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NC Zoo Hosts Statewide Conference to Reconnect Kids to Nature
BY: Mike McClanahanFeb. 27, 2008
New studies show nature and outdoor play can benefit children's physical, social, psychological and spiritual well being
ASHEBORO, N.C.— The North Carolina Zoo, N.C. Zoological Society, Hooked on Nature and Food Lion, Inc., will sponsor a statewide conference at the N.C. Zoo March 6 in response to recent studies showing the benefits of nature and outdoor play against pervasive childhood problems such as depression, ADHD and obesity.
The day-long conference brings together representatives from government, healthcare, education and the private sector for presentations on the most current research and activities, and to explore means of collaborating on behalf of children.
"The excitement this conference is generating has been tremendous,” said Kathy Bull, N.C. Zoo Society director of external affairs. “This is really a critical topic across the state and has major implications for the health, education and socialization of our children."
Much of the excitement in the United States stems from Richard Louv’s book "Last Child in the Woods." Louv provides evidence that nature experiences may stimulate creativity and provide therapy for such conditions as attention deficit disorder. Louv also shows that environment-based education can improve standardized test scores and help develop problem solving, critical thinking and decision-making skills. Findings by Louv and other researchers have ignited worldwide interest and such initiatives as the international Children and Nature movement and the Campaign to Leave No Child Inside.
The N.C. Zoo conference brings North Carolina children into the dialogue with national speakers including Avery Cleary from Hooked on Nature, Eliza Russell from the National Wildlife Federation and Nilda Cosco of the N.C. State Natural Learning Institute.
Attendees will preview and discuss the documentary "Where Do the Children Play?" with Elizabeth Goodenough, outreach director at the University of Michigan and author of the book upon which the documentary is based.
Other contributors to the conference include Be Active N.C., Randolph Hospital, Blue Cross Blue Shield of N.C. and Hampton Inn of Asheboro.
For more information about the conference, contact Kerry Sparks at 336-879-7285.
The North Carolina Zoological Society is a private, non-profit organization that supports the North Carolina Zoo and conservation. The zoo is an agency of the N.C. Department of Environment & Natural Resources, William G. Ross Jr., Secretary; Michael F. Easley, Governor.