The National Wildlife Federation has connected children and youth with nature for decades. It inspires children through Ranger Richard(r)magazine, works with educators to get children learning outside, and helps parents find new ways to involve their children outside.
The number of time children spends outside today is shocking, with only minutes per day. While screen time is at an all-time high, it is still very low. The National Wildlife Federation has a new goal: to stop the tide and get kids outdoors.
Our goal over three years is to get 21,000,000 American children, teens and young adults outside. This goal will help us move towards a future where all children spend time outdoors every day. It will also create a generation of healthier, happier children who are more connected to the natural world.
The National Wildlife Federation’s Green Hour program encourages parents, schools and childcare centers to set aside one hour per day to allow children to learn and play outdoors.
Why have a green hour?
Research by the Academy of America Pediatrics and the Centers for Disease Control on creativity and health led to the idea of “Green Hour”. Regular positive experiences are the best way for young people to develop a lifetime interest in nature and wildlife.
It’s never been more important to get kids outdoors. L.L. Bean has teamed up to bring outdoor activities to families and kids. Every week, we’ll offer new ways to connect kids with nature. The possibilities are limitless, from creating a nature notebook, becoming a wildlife detective, and playing with leaves.
Our approach to connecting children and nature
The National Wildlife Federation works with major influencers to help children make the outdoors more a part of their daily lives.
Working with Teachers and Youth Organizations
The National Wildlife Federation provides ongoing nature and outdoor programming for schools, childcare centers and park agencies to help build a foundation of environmental literacy, stewardship and problem-solving skills. Schools and community-based organizations all over the country are now incorporating outdoor learning and play into their daily routines using the Schoolyard Habitats, eco-Schools USA program, and opportunities like tree planting events with Trees for Wildlife. The National Wildlife Federation offers educational resources for connecting children and nature, such as lesson plans, curriculum, and webinars.
Influencing Policy Makers
We are working with National Wildlife Federation affiliates and other partners to ensure that our decision-makers recognize the importance of outdoor time for the health and well-being of our nation’s children and the environment. We advocate for them to pass policies that encourage kids, youth, and families to spend time outside.
Why connect children and nature?
The nature of childhood has changed. The American childhood has become more indoor-oriented over the past two decades, causing a physical and mental toll on children today. A decrease in outdoor time harms children’s health. It has led to a doubling of childhood obesity and an incremental hundred billion dollars of cost to the system. There is also a decline in creativity, concentration and social skills.
The benefits of connecting children with nature are important. Outdoor time is proven to increase children’s strength, imagination, attention span, aggression reduction, and classroom performance. Children who spend more time outdoors are better at stewarding the environment.
Quick Facts: Outdoor Time, Children
- Children’s outdoor time outside is half of what they used to do 20 years ago.
- Outdoor play is more beneficial for children because they are more active, creative, and focused.
- Sixty minutes of unstructured play per day is vital for children’s mental and physical health.
- Participating in “wild nature activities” as an adult before the age of 11 is the best way to care for the environment.