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