Mostly likely some of your fondest memories are infused with the essences of both food and nature. I don’t know if you are like me, but I try to have a running theme in my life; something that links all the little pieces together. For my family, the main premise is how to live wholesome lives connected to the basic principles of openness, kindness, understanding, growth, and compassion.  Two books that have inspired me to look at my habits have been Last Child in the Woods (Algonquin Books of Chapel Hill, 2006) by Richard Louv Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children From Nature-Deficit Disorder and Plenty (Three Rivers Press, 2007) by authors Alisa Smith and J.B. Mackinnon. Plenty: Eating Locally on the 100-Mile Diet

Richard Louv has coined the “Nature Deficit Disorder.” Although not a medical condition, the author explains how this phrase is useful in describing the state of childhood in the United States.  As parents we struggle to make our children’s lives more green. Some of your green choices might be: breastfeeding, using cloth diapers, purchasing organic foods and cleaning products, biking to work, or recycling. We also want to instill stewardship for the land, but as Louv explains “Surely children need a quality attachment to land not only for their own health, but in order to feel compelled to protect nature as adults- not only as common-sense conservationists, but as citizens and as voters.”

The author poses the idea that many people who have influenced our lives like Mr. Rodgers, Ben Franklin or Eleanor Roosevelt, often reflect that nature has been their first inspiration and teacher.  Many would argue that our country has been founded on principals of adventure, conquering nature, and reaching the last frontiers.  Although these actions may be seen as standing in opposition to environmental protection, they are what opened our land to discovery and inspiration.  People like Goodall, Lawrence, Muir, Darwin, Carson, and Edward Abby greatly benefited from the United States’ fascination with natural discoveries.  Howard Gardner, the influential education professor from Harvard University, developed the theory of multiple intelligences.  The naturalist’s intelligence in described as dealing with sensing patterns in and making connections to elements in nature.  Even some religions have specific connections to nature, and some used to greatly encourage a relationship with the natural environment.  The book left me with some lingering questions: As the United States is becoming more ethnically diverse, how do these cultures influence traditional views of the environment? What is the percentage of different ethnic groups that feel comfortable exploring the outdoors?  How can we help all of American children feel comfortable in connecting with this valuable resource even if their culture values nature differently?  Louv cogently explains the health benefits of a relationship with the outdoors, and it would seem only natural to have a better understanding of how to include everyone in that equation.

Families have different approaches to including the outdoors in their daily lives.  Some families go to local parks, others enroll their children in scouting programs, and many families include watching nature channels on television as an activity that connects one to nature. However, a decreasing number of people will visit national parks and a smaller number of families will explore the outdoors together by rafting, climbing, hiking or camping.  Louv has something to say about all of these activities, but you will need to read his well documented book to find out about all of his ideas.  Louv uses Madhu Narayan’s (Girls Scouts regional outdoor education manager) words to explain some of the challenges that many organizations are facing when including outdoor exploration in their programs: “Today, if a parent sends a kid to you without a scratch, they better come back that way.  That’s the expectation. And as someone responsible for people, I have to respect that.”  Americans are becoming more and more fearful of nature.  We are afraid of injury, disease, boredom, or even getting lost outdoors.  Louv has practical advice on what parents, schools, camps, neighborhood associations or even governmental agencies can do to bring us back into connection with nature.

Stay tuned for part 2, published next week:

 “Ruth Hanna McCormick noisily donated one of her “purebred” cattle to the Chicago Zoo, Saying, “It’s for the kids who have never seen one.  Thousands…have seen a rhinoceros, and a giraffe, but have never seen a cow.””-  J.B Mackinnon, Plenty.

Heidi

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