Monday, November 21, 2011

Children in Nature November Update

Greetings to Children in Nature Enthusiasts!

This service is provided by the Alberta Recreation and Parks Association (ARPA).  This is our November update.  I have continued with the format showing full links.  This way links can be "copy and pasted" to link, if the hot link fails.

Urgent input to Alberta School Curriculum Survey - November 21: To provide input into plans for changes to the Alberta school curriculum go to: http://ideas.education.alberta.ca/engage/current-initiatives/action-on-curriculum

A special request from a U of A student: A researcher at the University of Alberta is seeking individuals who would be willing to fill out a survey on a special or meaningful nature experience you had in the last six months. You will participate in a survey that lasts approximately 15 to 20 minutes. A full description of the project and the survey can be found at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/SGTNBQZ

If you have any questions, please email the researcher Lara Fenton, at lfenton@ualberta.ca. Thanks in advance!

From the Lifestyle Information Network (LIN) the following articles:

Designing playgrounds for exercise in play - http://www.theatlantic.com/life/archive/2011/09/playground-and-park-design-getting-our-children-to-exercise/245666/

Link to a 7 minute preview of the Lost Adventures of Childhood, an excellent 2009 45 minute CTV production on children's "over-controlled" lives: http://realscreen.com/2009/09/29/lostadventures-20090929/

An article from York Region advocating "prescriptions" for time in nature: http://www.yorkregion.com/community/health/article/1230764

This PDF of Dr. Trevor Hancock's presentation at the National Recreation Summit will stimulate some thoughts about the impact of parks and open space on human health: http://lin.ca/resource-details/20211

A referral to the Canadian Index on Well Being website allows access to a variety of reports on the overall precetions of Canadians on a variety of measures of "well being": http://ciw.ca/en/

From the NRPA we have the following referrals:

A link to an article on how "hovering Parents" can impede children's physical activity during outdoor play.  Go to http://healthland.time.com/2011/09/16/back-off-mom-parents-who-hover-impede-kids-activity/

A link to an excellent article in Recreation Mgt. that focuses on getting kids engaged in nature.  Go to http://www.recmanagement.com/features.php?fid=201109fe01&ch=1

A link to a short article in HealthDay News on a Canadian study of children's physical activity levels in Neighbourhoods with busy inter-connected streets at http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/news/fullstory_117523.html

Outdoor time may reduce nearsightedness in children.  This is a reiteration of work reported on from Australia about 18 months ago.  Never-the-less interesting! http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/news/fullstory_117880.html

An article in the Atlantic on the importance of play for children: http://www.theatlantic.com/life/archive/2011/10/all-work-and-no-play-why-your-kids-are-more-anxious-depressed/246422/

From Marion Price of Sprynt (Ontario) we have the following link that explains how to plan a youth summit: http://sharepoint.agriculture.purdue.edu/ces/INadolescenthealth/Shared Documents/meet_how_hold_youth_summit.pdf

I recently attended the Get to Know Unconference in Jasper where I met many amazing youth.  One was Quinn Delgarno. (see http://wildquinn.com/)  Quinn created a video about children in Nature.  See it at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gZXAcGgnuyg&feature=share

The Canadian Child & Nature Alliance website is full of useful information on Children in Nature.  Visit them at http://www.childnature.ca/

More information, still, is available at the Children and Nature Network.  The have abundant files on research that supports the belief that children need to be outdoors.  Visit them at: http://www.childrenandnature.org/

Cliff Lacey, ARPA
Children and Nature Specialist

Monday, September 12, 2011

Children In Nature September Update

Greetings to Children in Nature Enthusiasts.

This service is provided by the Alberta Recreation and Parks Association (ARPA). This is our September update. I have continued with the format showing the full links. This way links can be "copy and pasted" to link, if the hot link fails.

If you wish to be removed from the service please hit reply and put "REMOVE" in the subject line of your email.

From LIN we are referred to an article on a doctor writing prescriptions for time with "Mother Nature". Go to this link for the full story. http://www.insidehalton.com/community/health/article/1020672

Also from LIN we are directed to an editorial by Dr. David Suzuki concerning the benefits of nature in our back yard. http://cnews.canoe.ca/CNEWS/Environment/Suzuki/2011/06/08/18255611.html

LIN also has a link to HSBC press release in support of Evergreen's program to get children outdoors. For more go to: http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/June2011/09/c4505.html

NRPA provides this link to a children's garden project in Fayetteville.
and this link to a press release on a Denver program to get teens geocaching.

The Children and Nature Network has set up the Natural Service Network. For more info go to: http://childrenandnature.ning.com/group/naturalservicenetwork

From NRPA a link to an article on the benefits of play, in particular outdoor play. See it at:

The Canadain Parks Council Youth Engagement Working Group has produced a report on youth initiatives and ideas for National and Provincial parks. To down load this report go to: https://files.me.com/doncdh/9tj46b

NRPA notes the formation of Outdoor Nation, a group formed in New York's Central Park, dedicated to getting youth outdoors. http://www.outdoornation.org/page/history-1

From the New Zealand Recreation Association this link to a UK article on childhood obesity and parents' tendency to overstate the amount of exercise their children are getting. http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/2011/jul/03/obesity-children-exercise-parents

A link from LIN to a University of Alberta manual on the promotion of unstructured free play. See the full document at: http://www.auma.ca/live/digitalAssets/52/52776_Unstructured_Free_Play_Manual.pdf

For those in the Edmonton area, this link from the Edmonton and Area Land Trust will take you to a pdf. with information on sites nearby, some of which could serve as outdoor classrooms. http://ealt.ca/media/uploads/EALT_Newsletter_August_2011.pdf

Adam Bienenstock provides a link to an interview he did regarding a natural play area in greater Vancouver. This is a CBC audio file about 8 minutes long and discusses children and nature in detail. http://www.cbc.ca/onthecoast/episodes/2011/08/09/parent-projectplaygrounds/

Ted Ritzer supplies a link to the Child Nature Alliance website that provides a video file of the Natural Leaders program just getting started in B.C. Check it out at this site:

NRPA provides a link to information on a grant program called "Take Me Fishing". Studies indicate that 17% of Americans cite fishing as a child/youth as their initial experience in the outdoors, so this grant program is significant in introducing young people to the outdoors. See details at: http://www.sys-con.com/node/1957941.

The Alberta Land Trust Alliance newsletter has information of interest to those looking for field sites in the Province. https://app.e2ma.net/app/view:CampaignPublic/id:1352383.7516620955/rid:65b6b2f5c1268d0ff47077aa8cdb19f2

From LIN the link to a newspaper report of a study that suggests traditional playgrounds have a link to obesity in children. http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/health/new-health/health-news/study-suggests-traditional-playgrounds-contribute-to-childhood-obesity/article2148040/

From SPRYNT Ontario, an invitation to a webinar on youth development. Fee of $15 to participate on September 28. https://agriliferegister.tamu.edu/events/details.cfm?id=891

The last word goes to Richard Louv on the C&NN website. See his article and cruise around the site, there is so much information there......

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

Children in Nature June Update

Hello all Children in Nature subscribers. This is a long one!

This service is provided by the Alberta Recreation and Parks Association (ARPA). This is our June update. I have continued with the format showing the full links, due to complaints that computer security systems are stripping away the web links from the word "here" and leaving readers with no way to find the referenced articles. This way they can copy and paste to link, if they need to.

Pearls of wisdom from Richard Louv about the ability of Nature to heal an injured soul. Go to

http://www.childrenandnature.org/blog/2011/03/21/the-nature-of-reality/

From the National Recreation and Parks Association (NRPA) a link to an article in Recreation management Magazine on Camp Colley, run by the City of Phoenix to introduce children to the outdoors. http://www.recmanagement.com/facility-profiles.php?fid=201103fp01&ch=3

From the Lifestyle Information Network (LIN) a link to an article in the Journal of Internal Medicine that outlines the level of exercise children are getting from organized sport. A good illustration of the need for more "free play" in nature. http://www.internalmedicinenews.com/news/adolescent-medicine/single-article/youth-sports-don-t-offer-quite-enough-exercise/073f7ee098.html

LIN provides us with a link to the Canadian Index of Wellbeing (CIW) housed at the U. of Waterloo. This website provides an interesting perspective on factors seen to affect our wellbeing as a population. It is peripheral to the Children in Nature core issues, but thought provoking, none-the-less. http://www.ciw.ca/en/Home.aspx

From LIN a link to the Robert Bateman Get to Know Program that encourages children to "get to know" their animal neighbours. Some great information and contacts on this Canadian site. http://www.gettoknow.ca/ca/

NRPA provides a link to an article outlining projects that the US Forest Service is undertaking to get kids outdoors. Many interesting ideas for governments, in this article. http://summitcountyvoice.com/2011/04/06/u-s-forest-service-grants-boost-kids-outdoor-programs/

LIN sends us to the Active Healthy Kids Canada website for into on the fitness report card for Canadian children. Go to http://www.activehealthykids.ca/ and rummage around. Some great information on this site.

From NRPA we get a link to a UPI article indicating green spaces hae a profound affect on peoples' generosity and overall good health. Further proof of the benefits of nature to humans. See article at http://www.upi.com/Health_News/2011/04/20/Parks-green-space-essential-for-health/UPI-52381303357528/ The same topic is covered in a different (similar) article in "The 7th Space". http://7thspace.com/headlines/380265/research_shows_that_a_walk_in_the_park_is_more_than_just_a_nice_way_to_spend_an_afternoon.html

LIN offers a PDF of a presentation from Dr. Liz Halpenny at the Alberta Parks Forum on technology in parks. I feel this approach is an excellent way to reach out to tech savvy kids. I attended this excellent presentation. This is NOT about virtual park tours, it IS about new tech and its application to park visitor services. Go to http://lin.ca/resource-details/19067 to download the file.

The Alberta Council for Environmental Education provides a link to a Convention on Biodiversity site with information on forest biodiversity. Potentially useful info for educators. http://www.cbd.int/idb/2011/booklet/?tab=0

From Ted Ritzer, Alberta Parks, an Algonquin Books YouTube video on Richard Louv's new book, "The Nature Principle". To see the video go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_tPLOsklo4I

NRPA provides a link to its' site listing 2010 research articles. One of particular interest is titled

"Parks and Other Green Environments: Essential Components of Healthy Human Environments". Take a look at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_tPLOsklo4I

LIN points us to an article in the RV Daily Report that outlines the release of the Alberta Conservation Associations' new app that outlines places in Alberta to see wildlife, fish and camp. Check out the article and get the app...I have it and it is great! http://rvdailyreport.com/news/id/12894/alberta-conservation-association-launches-alberta-outdoor-adventure-guide-iphone-app

I could not find a link to this article, recommended by Bill Reynolds, Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development. If you can find this issue, Bill recommends you give this article a read...THE VIEW FROM SCHOOL WINDOWS. By: AUGUSTIN, SALLY; CACKOWSKI-CAMPBELL, JEAN MARIE. Landscape Architecture, Mar2011, Vol. 101 Issue 3, p126-126.

LIN guides us to another presentation from the ARPA Parks Forum -The Edmonton Master Naturalist Program. This program can be used as a method of training community activists to offer outdoor experiences for young urban families. http://lin.ca/resource-details/19076

The Edmonton and Area Land Trust is an organization with a land base and information to offer for groups looking for spaces in nature. Visit their website to see what they are doing that could offer opportunities for Children in Nature. http://www.ealt.ca/

The Kesho Trust is an organization that help found the Child Nature Alliance of Canada. The Trust is planning a gathering in September. Visit their website for more info on this event. http://healthybynature.ca/

LIN directs us to an interesting article on the B.C. Provincial Parks system plan to have a 100th Anniversay passport system with rewards for young park visitors. A vehicle for getting youth into their parks. http://www.bclocalnews.com/bc_thompson_nicola/clearwatertimes/news/122773043.html

NRPA refers us to an article in Athletic Business Magazine on community gardens. This article reinforces some of the data collected in the ARPA/CPRA Pan Canadian Survey on Children in Nature....community gardens are rapidly becoming a very effective method of getting children outdoors. http://athleticbusiness.com/articles/article.aspx?articleid=3748&zoneid=10

NRPA refers us to the Kansas State Parks geocaching challenge. They are hiding two caches in each State Park to encourage the public to visit the parks as part of a visitor use promotion. Geocaching is seen an introductory technology to get "techie kids" outdoors. Go to http://kdwp.state.ks.us/KDWP-Info/News/Weekly-News/5-26-11/STATE-PARK-TREASURE-HUNTERS-ON-THE-LOOSE

Brian Keeting is the well known spokesperson for the Calgary Zoo. Brian has a website with information on animals and travel. There are some links that would assist with children's outdoor programming. You have to watch the "Beavers of the Bow" link! http://www.goingwild.org/

LIN has finally found us an example of a Canadian doctor writing "Nature Prescriptions". So many examples of this have come from the US, this is welcome information. http://www.insidehalton.com/community/health/article/1020672

From my wife! A great link to a robin's nest video, suitable for viewing with children to get them interested in getting outside to look for nests. http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=9479342&server=vimeo.com&show_title=0&show_byline=0&show_portrait=0&color=00ADEF&fullscreen=1

From Gareth Thomson, Executive Director of the Alberta Council for Environmental Education a link to a Sesame Street video song to encourage young children to get outside. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZrqF7yD10Bo To visit the ACEE site, click here:

http://campaign.r20.constantcontact.com/render?llr=zc67ludab&v=001EXWmPNxFGZuVL3c209yycyXhaN-yGX62TO32RQaaUddXu5_rmFQdFV4wD_szgoW_NhK3VTXHL0JzzI_2ka94ASECdC5bz6p5gMBeD9vtDcJkziaHuGIlIg%3D%3D

Bill Reynolds came through with another link to an interesting site in Montreal. The GAHN Project...you will have to click on this link to find out what it is.http://www.urbanecology.net/current-projects

The Children in Nature Network has so much information on this topic it is impossible to know where to start. Please visit their site at http://www.childrenandnature.org/

Cliff Lacey, ARPA

Children and Nature Specialist

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Jan/Feb Children in Nature Update

Hello All

This service is provided by the Alberta Recreation and Parks Association (ARPA). This is our Jan/Feb update. I have continued with the changed the format of the links due to complaints that computer security systems are stripping away the web links from the word "here" and leaving readers with no way to find the referenced articles. This way they can copy and paste to link, if they need to.

For those wishing to be removed from the mailing list, just click reply and request removal. The majority of you are getting bcc's, but those few on the cc list are willing to have their names "exposed" to facilitate contact from others.

From the NRPA Bulletin, this link to an article from the US Outdoor Foundation. The article indicates that the decline in outdoor participation for youth is slowing in the United States. Click http://www.mlive.com/outdoors/index.ssf/2010/12/study_decline_in_youth_partici.html

The Edmonton and Area Land Trust has resources of interest to groups seeking study sites as well as material on some of the natural resources of this region. Go to their website for detailed information. Click http://www.ealt.ca/

More from NRPA, this link to an article on natural playgrounds in USA Today (highlighting the fact that this issue is becoming more mainstream). To read this general interest article click http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/environment/2010-04-22-EARTH_GreenPlaygrounds22_ST_N.htm

From Canada's Lifestyle Information Network (LIN) we have this link to the CBC initiative "Live Right Now" that we have seen on TV for the past month. This initiative targets part of the same family audience we must reach with Children in Nature. See http://lin.ca/resource-details/18181

The Alberta Land Trust Alliance has a repository of information on conservation programs, natural playground grants and much more. See it at http://www.landtrusts-alberta.ca/index.php

The Alberta Council for Environmental Education has new information posted on seminars and training of interest to environmental educators. Visit their site at http://www.abcee.org/

LIN has set up a programs data base, loaded with ideas for events and programs of all types. Go to the site and seek "children outdoors" programs and you will be amazed by the ideas that come up. Try it at http://lin.ca/search

LIN makes reference to the RBC After School grants. These grants could provide an opportunity for outdoor after school care for children. NB. VERY SHORT TIMELINE TO APPLY. See details at http://www.rbc.com/donations/after-school.html

An article highlighted in the NRPA Bulletin took me to a web page of learned abstracts highlighting the benefits of exercising outdoors. Have a look at http://www.greenexercise.org/Abstracts.html

Sherry Wallace from the City of Edmonton passed along this link to "Play Again". This site has a very moving video that highlights the challenges of getting youth to see the benefit of nature play. See it at http://www.groundproductions.com/playagain/index.php Well worth 10 minutes.

From LIN news of a brilliant plan by Parks Canada. The Explora program uses GPS based systems to marry the park experience with technology. For more information on this program see http://www.cbc.ca/news/technology/story/2011/02/05/parks-canada-gps-susan-lunn.html

This info is hot off the press. There is a launch of a National Benefits Hub on Wednesday Feb. 23. It is my understanding that you can search the hub for information of assistance in supporting Children and Nature programs, among others. The Hub was not active at this time, so I cannot test it. Use this link http://www.benefitshub.ca/

The NRPA Bulletin provides a light weight article on the benefits of walking in a park. See the article at http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/02/110209164011.htm Geof Godbey has published other articles with the same theme.

All for now.

Cliff Lacey
Alberta Recreation and Parks Association
Children in Nature Specialist