News: 2008 Forum on Nature Education for Young Children in Nebraska
October 25, 2007Summit Notes: Education – Does Nature Deficit Disorder Cause Children to Lack Basic Concepts in Understanding
October 25, 2007…And Creating “Connect-with-nature” gardens at schools and child care centers.
Participants: Amy Dutt, Noreen Warnock, Irene Lindelow, Brian Rutti, Lori Totman, Vicki Kohli, Colleen Sharkey, Matthew Minter, Manon Von Schoyck, Christa Hein, Sharon Tinianow, Sue Smith, Betsy Loeb.
SUMMARY:
1) There are school gardens in existence that allow kids unstructured play in nature:
– MRDD Marburn on Rudy Rd
– MRDD Johnstown
– Briar Rose Waldorf of Indianola
2) Teachers were involved in MRDD school ground creation through “dreamstorming” so there is buy-in. (Best to involve community, custodians, nutrition, etc.)
3) How to market what is possible and why it’s valuable. “TREE”
– garden tours
– DVD
– ACCGA Training (American Community Gardening Association)
– Teacher professional development
– EECO
4) Sources for Volunteer Labor:
– Master Gardeners
– Ohio Certified Volunteer Naturalist Program
– University Students
– Americorps
– High School
– Eagle Scout and Girl Scout Silver & Gold
– internships
– United Way Community Cares Day
5) Resources:
ODNR
SWCDs
Urban Wild Ltd.
