Number: 2015-06
WHEREAS, research demonstrates that children in America receive a wide range of science education benefits from participating in programs and lesson plans that teach them about nature, ecosystems, wildlife species, water and natural resources; and
WHEREAS, natural areas and the outdoors offer excellent and practical laboratories for learning about the science and the complexity of ecosystems, plant and animal communities and species, water systems, geology and soil; and
WHEREAS, the time young people spend learning about and interpreting nature also helps to connect them to a lifelong appreciation for wildlife and the natural world; and
WHEREAS, these outdoor learning experiences also provide opportunities for young people to develop and appreciate outdoor skills including, but not limited to, hunting, fishing, camping, hiking, orienteering, bird watching and other wildlife observation; and
WHEREAS, these experiences incorporate life skills, critical thinking skills and interdisciplinary learning; and
WHEREAS, the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (AFWA) in cooperation with its member agencies and other nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) has addressed these opportunities through the development and the publishing of a comprehensive program of principles, materials, curricula, skill guides and other useful educational tools under the auspices of the North American Conservation Education Strategy (NACES); and
WHEREAS, NACES offers schools, formal and informal educators, parents, mentors and childcare care-givers an important tool for educating children about nature, wildlife, and outdoors skills and developing a lifelong connection to the outdoors;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the National Wildlife Federation, at its annual meeting assembled March 27-29, 2015 in Shepherdstown, West Virginia, hereby supports the content, intent and implementation of NACES by public and private schools and conservation interests and informal education institutions at all levels to encourage outdoor skill development in young people across America.