In an effort to promote a healthy lifestyle among the American public, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is encouraging kids and adults to get outdoors and connect with nature. The Service's new initiative, "Connecting People with Nature," incorporates natural resource conservation, environmental quality, and human health. With a simple, yet catchy slogan, "Let's Go Outside!" the services encourages the use of the 97-million-acre National Wildlife Refuge System and the nation's many other natural resources.

"Connecting People with Nature" is a U.S. Fish and wildlife service initiative designed to agressivly build a citizen base with a strong and enduring conservation ethic. The tight integration of technology into family lifestyles plays a significant role in the disconnect between people, particularily children, and the natural world.

To learn more, visit: http://www.fws.gov/children

Richard Louv, Last Child in the Woods
Richard Louv is the co-founder and chairman of the Children & Nature Network, which was created to encourage and support the people and organizations working to reconnect children with nature.

This country continues to experience a huge demographic shift. In his book, "Last Child in the Woods", Richard Louv points out that the young in this country are more culturally and ethnically diverse than ever. In the past, these young people have been overlooked due to a focus on a more traditional and less diverse - but now shrinking support base.

The reality is that these young people are future decision makers. We must pay attention to them, and help shape them into committed environmental stewards.

Kids just don't get out (doors) much anymore
Star Tribune's Doug Smith examines the disconnect between people, particularily children, and the natural world. In the past, these young people have been overlooked due to a focus on a more traditional and less diverse - but not shrinking support base.

Children & Nature Network
C&NN has designated April "Childrean & Nature Awareness Month." As part of this effort, we'll be promoting April programs and events with suggestions from network members (like you) on how to build public awareness of the issue and create solutions.

Resource Guide
Interested in getting your kids connected to nature? Check out this resource guide.