Circuitbrain

The concept started with the idea of a circuitboard somehow assuming the role of a human brain in dictating action. Somehow this morphed into the idea that our increasing interdependency with technology creates increasing isolation, from each other, from ourselves, from the planet itself.

Your Backyard and Beyond

I suppose I followed what I perceived to be the next step in a natural progression: the graduation of something that builds and builds locally, then regionally, then nationally, and finally, as featured here, internationally. As with all issues impacting our environment, the movement to connect children in industrialized or rapidly industrializing countries back to nature is one that is not experienced here in an American vacuum. Indeed, children globally experience similar ramifications of an increasing pressure to stay ahead in a technologically-oriented world. My event will feature speakers and panelists from different countries from each continent in an effort to share ideas, experiences, recommendations and strategies on how to turn this tide of technological isolation in our youth.

Which Way?

I think we are at a critically important junction right now in the history of our evolution - it seems a tipping point is within sight of the rapidly accumulating effects of industrialization and the ever-increasing presence of technology in our lives. Certainly the effects of technology on children - from increased linkages to depression, obesity and ADHD to the obvious disconnection from nature - is not a new phenomenom. However, like Rachel Carson and "Silent Spring," Richard Louv's book has managed to achieve one fundamental accomplishment - putting into voice what has been present but invisible to people. I guess this image represents that junction and the important role the next generation will have in determining the state of the environmental movement.

(Images: digitalrepository.fws.gov/cgi-bin/showfile.ex...Hillebrand, Steve...6/2006
www.orianit.edu-negev.gov.il/carmella/sites/h...418 x 480 - 35k worth1000.com)

Is this thing on?

I was recently speaking with a visitor about her family's trip to Alaska. A young mother of two, she had a strong connection to nature and a desire to pass it along to her children. She was describing their visiting a magnificent waterfall that could only be described as breathtaking - the intricate rock layers, the power of the water, the sensation of all the spray, all of it. Absolutely certain her children must be feeling this sense of awe, she asked the six year old, "Honey, what do you think?"

"It's pretty cool," he said, "But where are all the toys?"

Not Fade Away?

As a human being, as an animal for that matter, I find it rather shocking that there is even a discussion or concern that we as a species are feared to be slowly disconnecting from the natural processes that not only bring us joy and inspiration, but enable our very existence! This image, with its soft tones and gentle feel, could seem a mild suggestion of disconnection, but I will opt for the optimist interpretation and say it is one of re-connection. We have, if nothing else, the ability to learn from our mistakes and correct them. (http://www.h2ologics.com/My%20Webs/library.htm)

Same theme, different approach

A senate bill introduced by Senator Alex Padilla in Californis, Outdoor Education and Recreation Program, aims to increase the ability of underserved and at-risk populations to participate in outdoor education program. This initiative, to be administered by the the Director of Parks and Recreation and sponsored by the Sierra Club and the American Diabetes Association demonstrates another effort that enlists players from not only different sectors but also different areas of focus. This transect of environmental and health organizations marks a new alliance created by the No Child Left Inside Movement.

The Governator Steps IN

Arnold steps to the front line to prove he is more than muscle and an embarrassing accent:) Ok, ok... here is an example of a initiative on a state level. On July 6th, Arnold signed into effect the California Children's Outdoor Bill of Rights which includes ten easy, fun things that every child between the ages of 4 and fourteen should have the opportunity to do.

This was conceived by an ad hoc group of public and private organizations from federal, state and local levels, as part of this growing effort.

Children & Nature Network

The Children & Nature Network was created to offer an online resource to individuals, parents, educators, politicians, researchers, etc. who are working on behalf of reconnecting kids and nature. It provides a vast pool of research articles, local, regional & national initiatives and movement updates as well as a forum for presenting reports and case studies on children's health and nature. and program development

National Forum on Kids and Nature

The Conservation Fund, a national environmental non-profit, in partnership with Richard Louv, author of "Last Child in the Woods" is assembling top reps from public and private sectors in order to strategize on how to reconnect children to nature on a local, regional and national level.

“Healing the broken bond between our young and nature is in our self-interest--not only because aesthetics or justice demands it, but also because our mental, physical, and spiritual health depend upon it,” said Louv. “And so does the health of the earth. For decades, environmental educators, conservationists, and others have worked, often heroically, to bring more children to nature. Now a grass-roots movement to leave no child inside is emerging, bringing people from across political, cultural and religious divides. By bringing executive-level business and government figures to that table, the National Forum on Children and Nature will create a new level of commitment and action. This could be the tipping point.”