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Kids in The Woods

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Kids today spend twice as much time indoors as their parents did, missing out on the simple pleasures and lasting mental and physical health benefits of daily outdoor time. Here are resources and ideas for increasing the amount of time kids spend outdoors. This ties in with the US Forest Service More Kids in the Woods Initiative.

Children and Nature Articles
Here you will find articles, fact sheets, and other publications that we have written about children and nature or that have been written by others about our work, including topics such as the benefits of outdoor activity in children, the Kids in the Woods program, and fun family activities to do outside.


Kids in the Woods Blog
Our blog provides updates and photos of our Kids in the Woods project with Westwood Middle School in Gainesville, FL. read more...
 

The Kids in the Woods Program
The Kids in the Woods Program in Gainesville, FL, takes 6th grade students outside to conduct scientific studies on their school campus and in a nearby nature area. The Kids in the Woods program is a collaboration between the USDA Forest Service, the University of Florida's School of Forest Resources and Conservation, the Alachua County School District, the City of Gainesville's Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs, and the Alachua County Environmental Protection Department.
 

Online Resources
A collection of web links about campaigns, organizations, and general information related to promoting healthy lifestyles and getting kids to play outside and reconnect with nature.
 

"Unplug" Handouts
The U.S. Forest Service and the Ad Council have joined forces to develop the Unplug campaign to encourage families to unplug their televisions and other electronics and take themselves and their children outside to reconnect with nature and become closer as a family by sharing in healthy activities. InterfaceSouth has developed handouts that incorporate the Unplug campaign, including information about why its good to get outdoors, where to go (the handouts that include this information are specific to Gainesville, FL but site-specific information can be substituted from other localities - contact us if you are interested in finding out how), and what to do.
 

Kids in the Woods Curriculum
Here you will find our study write ups, handouts, data sheets, and other materials related to each study.
 

Contact

Key Personnel

  • Person

    Annie Hermansen

    Science Delivery/Program Coordinator
  • Person

    Wayne C. Zipperer, PhD

    Project Leader / Research Forester
Last updated January 31, 2023