The Nebraska Legislature recently adopted a resolution (LR465) encouraging children to connect with the natural world and spend time learning outdoors. The resolution, sponsored by Senator Anna Wishart, outlines the mental and physical health benefits of time outside and encourages every child to experience a range of outdoor activities, learn outdoors as part of the school day, and celebrate cultural connections to the natural world.
Several states have adopted similar resolutions that establish a children’s Outdoor Bill of Rights, such as in Maryland and California. As schools consider options for reopening during the pandemic, many cities and states are partnering with parks, nonprofits, and nature centers to use outdoor learning to provide safe educational opportunities. If you would like more information or are working on this effort, please contact Dylan McDowell.
Resources
- Nebraska Legislative Resolution: https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=43281
- Environmental Education guidance for outdoor learning with school reopenings during COVID: https://naaee.org/eepro/resources/eeguidance-reopening-schools
- Outdoor Engagement policies considered throughout 2020
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