Fostering Children's Excitement in the Natural World.(Brief Article) From: New York State Conservationist | Date: June 1, 2001| Author: Crowell, Tom | COPYRIGHT 2001 New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan.  All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group.Copyright information

Many of us who love the outdoors can trace our interest back to a parent, teacher, or camp counselor who took the time to share their appreciation of nature. It might have been on a canoe trip to a lake, a hike up a mountain, or a moonlit walk to a special place, but the early introduction to the natural world touched us, igniting a passion that stayed with us into our adult lives.

As the world becomes a busier place, and open spaces are lost to development, it is harder...