Study: Children Who Grow up Feeling Close to Nature Are Happier and More Likely to Care for the Planet
According to a research team in Mexico, children who grow up feeling close to nature are happier and more likely to become eco-friendly, compared to those who suffer from nature deficit disorder. The researchers surveyed nearly 300 children to find a link between ecological and sustainable awareness and feelings of happiness. The study is the …. Read More
New York State Senate Passes Outdoor Rx Act in Unanimous Vote
The New York State Senate passed the Outdoor Rx Act which will lower barriers for veterans to access New York State’s scenic and restorative outdoor spaces. More than 800,000 veterans live in New York State, but numerous barriers often prevent them from exercising their human right to access nature.
Spending Time in Nature May Lower Stress, Anxiety
New research from an interdisciplinary Cornell team has found that as little as 10 minutes in a natural setting can help college students feel happier and lessen the effects of both physical and mental stress. The research, published in Frontiers in Psychology, is part of a larger examination of the therapeutic benefits of nature for college …. Read More
New Report Warns That the World Is Failing to Give Children Healthy Lives
No single country is adequately protecting children’s health, their environment and their futures, says a major new report by over 40 child and adolescent health experts from around the world. The report references UNICEF’s work in child-friendly cities, with an emphasis on walkability, outdoor play, and green space in cities for the benefit of children.
Playing Freely in Nature May Boost Complex Thinking, Social Skills in Kids
Researchers from the University of South Australia found that nature play positively impacts the health and development of children ages two to 12. The study, published in the journal PLOS One, found that nature play improved children’s levels of physical activity, health-related fitness, motor skills, learning, and social and emotional development. It also showed that …. Read More
Study Highlights New Strategies For Helping Children Process Negative Emotions
The findings of a study of indigenous people in southern Chile challenge Western assumptions about the value of spending time outdoors to help children regulate their emotions. The study surveyed 271 parents and teachers in southern Chile, approximately half of which were Mapuche, an indigenous people of the region. Researchers found that the Mapuche parents believe …. Read More
Play Is Banned on All Baltimore City Streets. A New Bill Could Change That.
In Baltimore, local councilor Ryan Dorsey seeks to change a law that bans children from playing outdoors in the city. Dorsey aims to repeal a key element of the city code which makes it unlawful for any person to ‘play ball, fly a kite or throw a stone or other object or missile while in …. Read More
NATURAL DETROIT: Developing Youth Through the Magic of Nature
Let me paint the scene. School’s out! The final bell has rung and kids are flying out of every door at Merriman Elementary School in Romulus, Michigan, rushing home to start their summer adventures. Days prior, my classmates gushed about the vacations their families would be taking and the things they were going to do …. Read More
Reconnecting with Nature Key for the Health of People and the Planet
A new study suggests that physically and psychologically reconnecting with nature can be beneficial for human health and wellbeing, while at the same time encouraging individuals to act in ways that protect the health of the planet. Conducted by researchers at the University of Plymouth, Natural England, the University of Exeter and University of Derby, …. Read More
Play Access in Cities Is Critical to Children’s Development
The Real Play Coalition, a global play rights alliance founded by National Geographic, The Lego Foundation and IKEA, says society has an obligation to reclaim play in cities because of the critical role of play in child development and learning. The coalition published this conclusion is a new report, “Reclaiming Play in Cities – The Real …. Read More
Boston’s Franklin Park Is Poised for $28 Million in Upgrades — and the City Wants Ideas on How to Spend the Money
The city of Boston will invest $28 million in improving the 500-acre urban park, Franklin Park, and is looking for city residents for guidance on aspects such as inclusivity and access. The park is the city’s largest outdoor space and is located in a racially diverse area of the city. The planning process for the …. Read More
These Cities Are Addressing Inequality in Parks Access
A new report from the City Parks Alliance showcases seven US cities that are leading the way in using their budgets to fund parks more equitably. As residents with lower incomes are less likely to find green space nearby in their neighborhoods in several major U.S. metro areas, the report gives recommendations for using parks funding allocations …. Read More
City of Atlanta Scores Nearly 13 Acres for a New Tree-filled Park
The city of Atlanta has taken a step closer to its commitment to providing all residents with green and equitable space with the recent acquisition of nearly 13 acres of green space intended to become a new park. Officials say it’s one of the largest acquisitions of green space ever in Southwest Atlanta. While Atlanta …. Read More
Winter Play Campaign Aims to Get Kids Outdoors
The Association of Play Industries (API) has launched a new initiative aimed at getting children outdoors, using playgrounds over the winter. With the vast majority of families living in urban areas, community playgrounds are often their only chance to get children playing outdoors, however, the winter months present even more challenges. The new initiative builds …. Read More