Speaking at this year’s Fox Cities Book Festival, author Richard Louv said you shouldn’t wait for government, or even foundations, to arrange programs that expose your kids to nature. You have that power.

Louv, in fact, appeared in part because of more than $10,000 is support from the Community Foundation through individual donors and our discretionary grant programs. I took no offense at him encouraging people to act regardless of foundation support, because we’re already here to help.

Louv coined the term “nature deficit disorder” to describe the ill effects of kids being distanced from the outdoors. He explains his theory, and backs it up with research, in “Last Child in the Woods,” and then applies those lessons to adults in “The Nature Principle.”

His idea was for neighborhoods to work together to arrange their own field trips for kids. Our donors are supporting the nature centers, museums and public gardens that would be their destination.

We offer grants of up to $2,500 for nonprofits presenting high-impact events, exhibits or performances that accomplish the priorities for our Environmental Sustainability, Arts & Culture and Community Education grant programs. Check out the priorities and how to apply at www.cffoxvalley.org/howtoapply.

Communication Specialist Dave Horst administers the Environmental Sustainability Fund. Email him at [email protected].
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