Children & Nature Network

In 2005, author and Children & Nature Network co-founder Richard Louv published his groundbreaking book, Last Child in the Woods: Saving our Children from Nature-Deficit Disorder. He reported that in just a few decades, childhood had moved indoors, disconnected from the natural world. There are many reasons for this, but the impact on children, people and the planet raised dire concerns. Louv called for a New Nature Movement, one that recognized the interconnection of all life on earth, including plants, humans, and other animals. From this call to action, the Children & Nature Network was born.

We believe that the well-being of children and the wild places we love are inextricably linked. And while research tells us that regular time outdoors is essential for children’s healthy development, today’s kids are less connected to nature than ever before.

We also know that longstanding systems of injustice have impacted the design and distribution of green spaces, and call for new policies informed by people who have been impacted by racism and systems of inequity. We are committed to strengthening efforts to advance equity in access to nature.

We support and mobilize leaders, educators, activists, practitioners and parents working to turn the trend of an indoor childhood back out to the benefits of nature–and to increase safe and equitable access to the natural world for all.