I just attended the 1st conference for LINCK – Long Island Nature Collaborative for Kids – a nonprofit organization established in 2007. The idea that “children will not save what they do not love,” guides their mission: fostering a love of nature in young children that will help them become better stewards of the environment when they grow up. Organized by Celeste Hernandez and a committee of dedicated people, the event, at Islandia Marriott in March, was attended by over 360 people from three major groups: educators/naturalists (schools, parks, nature centers, day care centers, etc), businesses, and municipal and governmental organizations (parks, libraries, community centers, etc). And for me – well, I was in the minority, as I don’t fall into any of those categories. I’m a concerned mom, citizen of the earth and Feng Shui practitioner – which is all about our connection to and reverence of the earth.
This initiative got its start in the 1990s, however, it really gained traction in 2004 with the publication of Richard Louv’s book, The Last Child in the Woods. (If you are interested in this topic, this book is a must read.) In his book, environmentalists got a catch-phrase that would help identify their cause : Nature Deficit Disorder. Another catch-phrase that Richard used in his book was “No Child Left Inside” which was actually created by the Connecticut State Park system as a formal campaign to get children outdoors, and was adopted by Richard for his book (Thanks to a correction by Robyn at childrenandnature.org). The Last Child in the Woods contains a manifesto of scientific studies that prove that our childrens disconnection from nature increasingly contributes to physical and emotional health issues. However, it also contains hope about how we can reverse this deadly trend, but bringing together the exact groups that attended this conference.
a "free-range" child
One such solution is the “outdoor classroom.” Dimensions Education Research Foundation designated Long Island as a national demonstration site for nature education for children in 2007. Subsequently, Long Island is also known as the world leader in developing these classrooms. (Yes, you read that right: “world leader.” Nature Deficit Disorder is not a U.S. malady, nor just in developing countries, but a global problem that stretches to every corner of the earth where modern technology is replacing ancient culture and practices.) John Rosenow, Founder & Chief Executive Director of Arbor Day Foundation and Nancy Rosenow, Executive Director of Dimensions Education Research Foundation, currently travel the world to share our (Long Island’s) progress in creating links between the natural environment and our children.
We were fortunate enough to have Richard Louv as keynote speaker of the event. Richard shared some of his childhood experiences, touching moments, and insights that everyone present could relate to. Richard said, “as a child, you could bring the confusion and chaos of the world into the woods, wash it in the creek, and come out with more clarity and understanding.” (Isn’t that what we do now, as adults?)
In the years since his book was published, Richard has spoken to such various organizations as environmental groups, corporate, land developers, and governmental agencies. “This is a ‘gateway issue,’” Richard explained. No matter what the religious or political preferences of his audience, everyone can deeply connect with their childhood experience of the awe and wonder of nature.
As volunteer and Board Member of Sweetbriar Nature Center, I attended the conference with the Center’s curator, Janine Bendickson, I hopes of getting advice on building an outdoor classroom. We reviewed plans and photographs of projects around Long Island, at parks, libraries and community centers and were inspired by conversations and the workshops.
LINCK offers a long-term solution grounded in practicality, common sense, as well as a moving, deep emotional sense. I can’t help but feel that, although this is only part of the “solution” to our current global chaos, it has tremendous potential on many levels. It all comes down to this: we do not function well when we, as a culture, do not respect and care for the earth. As a Feng Shui consultant, I’ve learned that ancient Chinese philosophy states that “if you live with respect to the earth, you will have good fortune.” On the converse, if you do not respect the earth, you might have short-term fortune, but it will not be lasting. Here is where you can find more information on this local movement: LINCK . Nationally, you can find some information here:
North American Association for Environmental Education.
One last thought: if you think about your childhood, who doesn’t have the memory of a particularly moving experience, a spiritual experience, in nature.
I would love to hear your thoughts!
and the LIE. Everyone is rushing around all the time with over-booked schedules. Because of all this, it is so important to take time out and enjoy the natural spaces around us.
Earlier this year a hospital has been built, not only with LEED (Leadership in Environmental and Energy Design developed by the US Green Building Council) sustainable design standards, but with feng shui principles. It’s the Henry Ford West Bloomfield Hospital in Michigan.
auditorium for healthy cooking demonstrations. Private rooms feature 24-hour room service, sound-deadening walls for improving rest, beautiful views of a natural-like retention pond, and live feeds of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra.
I have a thing about judgment. Most of us are self-conscious and care what others think about us. But with me, it’s a little more. Throughout my life I’ve always wanted people to like me and when they didn’t, I have gotten hurt. I would sit and dwell on it: “What did I do to them? It must be my fault…” It’s part of my karma – and my astrology, having four planets in critical Virgo in the 11th house of Community and Friendship. Judgment is one of my major challenges in life.
