Page 20 - NatureStart Network
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Youth, and Environments Center for Community • Children are more likely to play outside if they have
Engagement; and co-editor of the journal Children, Youth access to green space—even minimal green space.
and Environments. She has written two books and many
chapters and articles on children and nature, children in • Young children who play in natural areas perform
cities, and the development of active care for the natural better on tests of balance and motor coordination
world. than children who play on traditional playgrounds.
In her NatureStart Network Symposium keynote
speech, Dr. Chawla reminded participants that research • Third-graders with more trees around their school’s
supports that human beings need nature in our lives grounds scored better on standardized tests, even
every day. Our ecosystem provides us with goods and when family income and other variables were
services. We depend on nature for food, shelter, and controlled.
water. We also fare better physically and psychologically
when we relax and play in nature. Time spent in nature • Time spent in nature has demonstrated reduced
leads to more physical activity, reported happiness and symptoms of ADD/ADHD, inattention, and
vitality, greater social capital, better cognitive function, impulsivity.
well-functioning immune systems, lower rates of disease,
and reduced stress. • A study in Chicago’s Ida B. Wells public housing
However, access to green space is unequal, and revealed that children of residents who lived among
ironically low-income populations who are least likely more trees and grass played more often, more
to enjoy the restorative benefits of vacations, spas, and creatively. These residents also experienced less
high-quality healthcare, are most likely to benefit from domestic violence and other crime, and had a greater
access to nature. Sadly, they also are least likely to have sense of satisfaction with where they lived.
easy access to well-maintained and safe parks.
• Children in preschools near green spaces express
more empathy and concern for all life forms
and demonstrate awareness of human-nature
interdependence.
• The American Public Health Association published a
public policy statement in 2013 on improving health
and wellness through access to nature. (AHPA policy
statement #20137)
It is important to stipulate that natural areas for children
must be pesticide and herbicide free. The presence
of chemicals in these toxins increase the risks of later
miscarriage, low-birth weights, birth defects, childhood
cancers, respiratory and lung diseases, reduced IQs,
increased ADD and learning disability.
Access to Nature = Better Health and Wellbeing Principles in Practice: Tips, Tools, and Activity Ideas
A growing body of research emphasizes the importance for Fostering Childhood Nature Play in the City
of nature experiences in children’s overall health,
wellbeing, and development. • Go outside in nature and bring nature (twigs and
• Parents rate their children’s health higher when they branches, pinecones, feathers) indoors.
have natural play yards vs. conventional play yards, • Allow time for free play in nature.
and if they live less than 20 minutes to green park • Involve parents and adults in nature play.
space. • When children show an interest in nature, look and
• Greater tree cover around the home during
pregnancy is associated with increased birth weight listen with them.
and higher rates of survival. These findings are • Do something for nature (e.g. plant native plants or
replicated even when variables such as mother’s
education, ethnicity, and maternal age are controlled. pollinator gardens, create bird feeders) and then talk
about the activity and why it was important.
• Select high quality children’s books that include
stories and images of plants and wildlife. Choose
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