How Libraries Can Connect Children & Adults to Nature

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Connecting to Nature How Libraries Can Build Bioregional Identity, Sense of Community, and Advocacy by Connecting Children & Adults to Nature Deb Hanson SWFLN Paraprofessional Day May 10, 2011

Why Connect to Nature?
“ The more high-tech we become, the more nature we need.”
– Richard Louv, author the Nature Principle

The State of Things
Children are spending 40 to 65 hours a week attached to electronics
Childhood obesity has increased from 4% in the 1960s to 20% today
One study shows – kids can identify 1000 corporate logos but less than 10 species of trees in their neighborhood
Indirect learning is taking the place of direct, hands-on learning

Nature Deficit Disorder
Growing gap between children and nature
Adults experience it, too
A disconnect between humans and natural cycles and systems
Not a medical condition

Connecting with Nature
Reduces ADD symptoms
Improves the senses
Stimulates ability to pay attention
Calms and focuses the mind
Improves academic performance
Enhances immune system
Lowers stress hormones

Connecting with Nature (cont.)
Humans are more active when outdoors, therefore healthier
Improves imagination & creativity
Exposure to nature leads humans to be
more caring to each other
to value community
to be more generous with money

Why Libraries?
What are libraries…
Social institutions
Common spaces & Commonly held resources
They provide…
Resources in many formats
Information literacy
Support for teaching and learning
Support for community as whole

Why NOT Libraries?
“ Environmental literacy is a part of information literacy.”
– Kathryn Miller, Public libraries online
Heart of the community – cultural, social, intellectual

The Nature Principle
“ A re-connection to the natural world is fundamental to human health, well-being, spirit, and survival.”
- Richard Louv, author of The Nature Principle

Local Libraries…
5 nature oriented programs in all Lee County Libraries since Sept. 1, 2011
Collier County – no animals/nature/outdoors choice for searching programs
Charlotte County – Beach story time at the beach

So, how do we connect?

Build Bioregional Identity
Bioregion – ecologically and geographically defined area
Identity – Characteristics that define a person, place or thing
What characteristics define THIS region?

Develop a Sense of Place
Know and be able to name 10 plants & 10 animals
Be able to predict seasonal changes
Understand when and how food is produced in your area
Be a part of the natural community

Connect through Collection Development

Lee County’s Living Green Collection

Loan out outdoor gear

What about?

Connect through Programming

Programs

Stash the Cache Geocaching.com

Connect through Cultures

Connect through the Facility
“Green” your library
Walk the walk
Conserve energy
Recycle materials
Be the model of stewardship
Use natural lighting
Bring plants indoors
LEED certification

Connect by Example By Kathryn Miller

Sustainability

Thinking Outside the Library
Create outdoor space that brings patrons to nature right outside the library
Creative outdoor play space for kids
Safe zones for reading, playing, learning outdoors

Connect with Outdoor Space New Lee County Downtown Fort Myers Library Plan – lots of outside space

Verdi, NV Community Library & Nature Center

Maricopa County, AZ

Outdoor Library, Bryant Park - NYC http://www.flickr.com/photos/malcolmtredinnick/974637953/

Connect with Partners (become the info hub for outdoor activities)
Nature Centers
County Parks & Conservation Programs
LEEF – southwest region
National Wildlife Federation
Conservancy of SW FL
SCCF, CREW, Charlotte Harbor Preserve, SEE Florida

Wolf Creek Hatchery & Russell Co. Library
Wolf Creek National Fish Hatchery
Jamestown, KY
Categories: Sports & Outdoors , Nature Price: Free
A Fun family activity designed to help get you and your family outdoors and connected with nature! Monthly gatherings rotate between the Library and the Hatchery . Activities will be geared towards kids ages 5 and up, although any and all children are welcome. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Families come in all forms too, so it may be friends, nieces and nephews with aunts and uncles, grandparents and grandchildren.

Library-Nature Center Partners
"Meet the Locals" @ Edwardsville Public Library
Wed. April 13, 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm Adults and children welcome!
Join Dr. Alana Tibbets, at the Edwardsville Public Library, for a discovery workshop: Identifying Madison County's wonderful flora and fauna! Do you know who your neighbors are?
Come by the library for this informative program and pick up your "discovery packet," complete with maps, species' checklists, safe viewing/handling information and more. Participants are eligible for random drawing prizes. Various related events will also be hosted by the Watershed Nature Center throughout the spring and summer.
This program will kick off a series of family events and activities, some hosted at the Watershed Nature Center.

Get Outdoors Florida

Re-nature the community
Partner with local garden and native plant organizations
Encourage planting native plants
Hand out seed packs
Encourage homeowners to meet and discuss how to increase biodiversity in their yards

Connect through Schools & Homeschool Groups
School garden programs
Certified Schoolyard Habitats (NWF)
Science & Environment Clubs

Kids & Nature
Children are happier, healthier and smarter when they connect with nature.
Source:

Green Reading for Kids National EE Week website http://www.eeweek.org/resources/green_reading

Connect Patrons to Green Volunteer Activities
VolunteerMatch(Get Involved): Powered by Your Library – California Public Library)
The Great Green List
Eco-Volunteer USA (Florida DEP)
Local organizations

Is nature or the environment mentioned in your mission?
Roselle Public Library, IL has an “Environmental Plan”

Mission, Collection, Programs

Benefits to Community
Provides “safe” outdoor zones for kids
Brings community/environmental organizations & patrons together
More opportunities to learn about the health and learning benefits of nature

Benefits to the Library
Adds new dimensions to programs
Expands traditional partnerships
Reaches new patrons
Demonstrates leadership in the community
Strengthens patron loyalty and support
Avenue for additional funding

Start Small
National Environmental Education Week @ Your Library (April each year)
Tweak your programs
Train Staff
Plant native plants (Pine Island Library)

What We Can Do
Encourage nature-based, children-friendly spaces and places throughout our communities.
Make re-connecting children and nature a priority.
Educate parents, grandparents and other caregivers about the cognitive, physiological, and emotional benefits to children who play in the out-of-doors on a regular basis.

Join the Little Free Library Movement

Write Grants for EE

Green is the Future
Thomas Frey in The Future of Libraries: Beginning the Great Transformation, argues that libraries will move from being “a center of information to a center of culture.”

Be the future…
“… economic instability, energy depletion, and planetary degradation are transforming society, and in turn transforming libraries.”
-Monika Antonelli. “The Green Library Movement”

More Resources
C&NN Community Action Guide: Building a Movement to Reconnect Children and Nature from the Ground Up on the C&NN http://childrenandnature.org
Nature Clubs for Families Toolkit

Contact me: [email_address] @DebH2U (Twitter) http://fourcircleslearning.com

Sources/Credits
Louv, Richard. 2011. The Nature Principle .
Louv, Richard. 2005. Last Child in the Woods .
Be Outside: 60 Possible Program Ideas and Activities for Idaho Libraries
How Libraries Can Connect Children and Adults to Nature, and Build Support for Libraries, Richard Louv on March 02, 2011

How Libraries Can Connect Children & Adults to Nature

by Deb Hanson

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