“Leave No Child Inside”--Louv Brings Message to Lied

LINCOLN —Author of the groundbreaking Last Child in the Woods will speak February 19 in Lincoln . A journalist and child advocacy expert, Richard Louv explores the divide between children and nature, its psychological, social, environmental, cognitive and spiritual implications and offers suggestions to reconnect youth with the natural world.
       Louv has testified before Congress and at the national level of many environmental, educational and parenting organizations; now the message is being brought to Lincoln .
      What is revolutionary about Louv, says Brooke Levey of the Healthy Families Play Outside (HFPO) network, is that he “connected the dots between current research on increases in childhood obesity, attention disorder and depression and the lack of outdoor play.”
      In interviewing families for an earlier book about changes in family life, Louv sensed that “something profound was changing in the relationship between children and nature.” Researching and writing Last Child in the Woods gave him the opportunity to further explore changes in cultural norms in regard to outdoor play.

Restoring Wonder

      Though initially Louv believed lack of access to nature was the primary deterrent, he came to believe that fear plays an even greater role in limiting children's time in nature. Parental and institutional anxiety about physical harm, abductions and litigation have created rigid restrictions in federal, state and local laws and neighborhood covenants. “About 75 million Americans now live in communities covered by those things,” Louv says.
       Social pressure for kids to succeed in organized sports, studies and other pursuits further limits unstructured outdoor time. Electronic media can consume as much as 44 hours a week for some youth.
      Although physical and psychological problems may be the most immediate and visible threat, Louv says the most important word in his book is “wonder,” citing the capacity of the natural world to foster imagination, creativity and a sense of belonging.
      In his free public lecture at 7pm at Lincoln 's Lied Center , Louv will look at research on child development, attention disorders, depression and obesity; and offer suggestions on how parents, teachers, environmentalists and community leaders can provide opportunities, places and priorities for outdoor play.
      Sue Kohles of HFPO says the presentation is being sponsored to encourage action within our families and our communities, but also in education, law, government, community and regional planning, development and policymaking. Louv's message is compelling and practical, Kohles says, “there are things we do that can make a difference—the way we teach our children, design neighborhoods and playgrounds, protect natural areas, spend time as a family and prioritize our time and funding.”
      Attachment to the natural world is crucial to careful stewardship. Concerns about climate change and resource sustainability further underscore the need for connection and attention. Still, proponents say, the message is fairly simple, “Take your kids outside.”
      HFPO members include University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension , Nebraska Statewide Arboretum, Lower Platte South Natural Resource District , Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, Dimensions Foundation, Pioneers Park Nature Center , The Groundwater Foundation and Lincoln Children's Zoo, currently sponsoring a city-wide Safari nature treasure hunt at www.lincolnsafari.org .
      The lecture is free and open to the public, but patrons must have tickets to attend. To reserve a ticket, call 1-800-432-3231 after January 2. For more information, call 402/472-4747 or go to www.liedcenter.org .