The Wichita Eagle
By Fred Mann
October 7, 2008
Many adults still have a sense of wonder about nature inspired by a special place outdoors they used to hang out when they were children.
Kids today are missing out on that feeling, to the detriment of their physical , mental and emotional health, Richard Louv, an author and journalist from San Diego, said Monday in a talk at Century II.
"Nature is in us, it's who we are," Louv said.
Studies show kids score higher on tests and are more creative and healthier with even a little contact with nature, he said.
Research also suggests that problems such as childhood obesity, attention deficit disorder and depression could be alleviated to some extent by such contact.