The Natural Wildlife Federation posted, “Recent research shows that children are spending half as much time outside as they did 20 years ago. Today’s kids spend six and a half hours a day ‘plugged into’ electronic media.”  Described as a “nature deficit,” children are increasingly losing their connection to nature.  But with an outdoor classroom, access to nature is the last thing they are losing at Kilbourn Park Organic Greenhouse.

Converted and repaired upon the community’s request in 1995, this organic greenhouse had youth programming in mind.  The goal is to “connect kids to nature and healthy foods,” says Kirsten, the greenhouse manager.  The summer months are especially busy, as 200 children each week gain exposure to harvesting, eating, and nature exploration.  ”I want parents to feel like they can bring their children and explore the garden,” adds Kirsten, as she explains the small sacrifice that comes with toddlers running through the garden.

The nation is not without supporters of nature reconnection among children.  Montessori for Everyone commented that children’s lives are structured much differently, recognizing “a world where the phrase ‘Go play outside’ has been replaced by television programs, computer time, and Wii Fit.”  Although once dependent upon nature, today’s children lack the desire to explore their surroundings.  Aside from the endless creativity which nature provides, a healthful benefit also comes into play.  Montessori for Everyone states:

Research shows that children who are allowed to explore outdoors are socially and emotionally happier and healthier. Unstructured outdoor play is also touted as one of the most direct ways to combat childhood obesity, a very real and prominent problem for children. Vitamin D exposure from the sun is known to help prevent a host of diseases, as well as treat and prevent depression.

Evidently, it is important to introduce children to nature when they are young.  Programs such as those offered at Kilbourn Park Organic Greenhouse are doing just that.  “It’s not always about the perfect garden,” Kirsten notes, “It’s about working together.”

The time has come to support our community spaces and to invest in natural, educational opportunities.  The time has come to get our children to play outside again.  And it doesn’t hurt if you can get them to eat a few vegetables along the way.

Stacie Scott

Summer 2012 Chicago Food Warrior

This post is from one of the interns in the Real Time Farms Food Warrior Internship Program. These interns are collecting data, pictures, and video on the growing practices of our nation’s farms, gathering food artisans’ stories, and documenting farmers markets. We all deserve to know where our food comes from! Boring legalese we feel we must include: this was written by a real live person who has their own opinions, which we value, but that do not necessary reflect, though they may (or may not), reflect the values and opinions of Real Time Farms. That is for you to guess and us to know.