City Of Austin: Nature In Early Childhood

Press release from the City of Austin:

February 25, 2022

A 4-year-old boy pounds a branch on a round slice of tree trunk, known as a “tree cookie.” Realizing he can make music, he smiles and begins to pound in rhythm. Across the yard, another group of preschoolers follow a teacher along a log on the ground. The kids hold their arms wide, balancing and following directions. Ahead of them are children who are jumping from rock to rock, squealing as one kid yells “ground is lava!”

This scene doesn’t happen out in a forest or far off in a distant natural environment. It can–and does–happen in the hearts of cities across the country, adjacent to concrete yards and parking lots. Outdoor experiences like this happen because city leaders bring together collaborative teams who understand the importance of connecting young children to nature on a regular basis.

“The ages of zero to five are such a foundational time in a child’s life,” said Vera Feeny, Senior Program Specialist, Children and Nature at the National League of Cities (NLC). “We know that time in nature offers many benefits. Young children living in cities deserve access to these benefits.”

Across the U.S., cities are working to connect kids to nature during their early developmental years, inspired by research indicating that providing young children, ages zero to five, with regular access to nature improves physical and mental health, develops social emotional skills and better prepares children for school. It also helps children develop connections to nature and their communities.

“The benefits of nature connection align with many city priorities,” said Feeny. “Nature-based benefits complement and support goals related to education, equity, sustainability, community health, park expansion and so much more.”

Article reproduced with permission from ALEJANDRA PALLAIS, FINDING NATURE NEWS FEBRUARY 2022.

This press release was produced by the City of Austin. The views expressed here are the author’s own.