I spent the bulk of my childhood making a playground of the woods behind my house. I’m no outdoorsman, but I do cherish my memories of nature. I scooped crawfish in ditches and built forts of sticks. Some good lessons were learned among those trees. And I just wonder if children are learning those lessons today.
The answer — based on my observations — is no. We live in a time when iPods and computer games have taken the place of exploring the vacant lot down the street or going fishing. It’s scary. Children are our future.
One day they will make policy and set trends. And without experiencing nature for themselves, who will — as said in Dr. Seuss’ “The Lorax” — speak for the trees. Today’s kiddos are smart. They know of nature as a global term. They can speak to the degradation of coral reefs and wildlife in despair. But they probably can’t tell you anything about the problems in their own urban sprawling community, which is likely in ecological disrepair.
We live in a world of Dogwoods and cul de sacs, where most kids know of oaks, brooks, deer and willows because it’s the name of their street or subdivision — not because it’s there. I come from a generation not much different than that of today. I watched many of my peers drop nature for Nintendo and TV. I want to see something better for the kids of today when they turn 25.
I read a book last week by Richard Louv called “Last Child in the Woods,” which chronicles Louv’s research of America’s children and their nature-deficit disorder. It was a great read, and it’s a call to arm for parents and grandparents.
It’s up to parents and grandparents to teach youngsters about nature. They need you to show them plants, wildlife, pollution and conservation. Rustle up a copy of “The Lorax.” Take them on a hike. Go camping. Plant a vegetable garden. The opportunities are endless. Mississippi has a beautiful landscape ripe for experiences.
