Source: Matt Kostelnick (847) 981-1104 Contact: Bob Sampson Extension Communications Specialist Phone (217) 244-0225; rsampson@uiuc.edu
Living in the Prairie State, it can't be too difficult to expose young people to nature, said a University of Illinois Extension horticulture educator.
"Share a moment with a youngster to stop what you're doing and listen to the uninterrupted sound of what nature has to say," said Matt Kostelnick.
Exposure to nature is very important to the development of children. Increasingly, there is scientific research that indicates lack of exposure to the natural world has negative effects, he added.
"There is no official definition of 'exposure to natural environment' so I would define it as an immersion in and contact with plants and animals, especially in their natural environment," he said. "Activities involved with nature might include: fishing in a river, hunting for mushrooms, hiking or biking on nature trails, collecting nuts, listening to the sounds of nature, planting sweet corn in a garden, and even getting bit by an occasional mosquito.
"Certain youth are exposed to nature much more than others. Naturally, children who grow up in rural areas or in small towns are much more likely to be exposed to nature than children in urban areas."
Kostelnick noted that there are "connections" between people and plants. For example, the chlorophyll molecule of plants and the hemoglobin molecule of humans are almost identical chemical structures.
"Play environments are learning settings for children," he said. "Additionally, natural environments are a haven for learning for youngsters. The ability of children to wonder and learn in a natural environment is immense. Many different subjects can be taught using the natural environment setting."
Children's gardens serve as an environment where youth can work cooperatively and can gain a sense of environmental sensitivity. Reading and cognitive skills have also been shown to benefit from exposure to plants and nature.
"An increased interest in science and math was shown by 85 percent of the children who participated in U of I Extension's Junior Master Gardener program. As a result of participating n the program, 63 percent tried new fruits and vegetables," he noted.
"Natural environments are also a better learning environment for those learning English as a second language."
Lower incidences of ADD and ADHD occur in children exposed to nature. Bullying and anti-social behavior are also less common in these environments, according to results of studies around the world.
"Exposing youth to natural environments does not need to be difficult for parents and teachers, nor does it need to be expensive," he said. "Gardening is a great activity--school gardens, home gardens, community gardens, private and public gardens are easy ways to engage youth and adults with nature.
"Even in urban areas like Chicago one can find nature paths, river walks and bike trails, forest preserves, city parks, ponds, and the Lake Michigan shore--all within the city's limits. Outside the Chicago area, there are state parks, larger prairie and nature preserves, natural lakes, and wildlife preserves."
