The Digital Environment

Kids and their newfangled technology these days!

While it seems counterintuitive, digital technology can actually help children connect with the environment. The National Wildlife Federation recently produced a report showing that although technology can keep children inside too much, when it is used in connection with outdoor experiences, it can leave children with a better understanding of the environment.

To encourage technology use that has the best possible impact on children's relationship with nature, NWF created a list of suggestions based on its study. These tips included creating tech-themed adventures and recording the experiences with portable devices.

For further encouragement, the NWF is currently running a winter photography contest connected with its Be Out There campaign. For more information on the technology study and the photo contest, click here.

Who would've thought cyberspace would lead us to nature?

Giving Nature

When I think of holiday gifts, I think of presents under the tree and people gathering inside to unwrap them. However, even though they are given deep in the winter months, holiday presents can connect us to the outdoors.

Within the last week, two sites have shared suggestions for gift ideas that can get children outside and experiencing nature.

Go Explore Nature provides these ideas for nature experiences in the backyard. As a bird-watcher, the binoculars and the field guides stand out for me. In fact, I remember how much I used to love using binoculars.

Also, as part of its Be Out There campaign, the National Wildlife Federation makes these recommendations for gifts. Topping my list from these options would the be the "owl puke" and the outdoor adventure. I used to love seeing owl pellets taken apart. The contents always fascinated me.

Wild Week

The National Wildlife Federation is gearing up for its National Wildlife Week event next week.

National Wildlife Week is a celebration of wildlife, and it's also part of the NWF's Be out There campaign, which emphasizes the importance of children getting to experience the outdoors.

With spring coming officially next week, National Wildlife Week is a good time to kick-start your year of outdoor experiences. The NWF is also using the event to provide information about different animals, paying special attention to 45 "extra-ordinary" species. For more details on learning about and experiencing wildlife next week, click here.

Take a Hike

In September, residents of the areas in and around Seattle; Atlanta; Chicago; Washington, DC; Denver; and Bernardsville, New Jersey, will have opportunities to take their children out for a hike.

The National Wildlife Federation's Hike & Seek event, which is part of the organization's larger Be Out There campaign, will take place in those cities. The event features a hike (of course) along with stamp/sticker collection, wildlife displays, snacks, crafts, awards to top "junior naturalists," and photos with Ranger Rick. Registration is required. For more details about the event, click here. 

If you don't have children but would like to volunteer to help at the event, click here. 

Get Out

Earlier, I talked about how the National Wildlife Federation has put together resources designed to help teachers incorporate outside activities in their instruction. It is part of the organization's Be Out There campaign, which seeks to create time for children to be outdoors, experiencing nature.

Be Out There extends beyond the classroom into homes by making parents and guardians aware of the physical, emotional, and psychological benefits being outside has for children. It also promotes the idea that children don't necessarily have to go to a lake or a national park to enjoy these benefits. Nature is everywhere, including the backyard or the local park. The Be Out There Web page contains a parents' guide and tips for helping children begin to enjoy the world of the outside.

As someone who was fortunate enough to grow up with many opportunities to be outdoors, I think the Be Out There campaign is a wonderful thing. I may no longer be a child, but my childhood experiences outside left me with fond memories, and even now, when I need a break, I find the outdoors give me just what I need. The restorative power is indeed special.

Check out the NWF's Be Out There campaign by clicking on the image at the top of this post or by clicking here.