LOCALadk Magazine

LOCALadk 18 That disconnection from my hometown opened up a whole new world of relationships and experiences. Independence, self reliance, and initiative are born of those moments, and we have an entire generation that has lost out on those opportunities for growth. Originally social media was meant to help us share experiences with more people. Somewhere along the way the focus shifted from the actual experience to the sharing of the experience. Today, social media is preventing many of us from experiencing the world authentically. Growing concerns about this "nature disconnect" have inspired educators, artists, scientists, and non- profits in the area to develop trails, programs, events, and curriculum based programs to help us bring back the wonder and awe for all generations. Tori Herkalo, school programs coordinator at Tupper Lake's Wild Center Natural History Museum, recogniz- es this trend and states, "There is a growing discon- nect between people and the natural world, and it is changing our relationship with nature. It's crucial that we are able to provide outdoor experiences at a young age that engage children in empathy-building for their home. We hope that in our actions, we become the re- source that encourages our youth to continue utilizing outdoor spaces and make environmentally-conscious decisions in the future. The Wild Center's mission di- rectly supports engaging visitors of all ages in fun and educational opportunities to reconnect with nature. Whether they meet one of our animal ambassadors, or get a bird's-eye view of the Adirondacks from the Wild Walk, The Wild Center experience focuses on place- based education that emphasizes the interconnect- edness of us all and our role and responsibility to the environment around us." In addition to The Wild Center, the VIC at Paul Smith's College offers a wealth of opportunities for young people to interact with nature. The VIC offers P-12 programs that help students engage with the unique ecosystems of the Adirondack Park. Through onsite field trips, students can explore the natural world with guided hikes and activities year-round. Natalee Wrege, environmental educator at the VIC believes that "environmental education is critical in engaging young people in interacting with and pro- tecting the natural environment. By allowing students a hands-on and immersive experience outside, the more likely they will be to continue to work towards a sustainable future for themselves." For parents and teachers, the Cornell Lab of Orni- thology is another program option with resources that inspire young people to connect with nature in their own backyards. Their citizen-science projects and engaging outdoor activities are creating authentic outdoor learning experiences for young and old alike. While a greater focus on environmental and outdoor education is a good start to reconnecting us back to nature, I find myself reflecting on the unstructured time with my grandkids. So much of our lives are scheduled out to the nearest minute with meetings, appointments, and deadlines. Nature doesn't ask anything of us. There is no expectation that you must surpass, no time card you must punch. Unstructured time to "be bored" in nature requires almost nothing from you and yet has many benefits that the majority of us are leaving untapped. For our mental and physical health, I encourage all of us to view the world through the lens of a toddler. Make time to lay down on the ground, watch the clouds, and be bored. 1 Larson, Lincoln, et al. "Children's time outdoors: Results and implications of the National Kids Sur vey." Journal of Park and Recreation Administration, vol. 29, 6 June 2011, pp. 1-20.

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