Allies News
Media & Culture | Campaign/Initiative
MarketWatch – September 22, 2009
The North Face Launches Website to Connect People with the Outdoors
Outdoor retailer The North Face has announced the Bay Area launch of PlanetExplore, a new online community that aims to connect people to the outdoors by serving as a hub for outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, climbing, and running in their area. As part of PlanetExplore, The North Face has partnered with the Children & Nature Network, Outward Bound, the Sierra Club, and other organizations that promote outdoor participation. Later in 2009, PlanetExplore will launch in Denver and New York City.
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Health | Event
KaBOOM! Encourages Communities to “Get Outside and Play!”
By Bethe Almeras - The Grass Stain Guru
From September 19 - 27, over 1,000 communities across the U.S. will host free, fun-for-the-whole-family events that focus on the importance of play in children’s lives. Whether you are a naturalist who does children’s programming, a parent that heads-up a Family Nature Club, a recreation leader at a teen center, or a park ranger, KaBOOM! encourages you to host a Play Day in your community.
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Media & Culture | Leadership
BassPro Video Game Trade-in; 15% off to Get Kids Out
By BassPro
BassPro announces one of the most innovative strategies we've seen to date for getting kids outdoors. This week, all around the country, kids and adults will be turning in their video games for a 15% discount off fishing gear, water sports items, tents, sleeping bags and footwear.
"One of the most exciting and invigorating places to go this summer is just beyond your front door," said Larry Whiteley, Bass Pro Shops Manager of Communications. "Bass Pro Shops is committed to helping adults and children across the nation put away their laptops, video games, PDAs and cell phones this summer and head outdoors.
Built Environment
Church Executive – March 01, 2008
Churches Encouraged to Connect Children with Nature
By Rachel Beach
The people who run the nation’s churches are being asked to “restore the connection between today’s children and nature” in the latest issue of Church Executive magazine. In addition to creating play environments on church grounds that incorporate more natural elements like trees and even wildlife, churches should consider restoring green play spaces within their communities as part of their ministries.
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Resource
Drive – January 01, 2008
Subaru Promotes Children and Nature Movement
By Richard Louv

Car manufacturer Subaru has devoted the cover of its quarterly magazine Drive to promoting the children and nature movement. Inside the magazine there is an excerpt from Richard Louv’s Last Child in the Woods that provides a succinct introduction to the ideas behind the movement. The magazine also features information on the National Wildlife Federation’s Green Hour program and the efforts of the No Child Left Inside Coalition.
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Health | Leadership
Grist – December 18, 2007
REI Chief Bemoans Overscheduled Kids
By Sarah Van Schagen
Sally Jewell, the head of outdoor-equipment retailer REI, says in a recent interview that children spend far too much of their time in front of computer or television screens. She credits Richard Louv with putting into words her concerns about young people today. The challenge, she says, is getting technology and nature to work together for their benefit.
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Health
Nurse.com – July 26, 2010
Children and Nature Initiative Aims to Reduce Youth Obesity, Disease
Natl. Environmental Ed. Foundation launches initiative to improve children’s health: Drs. to “prescribe” outdoor activity. [+]
Campaign/Initiative | Legislation/Policy
JUST ADDED: Public Listening Sessions on America’s Great Outdoors Initiative in UT, MN, NY
Senior government officials are hosting listening sessions in a range of locations around the U.S. On April 16, 2010, President Obama established the America’s Great Outdoors Initiative to develop a conservation and recreation agenda for the 21st century. The President understands that efforts for protecting and restoring lands and waters, and reconnecting people to the outdoors, must be community driven. [+]
Campaign/Initiative | Legislation/Policy
– July 20, 2010
AGO Listening Session in Philadelphia July 27 to Focus on Historic Preservation
Opportunities continue to join the conversation about America's Great Outdoors, Also in San Francisco July 23. [+] [PDF]
Campaign/Initiative | Legislation/Policy
– July 17, 2010
NEW: YOUTH Public Listening Session on America’s Great Outdoors in San Francisco July 23
People ages 16-25 are invited to join the conversation about America's Great Outdoors. Next: Phila. 7/27. [+]
State | Campaign/Initiative
Florida Wildlife Federation – July 01, 2010
Biologist, Get Outdoors Florida Chair Named “Conservation Educator of Year”
Fisheries biologist and Get Outdoors Florida leader Bob Wattendorf received the FL Wildlife Federation's "Conservation Educator of the Year". [+]
Campaign/Initiative | Legislation/Policy
– July 09, 2010
PUBLIC LISTENING SESSIONS ON THE PRESIDENT’S AMERICA’S GREAT OUTDOORS INITIATIVE
Senior government officials are hosting listening sessions in a range of locations around the U.S. On April 16, 2010, President Obama established the America’s Great Outdoors Initiative to develop a conservation and recreation agenda for the 21st century. The President understands that efforts for protecting and restoring lands and waters, and reconnecting people to the outdoors, must be community driven. [+]


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: