Last Child in the Woods

In 2006, Richard Louv, a researcher on children's health writes a book that can be compared to Rachel Carson's "Silent Spring," written in the early sixties. Her book alerted the public to the dangers of pesticides, mainly DDT, eventually leading to its ban in 1972. "Last Child in the Woods" has alerted public to an environmental, social dilemma that is relevant to our times: the increasing schism between our youth and meaningful contact with the outdoors. This book sure has hit a nerve... the response has been unbelievable

Nature Deficit Disorder

Definition: Directly links the lack of nature in the lives of today’s wired generation to some of the most disturbing childhood trends, such as the rises in obesity, attention disorders, and depression.

My topic of interest

"No Child Left Inside" is part of a growing international movement that directly guides my organization's mission. I am interested in comparing how the US stacks up to other countries in both our lack of nature time for our kids and our efforts to do something about it.

It wasn't until I started working in the field of environmental education that I was exposed to lots of information citing all the negative effects of not enough time outdoors for kids and how this is on a rapid increase with the increased emphasis on technology. However, since everything is focused on "green" living nowadays, re-connecting kids with nature is coming to the forefront of policymakers, parents, teachers, etc.