Message from the President

Have You Been in Nature This Week?

Message from the President of Wildlands Conservancy
Christopher M. Kocher
August 20, 2008

I was very fortunate.  At an early age my parents saw the value in letting me explore the natural world around us.  Born and raised in the northern section of Whitehall Township, as a child I had the cultural upbringing that included all that nature has to offer – fishing, hunting, bird watching, hiking, camping, star gazing, swimming, canoeing, sleigh riding, gardening, catching butterflies and lightning bugs, and playing backyard games – bringing me into daily contact with nature.  I thrived on the outdoor adventures associated with the changes of the four seasons. You might say it is in our blood to appreciate the “finer things” that the natural environment bestows upon us. Some of my fondest memories are of my family and me in the outdoors, and some of my closest friends are those that share these memories – and participate in these activities with me today. 

It is no accident that I studied the environment and chose a career path that protects and celebrates nature. It started when I was young because I had the opportunity to develop an understanding of nature and develop a life-long appreciation for the natural world.  I look forward to sharing all that I know and respect and enjoy about living and working in the outdoors with my pre-school age children, Ella and Jack.  I also struggle with the challenges we all face in connecting our children and ourselves with nature. 

As President of Wildlands Conservancy, I am aware of a book that is bringing attention to this important issue.  Coined the Nature Deficit Disorder by Richard Louv in his book, Last Child in the Woods, the condition stems from the lack of outdoor adventure and activity for many of America’s children. This lack of association with nature is derived from several changes in behavior.  Children are doing less outdoors for several reasons: safety is an issue in urban and even suburban areas; schools have less time for recreation, requiring more time for study; television and computers predominate after-school activity; and parents and guardians have less recreational time to share with families. Louv says, “Studies suggest that kids are safer outdoors than we believe… that’s not to say there aren’t bad people out there, but we can’t allow our fears to drive us indoors. We are raising a generation of children under virtual house arrest.” Louv goes on to say, “It’s not just the spotted owl that is endangered in nature; it’s the human child. And if children aren’t going outside today, who is going to care about the spotted owl fifteen years from now?”

Walking outside rather than inside - even for 15 minutes - makes you feel happier, more energetic and more protective of the environment, according to two studies involving 220 students conducted by psychologists at Carleton University in Ottawa. Researcher Elizabeth Nisbet suggests the findings have broader implications for well-being and mental health.  “People know outside is going to feel much better for them but under-predict how happy they’re going to feel after being outside in nature even 15 minutes,” she says. “The people inside overestimate their happiness about being inside. It’s this error in judgment people have about how happy they are in a different environment that may explain why people don’t spend more time in nature.”

While there is starting to be data compiled about this trend, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania has taken a proactive stance on evaluating the growing lack of interest in outdoor activities among children and young adults. The drop in fishing and hunting license sales as well as the drop in visitations to state and national parks located throughout the state are key reasons that the state is seeking ways to engage the public, especially youth.  Governor Rendell, at the 2007 Governor’s Outdoor Conference, put it this way: “Our future quality of life depends on our ability to understand, appreciate and enjoy Pennsylvania’s natural bounties. We simply cannot afford to lose our connection with the outdoors – a connection that is part of our rich tradition and provides the balance vital for a prosperous future.”

So, as the summer comes to a close and fall arrives, take the opportunity to go out with a child and enjoy the natural world around you. The Lehigh Valley is blessed with many natural and recreational areas.  Here are just a few that I have enjoyed with my family, and I am sure you will enjoy them with yours:

• Take a walk in the Little Lehigh Parkway or on the Ironton Rail Trail;
• Visit the Trexler Nature Preserve near Schnecksville;
• Go to Hawk Mountain and count the migrating hawks;
• Catch some lightning bugs;
• Attend an education program at Pool Wildlife Sanctuary;
• Hike the Appalachian Trail;
• Explore a local stream or river;

Don’t let your child suffer with the Nature Deficit Disorder - Go, take an hour or two, get out there today, go do something outdoors.  David Brower, accomplished environmentalist stated, “We don’t inherit the earth from our fathers, we are borrowing it from our children.”  Let’s make sure that, when we give it back to them, they understand and appreciate its importance—and that we leave it better for them than when we found it.