More blogs from the Children and Nature Network

Here are links to a couple of recent Children and Nature Network blogs

WRITING FROM A TREE: On the Inspiration of Nature

Virginia Bee Ward is a 13-year-old poet and author who lives on a small farm in Western North Carolina. Her mother, Carolyn Ward, is CEO of the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation.  Her post begins:

“The sun shone through the leaves leaving the pages on my notebook dappled with golden light.  The words that flowed from my hand onto the paper seemed to come from the tree that I was perched on. The words delicately describing one of my newest worlds seemed to originate from the beauty of the mountains and forests around me.  My words created a vast wilderness filled with fawns and elves, wood nymphs and spies, dark queens and rich merchants, and poor beggars and dancing minstrels. Although I knew that the profound silence and elegance of this moment couldn’t last forever, I knew that it could be remembered.  As I continued to write Lyra’s journey the sun began to sink down, hidden behind the mountains like a rare golden gem.

…”

NATUREHOOD: Rediscovering Nature in Your ‘Hood

Bob Peart is the Chair of Nature Canada and the founding Chair of the Child and Nature Alliance of Canada. Bob is a committed advocate for protecting nature and has a life-long passion for sharing his love for nature and getting children and their families reconnected to the outdoors.  His post begins:

“As you head out the door today to go to work, run errands or hike with friends, stop for a moment to think about your neighborhood. What does your neighborhood represent?  How important is it to you?  Now consider how your neighborhood and your concept of neighborhood has changed over the years.  I was raised in the 50’s and 60’s. My neighborhood was a street of 20-30 houses, a range of farmers’ fields, a nearby gravel-pit and a good-sized creek. Across the railway tracks was a large city park with baseball fields, picnic tables and a forest with trails. I’d leave the house and be gone for the day roaming around that neighborhood— running through the corn fields, building rafts and hunting for squirrels— and would often end up a couple of miles from my house. My mum and dad weren’t that concerned because I was a pretty good kid. I understood safety (even though I took risks). And if I was going to be late, I could just stop at a nearby house to call home.

…”

This link takes you to the Network’s 2017 annual report.