National Arbor Day Foundation Alarmed by Growing Disconnect Between Children and Nature

New endeavor introduced to reverse the emerging trend

NEBRASKA CITY, Neb., July 14, 2005 -- "I know, I don't want my children spending all their time watching T.V. or staying inside," said Cami Burchett of Lincoln, Neb. "My son, Brett, already has attention difficulties, and I worry they don't get outside enough."

The latest research shows many people feel the same as Burchett. This current generation of children treats nature as an afterthought, often choosing to stay indoors playing video games, surfing the Internet, and watching television, spending less time interacting with family and the environment.

"Simple outdoor experiences have a profound impact on a child's development," said Nancy Rosenow, executive director, Dimensions Educational Research Foundation.
"Research confirms there is no substitute for being outdoors."

According to Rosenow, young children often are inappropriately exposed to frightening environmental issues, such as global warming, ozone holes, and rain forest destruction at too early an age, further distancing them from nature.

Research shows nature brings benefits

Today's kids can benefit from time outdoors just like their parents did as children. Using data collected from direct observational research started in 1997, the Dimensions Educational Research Foundation substantiated significant evidence that experiences with nature bring profound benefits to children, including:

- More developed powers of observation and creativity[1].

- Heightened ability to concentrate including children with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD)[2].

- More advanced motor fitness, including coordination, balance, and agility[3].

"Between 1981 and 1997, the amount of time U.S. children ages six to eight spent playing outdoors decreased by four hours per week, while the amount of time they spent indoors in school increased by almost five hours per week," said Rosenow. "As a result, children are losing touch with nature, and child development can be negatively affected."

This research has been reviewed with interest by The National Arbor Day Foundation, which works to engage people in planting trees and environmental stewardship.

"The exciting thing about the Dimensions research is it gives us a map of how to get kids outdoors in a meaningful, fun, and easy way," said Susie Wirth, The National Arbor Day Foundation Education Director.

Recognizing this as a growing problem, the Arbor Day Foundation collaborated with Dimensions Educational Research Foundation to give families a tool to encourage a connection with nature - an interactive program for preschool and elementary-aged children called "Kids Explore Club."

Outdoor activities for children

The research shows children should first enjoy and appreciate nature, not see it as a source of alarm and concern.

(1) Crain, William (2001). How Nature Helps Children Develop. Montessori Life, Summer 2001.

(2) Taylor, A.F. (2001). Coping with ADD: The surprising connection to green play settings. Environment and Behavior, 33(1), 54 - 77

(3) Grahn, P. (1997). UTE pa DAGIS, Stad & Land nr. 93/1991 Sveriges lantbruksuniversitet, Alnarp, Fjortoft, Ingunn (2001). The Natural Environment as a Playground for
Children: The Impact of Outdoor Play Activities in Pre-Primary School Children. Early Childhood Education Journal, 29 (2):111 - 117

"This generation of children is missing out on the benefits of spending time outdoors," said Wirth. "Outdoor activities help them get away from video games and the Internet and start a meaningful, beneficial exploration of the world around them."

Membership in "Kids Explore Club" revolves around missions such as "tree scavenger hunt," "bug's eye view," and "magic rings." The activities are centered on six characters who direct "Kids Explore Club" members to find unexpected discoveries through hands-on interaction with nature. All activities can be completed in any backyard or neighborhood.

"With Kids Explore Club I have become an active participant in my children's learning," said Burchett. "The activities and missions are such wonderful ways for families to enchance their children's experiences."

When the Kids Explore Club arrived at the Burchett house, Cami's children were excited to take a walk.

"As we walked through our neighborhood, I was surprised at how interested in Kids Explore Club my children were," said Burchett. "I was so happy at how quickly they 'tuned' in the outdoors."

According to Wirth, every aspect of the "Kids Explore Club"
has been created to encourage participation and learning. By combining outdoor activities, characters, and stories with educational messages, children will gain the inspiration and knowledge to take a more caring role regarding the planet.

The membership includes the missions, identification card, magic tree ring magnifier, mission clipboard, and explorer's portfolio. Add-on products also are available, including an explorer's positioning system, explorer's gloves, and an explorer's zoom cam. For more information, visit http://www.arborday.org/explore .

"Kids Explore Club activities help me introduce the outdoors to my children and further connect them to nature," said Burchett.

For more information, contact:

Brian Martorana
Fleishman-Hillard
816-512-2322
martorab@fleishman.com