[Odonata-l] More on getting people outside

[June Tveekrem]

When I first posted on this thread, I wasn't really thinking of 
organized school activities, though those are certainly valuable if they 
can be carried off.

I think it's more effective in the long run to encourage adults and 
children to simply spend time outside and notice nature. The kids' 
natural curiosity will take over.

We didn't have nature field trips when I was in school, either, because 
the school system thought it too expensive. And this was in the 1960's 
and early 70's, before all this legal crap got in the way. But my mother 
was (and is) very attuned to the natural world, so I was able to get 
answers to many of my questions, and was rarely discouraged from 
investigating.  I never realized how fortunate I was until I began to 
meet people who grew up in neighborhoods similar to mine but don't know 
even the most basic things about nature.

That's why I cited the BBC article - whether the program proves 
successful or not, it shows recognition of the value of simply 
encouraging people to take a walk outdoors in a park.

June

-- 
June Tveekrem
Columbia, Maryland
damselfly AT toadmail DOT com