January 18, 2008

LINCOLN, Neb. — Richard Louv, author of the groundbreaking "Last Child in the Woods," will speak at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Feb. 19.

Louv, a journalist and child advocacy expert, will discuss the divide between children and nature and will offer suggestions how to reconnect youth with the natural world.

Louv's free lecture, "Addressing the Human Connection to Nature," is scheduled at 7 p.m. at the Lied Center.

Louv's research has explored new ground in the changing relationship between children and nature. Although he initially believed lack of access to nature was the primary culprit, Louv came to believe that fear plays an even greater role.

Parental and societal concerns about physical harm, abductions and litigation have created restrictions in federal, state and local laws and neighborhood covenants. Social pressure on kids to succeed in organized sports, studies and other pursuits further limit unstructured outdoor time. Electronic media alone can consume as much as 44 hours a week for some youth.

Louv said the most important word in his book is "wonder." The natural world can foster imagination, creativity and a sense of belonging. The message is fairly simple: "Take your kids outside."

Louv "connected the dots between current research on increases in childhood obesity, attention disorder and depression and the lack of outdoor play," said Brooke Levey of University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension. Levey represents the Healthy Families Play Outside network, a coalition of several groups including UNL Extension and sponsor of Louv's talk.

Another member of the network, Sue Kohles of the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum, said, "There are things we do that can make a difference – the way we teach our children, design neighborhoods and playgrounds, protect natural areas, spend time as a family and prioritize our time and funding."

Louv's Feb. 19 lecture will look at research on child development, attention disorders, depression and obesity and offer suggestions to parents and others can provide opportunities, places and priorities for outdoor play.

Although the lecture is free, tickets are required and must be reserved in advance through the Lied box office, (402) 472-4747 or (800) 432-3231. Currently, no tickets are available; however, more may be available after Feb. 1.

Plans also are being made to make the lecture available via satellite at sites around the state. Details on those locations will be available in February.

In addition to UNL Extension and the arboretum, members of the Healthy Families Play Outside network include: Lower Platte South Natural Resources District, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, Dimensions Foundation, Pioneers Park Nature Center, the Groundwater Foundation and Lincoln Children's Zoo.

Other sponsors of the Louv presentation include the Cooper Foundation, Peru State College, Spring Creek Prairie Audubon Center, Papio-Missouri Natural Resources District, Nebraska Alliance for Conservation and Environment Education, UNL College of Education and Human Sciences, the American Fisheries Society-Nebraska chapter, UNL Environmental Studies Program, Nebraska chapter of the Wildlife Society, Nebraska Association of Teachers of Science, Nebraska Environmental Trust, Wachiska Audubon Society, Doane College, Great Plains Chapter of American Society of Landscape Architects and UNL College of Architecture.

For more information, go to Healthy Families Play Outside.

1/18/08-DM

Brooke Levey
UNL Extension
Assistant Extension Educator
(402) 472-1478

Sue Kohles
Nebraska Statewide Arboretum
Community Enhancement Program Coordinator
(402)472-2971

Dan Moser
IANR News & Photography Coordinator
(402) 472-3007

Department: Nebraska Statewide Arboretum