Detachment from Nature
We all live in an era of urbanization and technology, and with the tremendous benefits these advances bring, they may also be facilitating an increasing detachment from nature. More than any other previous generation, today’s children are growing up without outdoor play and recreation. Children in the United States spend only 1 percent of their time outdoors and 27 percent of their time in front of a screen or digital deveice. Of Americans age 6 and up, less than half participate in outdoor recreation at all (Save the Redwood League 2015).
Experiences in the outdoors enrich our lives, enabling us to be happier and healthier. Research shows that spending time in nature enhances the ability to cope with and recover from stress, illness and injury. People consistently report lower anxiety, better attention and increased well-being after spending time outdoors, where parks and open spaces provide beautiful places to exercise and unwind. The benefits to society of a vibrant connection with the outdoors are proven, and if we let this connection fade, we lose the inspiration, health and happiness that results from being in nature. In addition, people protect what they know and love. If we become detached from nature, our environment loses its stewards and caretakers (Save the Redwood League 2015).
The redwood forests provide an incredible outdoor experience and an accessible gateway to nature for people of all ages and abilities. Several organizations are working to connect more people with our f redwoods wild lands. The more people we introduce to these places, the healthier and happier our communities will be (Save the Redwood League 2015)
Save the Redwoods League’s Education Program is one way organizations are working to connect new generations to the redwood forest. The League supports and provides innovative education and interpretation programs that encourage people of all backgrounds and ages to protect redwoods. By partnering with various organizations, the League continues to expand the range and reach of personally relevant redwood experiences to our growing and diverse population. The Education Program has brought more than 190,000 kids and adults into the redwood forest since its inception in 2000 (Save the Redwood League 2015).