Legislation/Policy News
National
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette – March 28, 2010
Interior Chief Says We Must Connect Kids with the Outdoors
By John Hayes
At a recent gathering of parks and recreation professionals in Washington, D.C., Tom Strickland, U.S. Department of Interior chief of staff, emphasized the importance of connecting children with the outdoors. "We know that the message of the last child in the woods is a very pointed message that we are reminded of daily," Strickland remarked. "We have to connect our young people to the outdoors for their own good, and for the good and benefit of those special places."
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State | Media & Culture
Idaho Reporter – March 23, 2010
Idaho State Resolution Praises Work of C&NN
By Dustin Hurst
Members of the Idaho House of Representatives joined with members of the state senate in sending the message that they support activities that get youth away from electronic devices and out into nature and the outdoors. Representatives voted recently to approve Senate Concurrent Resolution 1113, which praises the work of the Children & Nature Network in raising awareness of outdoor activities for children.
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Children & Nature Network – March 26, 2010
C&NN Urges White House to Include Nature in Obesity Campaign
The Children & Nature Network applauds the First Lady’s “Let’s Move” campaign and urges even more focus on independent play and the natural world.
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National
National Wildlife Federation – February 23, 2010
NWF Releases State Policy Solutions Guide
By Allen Cooper
From the issuing of special proclamations to the training of teachers in environmental science, there are numerous actions that state policymakers can take to reconnect children and families with nature. The National Wildlife Federation has compiled a guide to help states develop comprehensive plans that coordinate all the policy tools at their disposal.
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National | Health | Campaign/Initiative
Children & Nature Network – February 04, 2010
Groups Ask First Lady to Include “Outdoor in Nature” Component
In the wake of First Lady Michelle Obama's announcement that she will be leading a special nationwide initiative to combat childhood obesity, a number of organizations have written her an open letter urging this initiative to include an “outdoors in nature” component. The National Wildlife Federation, the Sierra Club, and the Children & Nature Network are among the groups that signed the letter. [+]
National | Health
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services – January 28, 2010
U.S. Surgeon General Advocates Outdoor Play
In her first release to the nation, Surgeon General Regina Benjamin is encouraging communities to build and enhance infrastructures to support more walking and bicycling, and to improve the safety of neighborhoods to facilitate outdoor physical activity. The Surgeon General’s Vision for a Healthy and Fit Nation highlights the alarming trend of obesity in this country, especially among young people, and asks all Americans to join her in a grassroots effort to commit to changes that promote the health and wellness of our families and communities. [+]
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As part of our ongoing efforts to build the movement, the Children & Nature Network has published two new resources for leaders, organizers, and participants at the local, national, and international levels:
