This Is Alarming

A recent article online reports that children are losing touch with the natural world. Sir David Attenborough informs us that children are unable to identify common plants and animals which, for those of us concerned with the future preservation of our natural world, is quite alarming.

The article, written by the Independent's Education Correspondent Sarah Cassidy states...

"Sir David Attenborough warned that children who lack any understanding of the natural world would not grow into adults who cared about the environment. "The wild world is becoming so remote to children that they miss out," he said, "and an interest in the natural world doesn't grow as it should. Nobody is going protect the natural world unless they understand it.""

Here is an excellent book, written by Richard Louv, that I am currently reading. It offers some great insight on this void plaguing today's youth and offers some insight as to how we might assist in turning around this sad trend.

I think before our son Declan is old enough to attend, I will work locally with his future school to get these kids learning about the natural world. West Annapolis Elementary School, already an official 'Green School' here in Maryland, will be his place to learn. Instead of coaching baseball, a sport where I never really excelled, I will make certain that he and his classmates are no strangers to the 'great' outdoors.

I might also find some time to give Declan and his classmates some lessons on the power of rock n' roll music!

What are you planning to do?

-Dan