Richard Louv
1983, Louv released his first book, America II
1984-2007, Louv worked for the San Diego Union-Tribune Newspaper, writing essays on nature and humanity
2005, Louv published Last Child in the Woods
2008, Louv received the Audubon Metal
Link to Flyer: Richard Louv
Richard Louv is a journalist and nonfiction writer that has written many books on the term he coined “nature-deficit disorder.” In his seventh and most popular book Last Child in the Woods, Louv discusses how children should be spending more time outside and less time in the classroom. Not only does nature allow children to be able to focus better but it also makes them grow to be more creative and better at problem-solving.
In his talk, Louv discussed that people commonly ignore the effect of nature on development even though studies have shown that five minutes outside in nature can help lower symptoms of ADHD, allow children to concentrate and focus better, and help enhance their creativity. A big reason children are still remaining inside is that parents are scared of letting their kids run outside because of stranger danger. Family nature clubs have been started to allow groups of families to get together and go out in nature in groups, allowing for safety in numbers. However, these groups lack diversity with mainly middle to upper-class white families and environmental groups are no different.
Louv also discussed ways we could help bring nature back, for example planting native species in our backyards to help enhance the native food chain. We also need to be more conscious because there are truly two habitats that co-exist: the physical habitat and our inner habitat. If we destroy one of these, the other will be destroyed. Not only do we need to help upkeep our physical habitat but we must also maintain our inner habitat or our spiritual connection with the world around us. It doesn’t take long, just five minutes a day spending time outside makes a difference in our well being and the development of our children.
Link to Lafayette’s news story on Louv: https://news.lafayette.edu/2018/03/14/the-nature-necessity/
Link to Louv’s Personal Website: http://richardlouv.com
Link to Children and Nature Network Website: https://www.childrenandnature.org