Why Nature is Vital for Children
In 2005, Audubon Medal winner Richard Louv broke new ground in our understanding the vital importance of nature in his book, Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children from Nature-Deficit Disorder.
Fifteen years later, have we have an even deeper appreciation for Louv's insights about the importance of nature for children and adults. With so many people staying at home due to the global health crisis, the New York Times parenting section revisited Louv's book in June.
A key part of D&R Greenway Land Trust's mission is to expand access to nature as broadly as possible, including at the Charles Evans Children's Discovery Trail.
The Charles Evans Children's Discovery Trail in Princeton
The kiosk and entrance have been restored so it is easier to find and more inviting. Be sure to dress for ticks and sun, and park on the gravel portion of Province Line Road around the corner from the entrance—there is room for one or two cars and the road is a dead end.
This wonderful corner of land holds a diversity of habitat types, including a pretty little wet meadow with Indian grass, switch grass, mountain mint and swamp milkweed; a wet woodland with musclewood and tulip tree; and a small bog with tussock sedge, winterberry holly and marsh fern.
WHERE: Visit the Charles Evans Children's Discovery Trail at the intersection of Province Line Road and Drakes Corner Roads.
Other ideas for outdoor activities for children can be found here.
