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The Children & Nature Network (C&NN) was created to encourage and support the people and organizations working to reconnect children from all sectors of society with nature. The Network provides a critical link between researchers, educators, organizations and individuals dedicated to children's health and well-being. Their website, ChildrenandNature.org offers parents, youth, civic leaders, educators and health-care providers access to the latest news and research in this field. They also offer practical advice, including ways to apply this information at home, at school, in work environments, and in the community. |
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The Network came into being after the publication of Richard Louv’s book, Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children from Nature-Deficit Disorder in 2005. The strong positive response to this book nationally led to the creation of the Network, and a national campaign called “No Child Left Inside”. There are currently 38 local and regional chapters in 29 states. People across the country have different names for their regional activities related to “No Child Left Inside”. Hooked On Nature is taking a leadership role in the regional initiatives in the San Francisco Bay Area and the Greater Baltimore Area. The San Francisco Bay Area initiative is called “The Children in Nature Collaborative” and Baltimore is planning The Greater Baltimore Children & Nature Conference for February 20, 2008. “From very early on, Hooked on Nature became involved in discussions about ways that the Network could support regional leadership on these issues,” explained Managing Director Amy Pertschuk. “It’s important to have groups like Hooked on Nature who are thinking beyond their own agenda. They have been proactive in helping to bring a broader constituency beyond the conservation and environment groups to the table. This helps create a conversation on issues that impact people we might not have reached otherwise. For example, Hooked on Nature introduced us to the Court Diversion Program in Rutland, Vermont. Engaging with them has helped us to think about the complex issues of youth alienation, crime prevention and community safety. As Rick Bjorn, director of the Rutland program told us, ‘These are youth who have lost their way. Nature can help restore them.’” For more information about The Children and Nature Network, please see
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