explore
Getting
nature
by V ictoria Stevens
Why is play increasingly disappearing from the landscape of our children’s lives? And what legacy will we leave our children, and our children’s children, if we do not provide opportunities for them to experience the wonder of nature as they play — to create childhood memories that will be emblazoned on their hearts forever? (Introduction to “A White Paper on Research conducted at Dimensions Early Education Programs in Lincoln, NE” 2009) It’s probably fair to say that most gardeners developed their love of nature as children, whether it was playing in their parents’ or grandparents’ gardens, hiking, camping or beachcombing with family or exploring in local parks, ravines and woodlots. It’s also probably fair to note that many gardeners don’t just care about growing plants. They’re also interested in birds and insects and doing whatever they can in small or
large ways to keep the environment green and clean for their own children and the children of future generations. It’s this sense of connection to the natural world, a feeling of stewardship towards the planet, that many fear is being lost because children these days just aren’t experiencing nature the way they used to, with the freedom to explore and discover that previous generations enjoyed. More and more,
torontobotanicalgarden.ca
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children spend their leisure time indoors glued to a television, computer or smart-phone screen. A September 2012 survey, commissioned by the David Suzuki Foundation, found that 70 per cent of youth spent an hour or less outdoors each day. “There is now a huge gap between the amount of screen time young people are getting and the amount of time spent outside. For instance, an American
kids can grow • spring 2013
PHOTOS: (this page): Toronto botanical Garden (opposite): TBG, Lorraine Flanigan, L.F.
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