Number: 2009-04
WHEREAS, to sustain the natural world and safeguard wildlife requires the stewardship of future generations; and
WHEREAS, stewardship is not possible without a strong sense of connection to the natural world; and
WHEREAS, America’s children are losing their connection with our natural world, an alienation that threatens the future of our nation’s great natural resources and the quality of life for future citizens, diminishes use of the senses, creates attention difficulties and causes higher rates of physical and emotional illness and obesity; and
WHEREAS, spending frequent time outdoors in unstructured and structured experiences is the best way to develop a connection to nature and the foundation on which to build an environmental stewardship ethic; and
WHEREAS, states across this land must renew their efforts to ensure that our children have abundant opportunities to connect with the places they live and grow, to become informed and responsible stewards of the environment, and who are prepared for future environmental challenges and opportunities as individual citizens and as members of the workforce; and
WHEREAS, environmental education increases student engagement in science, improves student achievement in core subject areas, and increases student awareness about individual actions they can take to restore the health of the natural environment; and
WHEREAS, open space, parks, natural play areas, greenways, trails, water bodies, and other green features of the built environment provide children the opportunity to experience nature close to home; and
WHEREAS, conservation parks and recreation facilities and personnel are important resources for connecting children with nature; and
WHEREAS, increasing contact with nature has measurable health benefits for children; and
WHEREAS, the National Wildlife Federation and its affiliated organizations support a comprehensive policy approach to connecting children with the natural world that incorporates policies relating to parks, schools, built environment, and public health;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the National Wildlife Federation, at its annual meeting assembled April 30 – May 2, 2009, in Pittsburgh, PA, hereby urges Governors and State Legislatures to issue executive orders or pass legislation creating and implementing a comprehensive state plan to connect children, families, and communities with nature to foster a stronger conservation ethic and to improve children’s health, both of which have long-term benefits.