Why Do Children Need Nature to Thrive?

For this week’s episode, we sat down (in person!) with Sarah Milligan-Toffler, President and CEO of the Children and Nature Network, an organization that is dedicated to increasing equitable access to the outdoors so that both children and the environment can thrive. In this episode, we discuss nature’s impact on brain development in early childhood, ways that we might reimagine the traditional schoolyard, and the historic barriers that have prevented  underserved communities from enjoying nature’s benefits. We also dive into the tools that city officials and engaged citizens alike can use to advocate for the rights of all children to play outside. 

Show Notes:

• About the Children & Nature Network
• Urban Nature: Promoting Nature in Cities, Children & Nature Network
• Creating Systems Level Change in Cities: A Toolkit, Children & Nature Network
• Advancing Equity in Children’s Connections to Nature, Cities Connecting Children to Nature (Children & Nature Network + National League of Cities)
• The Urgent Case for Green Schoolyards During and After Covid-19, by Sarah Milligan-Toffler and Richard Louv
• To Build a Healthier City, Atlanta is Opening its Schoolyards to Everyone, by Monica Humphries (Nationwell)
• Policy Spotlight: Georgia Creates Outdoor Learning Committee (National Caucus of Environmental Legislation)
• How the City of Grand Rapids Became a Leader in Connecting Children to Nature, by Alejandra Pallais (National League of Cities)
• We’re Here, You Just Don’t See Us, by Latria Graham (Outside)
• Register for Sum of Us: A Conversation with Heather McGee and Dr. Gail Christopher, presented by the Children & Nature Network (June 10, 2021 at 1:00pm).