Be a Citizen Naturalist

Louv has recognized this need in his later book, The Nature Principle. He says the principle is “that a reconnection to the natural world is fundamental to human health, well-being, spirit, and survival.” Blogger Jill Glover observed in This City Life, “… my generation spends more time loving our iPhones and drinking craft beers at a hip new downtown pub than hugging trees.”  
 

Every day our relationship with nature, or the lack of it, influences our lives. This has always been true. But in the 21st century, our survival — or thrival — will require a transformative framework for that relationship, a reunion of humans with the rest of nature.” — Richard Louv, The Nature Principle

Both Louv and Glover have illustrated that there is too often a disconnect between adults and nature. This is true not only for the relatively young adults of the millennial generation but also for more senior citizens who have fond memories of their connection with nature but have lost this connection as they’ve traveled through life. 

This bulletin shows why reconnecting with nature is important and how easy it can be to tap into the myriad opportunities to be what we call the “citizen naturalist.” Some call it “citizen scientist,” but by whatever name, it means engaging with nature and natural resources without this being one’s profession. The point is, whether a loner nurturing a desire to learn and be outdoors or an outdoor-oriented extrovert looking for more social experiences, there are many ways to reconnect with nature, find outdoor enjoyment, and benefit both self and society.