Hey guys! I really liked how Miller wrote this article because it wasn’t full of overly-technical, hardcore science terms. Instead, it was written in an easily digestible fashion. Which, of course, was probably his plan since he wants us, people living in urban areas, to open our eyes to nature. It’s like when we walked around Baruch, suddenly noticing trees for the first time on Monday. As city-dwellers, I think we often take it for granted.
While there are a lot of great parts I enjoyed, my favorites were when Miller talked about children and how their early experiences with nature affect how they view it as adults. He mentioned how time spent outside, such as recess, is structured/ organized, which takes away from the individual experiences a kid can have if they were allowed to do their own thing. Maybe they could climb trees and learn to love them. Maybe they can watch stars while laying in the grass at night. These are things I got to do as a child, things I still love today.
However, most of them don’t get these opportunities. Instead, they’re inside with their TV’s and video games (which I love too), and don’t learn to appreciate the adventures that lie outside their door. We have to think of ways to get them connected to the natural world. I know the Parks Department holds a lot of events for kids, at least at Juniper Park near me. These events and activities are a good start to helping children develop a love of the outdoors. After all, if we want them to help protect these areas in the future, we have to inspire and mold them when they’re young.
There are also numerous benefits to getting kids to go play outside and explore that Miller mentions such as their emotional and intellectual development being enhanced. Really, I don’t see any reason why parents shouldn’t push their kids to go for it. Sadly, the reality is that some kids don’t have the opportunity. Parks are seen as a luxury in many cities, especially in packed, low-income urban areas. Change can only happen with the backing of politicians, local philanthropists, and the volunteer work of those who know that the greatest gift we can pass on to the younger generation is simple: a world where they can play outside every day, enjoying the fresh air and breathing in the scent of blossoming flowers . Sounds pretty great to me.
