In Last Child in the
Woods - Saving our Children from Nature Deficit Disorder,
author Richard Louv links the absence of nature in our wired
children's lives with the rise in obesity, attention disorders and
depression.
Teaching children about wildlife, especially if you
can get outside in nature, also moves them closer to caring about
wildlife and their habitats.
For their own well being and for that of our
precious natural world, children need opportunities to learn about,
personally interact with and experience nature.
In Your Backyard offers scores of
great ideas, from attracting and counting butterflies to
investigating a dead log. Read together about How to Live
With Wildlife.
Fishing is a great way to get outdoors with your
youngster and bring home dinner too! Take a Kid Fishing has locations and tips
to get you and your child. You live in south Florida? Learn
about urban fishing opportunities in The City Fisher newsletter. Kid's Fishing
Clinics teach kids about Florida's marine ecosystems and marine
life. In addition they learn fundamental fishing skills such
as casting and tying knots as well as conservation ethics. Most of
the Kids Fishing Clinics culminate in an opportunity to fish.
Check out our Manatee and Sea Turtle Watch sites for exciting wildlife
viewing and outdoor sporting opportunities.
The
Wings Over Florida Junior Birder Program is a free awards
program that encourages young birders to sharpen their skills by
identifying as many birds as they can within the state and provides
resources for teachers.
If your family enjoys a hunting heritage then
another great way to spend time in the woods with a child is
through FWC's Youth Hunting Program. One goal of the
program is to give youth an initial, positive, safe and educational
mentored hunting experience. You may also consider a hunter
safety class with your child.
The Fish and Wildlife Research Institute offers MarineQuest, an
annual event that gives students a close-up look at the fascinating
world of marine science.
Persons with Disabilities