The extraordinarily insightful Nature of Americans study illuminates both the longing for and barriers to the natural world, and offers new documentation that will help those who connect children, families, and communities to the natural world. For example, the insight that nature experiences are so often intensely social activities, a reminder of a sometimes forgotten key to connecting children to nature. Congratulations to the late Steve Kellert and DJ Case for such fine work.
We are disconnected
Profound changes are occurring in the American public’s connections to nature, the outdoors, and wildlife. These pose a nationwide problem since human health and well-being depend on beneficial contact with nature.
Opportunities for reconnection
Findings from this study are prompting nature conservation, environmental education, and outdoor recreation leaders to expand how they work to connect people with nature.
Collaborators
Richard Louv
Author of “Last Child in the Woods” and chairman emeritus of the Children & Nature Network