things nature can return
By Mark A. Yearwood
For our children, the COVID-19 pandemic has been especially confounding. The toll has been all too real and will not heal on its own. But the wild, open spaces of nature, with its solace, wonder and mystery, can heal. Time here is restorative and necessary because of what our children have lost.
2023 wasn’t the only year filled with exciting reporting on the children and nature movement. We’ve been running our publication for three years, and we’ve amassed quite a digital archive. For some bonus reading, check out our top 10 most-read articles of all time, featuring stories that have withstood the test of time to remain informative, important and inspiring to our audience.
10 most-read Finding Nature News articles since 2020:
10 Nature Activities to Help Get Your Family Through the Coronavirus Pandemic
By Richard Louv
UDESKOLE IN SCANDINAVIA: Teaching and Learning in Natural Places
By Peter Bentsen
WHAT IS NATURE-DEFICIT DISORDER?
By Richard Louv
Outdoors for All: Access to Nature is a Human Right
By Richard Louv
The Equigenic Effect: How Nature Access Can Level the Playing Field for Children
By Children & Nature Network
MUD! Kids love it and you can too.
By Jenny Leibham
Seven Ways to Give the Gift of Nature in the New Year
By Laura Mylan
Why I Wear Jordans in the Great Outdoors: A Natural Leader Builds Bridges Between Worlds
By CJ Goulding
WELCOME TO THE NATURAL LIBRARY: The Essential Role of Libraries in Creating Nature-Rich Communities
By Richard Louv
Our Need for Nature in the Time of COVID
By Richard Louv
Stumps, jumps and tree cookies: Bringing nature’s benefits to young children in cities
By Alejandra Pallais
Do you have any topics that you’d like to see covered in the new year? Let us know in the comments below, or by reaching out to editor@childrenandnature.org! We look forward to hearing from you!
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2023 Inspiring Leaders in the Children and Nature Movement
Seven Ways to Give the Gift of Nature in the New Year, a Finding Nature News story
Gift ideas for a nature-filled new year, a Finding Nature News story
A dozen ways families can #OptOutside every day of the year, a Richard Louv column
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Voices
CAMPING WHILE PARENTING: A Mother-Son Adventure
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Feature
A common thread: Indigenous-led foundation weaves together activism and art, climate and community
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Network News
Community Spotlight: Prescribe Outside
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Voices
That’s nice, mija: Finding common language in nature connections
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Richard Louv
"HUMMINGBIRD PARENTS": Seven Actions Parents Can Take To Reduce Risk And Still Get Their Kids Outside
You do excellent work which I try to share with others. It would be great if you could do an article on forest schools for children which could be used to encourage school boards and early learning providers and organizations to implement them in pre-K and early grades. Thanks.
Thanks for this great idea, Ed. We hope you like our recent article on a new Teacher Field School in Minnesota, designed to encourage nature-based learning across the state and serve as a national model. We’ll add a story on Forest Schools to our editorial calendar! (https://www.childrenandnature.org/resources/fnn-minnesota-invests-in-new-teacher-field-school-to-scale-up-nature-based-learning-across-the-state/)