Children & Nature network

Tools &  Resources for Pediatricians

[+] Download the Grow Outside Flier [PDF]

What the Research Shows

THE CHILDREN & NATURE NETWORK REPORT ON HEALTH BENEFITS TO CHILDREN FROM CONTACT WITH THE OUTDOORS & NATURE
A synthesis of selected research and studies on health benefits. These studies, along with others, were originally published as part of C&NN's four volumes of annotated bibliographies of research and studies.
[+] Download PDF

CHILDREN & NATURE NETWORK’S RESEARCH AND STUDIES SECTION
The Children & Nature Network has compiled the premier set of research studies to help us all understand what’s best for children’s healthy development. More than 120 studies are abstracted, most of them with links to the original research.
[+] Research & Studies

Two Examples of Physicians’ Nature Prescription Pads

SAMPLE PRESCRIPTION FOR PHYSICIANS
In collaboration with local pediatricians and educators, and working in partnership with the Children & Nature Network, the Outdoor Discovery Center in Holland, MI has begun a local initiative to improve the health of 3-6 year old children through nature activity. The center created posters and informational handouts to promote benefits of nature play and outdoor activity. Available in English and Spanish, these are being displayed in medical offices, health department facilities, schools and other public areas. Local pediatricians are now prescribing outdoor activity for their patients and encouraging families to get outside as part of their wellness program.
[+] Download ODC handouts and sample prescription

[+] Download and Printout this Nature Play Prescription:


Rx FOR OUTDOOR ACTIVITY: PRINT AND USE THIS PRESCRIPTION FORM FOR PEDIATRICIANS
The National Environmental Education Foundation produced a handy “prescription” form that can be reproduced and used to recommend outdoor play to patients and parents.
[+] Visit NEEF. Find out more.

Great Allies for Pediatricians

NATURE CLUBS FOR FAMILIES TOOLKIT
Pediatricians can do more than prescribe nature. They can show parents how to get outside – with this free toolkit that shows parents how they can band together with other families for green exercise.
[+] Download Now [PDF]
[+] Nature Clubs for Families

C&NN COMMUNITY ACTION GUIDE: BUILDING THE CHILDREN & NATURE MOVEMENT FROM THE GROUND UP
Pediatricians and other health care professionals can look to their communities for allies, and they can also help build the movement. C&NN’s action guide shows you how.
[+] Download Now [PDF]
[+] C&NN Reports and Publications

TRAINING FOR HEALTH PROFESSIONALS ON HOW TO GET KIDS OUTSIDE
Using a “train-the-trainer” approach, the National Environmental Education Foundation (NEEF) holds workshops to prepare pediatric health care providers to serve as “nature champions.” Recommend these to your community health professionals.
[+] Visit NEEF. Find out more.

Other links of note

[+] PARK PRESCRIPTIONS: PROFILES AND RESOURCES FOR GOOD HEALTH FROM THE GREAT OUTDOORS

[+] WHOLE CHILD: DEVELOPING MIND, BODY AND SPIRIT THROUGH OUTDOOR PLAY, FROM NATIONAL WILDLIFE FEDERATION

[+] THE AMERICAN ACADEMY OF PEDIATRICS (AAP) SAYS FREE AND UNSTRUCTURED PLAY IS HEALTHY AND ESSENTIAL

[+] AMERICAN PUBLIC HEALTH ASSOCIATION FEATURES A FRONT PAGE ARTICLE ON THE MOVEMENT
from Dr. Kenneth R. Ginsburg, MD, MS Ed., the Committee on Communications and Committee on Psychosocial Aspects of Child and Family Health

[+] THE POWERFUL LINK BETWEEN CONSERVING LAND AND PRESERVING HUMAN HEALTH
By Howard Frumkin, Dean of the School of Public Health, University of Washington, and Richard Louv

[+] RICHARD LOUV’S BLOG ON WHAT PEDIATRICIANS CAN DO

[+] THE BOOK: LAST CHILD IN THE WOODS: SAVING OUR CHILDREN FROM NATURE-DEFICIT DISORDER