The document discusses the importance of connecting children with nature. It outlines the vision, mission, and approach of the Urban Ecology Center, which aims to provide outdoor education for urban youth. The Center has grown significantly over the years and now serves thousands of students and community members through various programs. Research suggests the Center is achieving positive impacts such as increased academic performance, reduced crime rates, improved health, and a more engaged community.

1. “ Children and Nature an Essential Connection”

10. “ We must be the change we wish to see in the world” Mahatma Gandhi

19. Neighborhood Environmental Education Project (NEEP)

23. 2000 Just under 6,000 students from 12 schools launched the Neighborhood Environmental Education Project An additional 2,000 children and 3,000 adults totaled 11,000 visitors

25. 2010 Nearly 22,000 students from 43 schools participated in the Neighborhood Environmental Education Project An additional 23,000 children and 31,000 adults totaled 77,000 Visitors!

27. Fun!

28. Environmentally responsible

29. Aesthetics

30. Program

31. Economics

32. Time

33. Politics

34. If it works….

35. … replicate

38. Neighborhood Environmental Education Project for schools

39. Summer Camp

40. Outdoor Leadership: High School Training

41. Summer Interns: Adult Training

42. Teens

43. Volunteer Program

44. Stewardship

45. Festivals

46. Urban Adventures

47. Equipment Lending

48. Research

49. National Citizen-Based Monitoring Projects

50. Family and Intergenerational Programs

53. Economic and environmental plight

54. Revitalization

55. Ecological Literacy Chawla, Kaplan and Kuo Science and ecological understanding 92% students learned science or ecological concepts

56. Emotional connection: 93%

57. Taking Action 92% Community connection: 94%

59. THE WORLD IS GETTING FAT Average Weight 1960 2002 Difference Kids 6-11 63 lbs 74 lbs +11 lbs Men over 20 167 lbs 191 lbs +24 lbs Women over 20 139 lbs 163 lbs +24 lbs

60. THE WORLD IS GETTING FAT 1985 OBESITY TRENDS IN US ADULTS 1985 - 2006 No Data <10% 10%–14%

61. THE WORLD IS GETTING FAT 1987 OBESITY TRENDS IN US ADULTS 1985 - 2006 No Data <10% 10%–14%

62. THE WORLD IS GETTING FAT 1989 OBESITY TRENDS IN US ADULTS 1985 - 2006 No Data <10% 10%–14%

63. THE WORLD IS GETTING FAT 1991 OBESITY TRENDS IN US ADULTS 1985 - 2006 No Data <10% 10%–14% 15%–19%

64. THE WORLD IS GETTING FAT 1993 OBESITY TRENDS IN US ADULTS 1985 - 2006 No Data <10% 10%–14% 15%–19%

65. THE WORLD IS GETTING FAT 1995 OBESITY TRENDS IN US ADULTS 1985 - 2006 No Data <10% 10%–14% 15%–19%

66. THE WORLD IS GETTING FAT 1997 OBESITY TRENDS IN US ADULTS 1985 - 2006 No Data <10% 10%–14% 15%–19% ≥20%

67. THE WORLD IS GETTING FAT 1999 OBESITY TRENDS IN US ADULTS 1985 - 2006 No Data <10% 10%–14% 15%–19% ≥20%

68. THE WORLD IS GETTING FAT 2001 OBESITY TRENDS IN US ADULTS 1985 - 2006 No Data <10% 10%–14% 15%–19% 20%–24% ≥25%

69. THE WORLD IS GETTING FAT 2003 OBESITY TRENDS IN US ADULTS 1985 - 2006 No Data <10% 10%–14% 15%–19% 20%–24% ≥25%

70. THE WORLD IS GETTING FAT 2005 OBESITY TRENDS IN US ADULTS 1985 - 2006 No Data <10% 10%–14% 15%–19% 20%–24% 25%–29% ≥30%

71. THE WORLD IS GETTING FAT 2006 OBESITY TRENDS IN US ADULTS 1985 - 2006 No Data <10% 10%–14% 15%–19% 20%–24% 25%–29% ≥30%

72. THE WORLD IS GETTING FAT 2007 OBESITY TRENDS IN US ADULTS 1985 - 2007 No Data <10% 10%–14% 15%–19% 20%–24% 25%–29% ≥30%

73. THE WORLD IS GETTING FAT 2008 OBESITY TRENDS IN US ADULTS 1985 - 2008 No Data <10% 10%–14% 15%–19% 20%–24% 25%–29% ≥30%

74. Healthy (and sustainable) Food

75. Exercise

76. = Healthy kids

83. = Lancaster County Conservancy + Urban Ecology Center

84. “ Eight year olds should not be asked to become warriors or worriers. Children have much more important work to do: Watch ants. Grow flowers. Dance between the raindrops. This is sacred work, and childhood needs to be preserved just as much as rain forests and wetlands.” Michael Weilbacher