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YourHub.com \\ Jupiter \\ Stories \\ Outdoor Sports, Activities \\ Other

Reconnecting kids to nature

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Contributed by: Henry Cabbage on 1/30/2009

By Rodney Barreto, Chairman
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Talk to many biologists and conservationists, and they'll tell you it was their early experiences in the outdoors that inspired their choice of professions and lifelong passion for Florida's wildlife and habitats. For some, it was simply a pond or ditch teeming with crayfish, frogs or dragonfly larvae. I know my own love of hunting and fishing and the sense of stewardship I feel for Florida's natural resources came about as the result of a childhood spent in the "wilds" of South Florida.
I'm not alone in my concern that the prevailing television and computer culture entices our young people to stay inside, away from the potential outdoor adventures that should mold their adult views of the natural world. Books such as Richard Louv's, "Last Child in the Woods," raised the national consciousness about this "nature-deficit disorder," and prompted an international campaign to reconnect children with nature.
Fortunately, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has long promoted a variety of programs that bring kids into close contact with the outdoors.
For instance, with 3 million acres of lakes and ponds, 12,000 miles of rivers and streams and more than 8,000 miles of coastline, you are always close to good fishing in Florida. The FWC provides opportunities, skills and resources to help parents and guardians "take a kid fishing."
Perhaps, you should try to attend one of the agency's Kids' Fishing clinics, one-day educational events that highlight Florida's marine ecosystems while teaching fundamental saltwater fishing skills, such as casting and knot-tying. Participating children receive a free rod and reel (compliments of local sponsors while supplies last), and at most clinics, will have the opportunity to fish. Clinics will be offered in the southern part of the state on April 18 and 25 and May 2 in Miami, Naples and Summerland Key, respectively.
The FWC also offers several opportunities for adults to take kids younger than 16 hunting for deer, waterfowl and small game on areas throughout the state. I encourage families to consider enrolling together in one of the outstanding Hunter Safety courses. They're designed for kids 12 and older and cover the knowledge, skills and attitude needed to be a safe hunter.
The agency's Great Florida Birding Trail, floridabirdingtrail.com, showcases more than 489 sites throughout the state, 116 sites in the South Florida Section alone. You can try the new trip-planning tool to match your excursions with your particular interests. You'll also find tips and checklists and a special Bird Detective activity for kids. As your birding skills improve and bird lists grow, you and your children can apply for full-color certificates for increasing levels of achievement.
Check out the site's list of Birding and Wildlife Festivals and Birding Tours. Many of them are inspiring, family-friendly events.
Closer to home, try attracting some of Florida's fascinating wildlife right into your own backyard by planting a native berry bush or butterfly garden or setting up a bird feeder and birdbath.
The FWC's wildlife management areas feature trails that appeal to every level of interest. You'll find descriptions of the trails and wildlife viewing opportunities on the FWC Web site, MyFWC.com, with links to bird lists, hunt maps and more.
Remember the fun of summer camp? The Everglades Youth Conservation Camp, in the J.W. Corbett Wildlife Management Area in Palm Beach County, offers summer camp sessions for kids ages 8-14. Youngsters learn outdoor survival, hunting and fishing skills, knot-tying, wildflower identification and other skills. Other camps include the Outdoor Adventure Camp, near Ocala, and the Joe Budd Aquatic Education Center Fish Camp, outside Tallahassee.
This is just a small sample of the recreational and educational opportunities offered through the FWC. I hope you will take the time to visit the FWC Web site and discover more. But once you've planned your itinerary, turn off the computer, pack a picnic lunch and binoculars, dip nets or fishing poles and head out with your kids to meet the best of what Florida has to offer. It's a simple way to promote a healthy lifestyle, spend quality family time and nurture the future stewards of Florida's fish and wildlife resources. Happy trails!

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