Children in Nature as our Future Stewards

In today's society, humanity's relationship with nature has become skewed, hindering our children's ability to truly appreciate and enjoy the natural world. There are two critical issues at play that impede our connection to nature, particularly among children. First, the prevalent societal perception of nature as solely majestic national parks or ecological catastrophes must be reshaped. The prevalent obsession with posting social media pictures showcasing visits to national parks has eclipsed genuine love and appreciation for nature. Instead, instilling a child's enthusiasm for nature should commence in their own backyard, helping them realize that nature exists everywhere, and they are intrinsically part of it. 

Even in urban landscapes where a private yard might be deemed a luxury, nature persists. Sidewalks harbor trees, mosses thrive within cracks, and birds craft nests in city nooks and crannies. Encouraging individuals to engage with nature doesn't demand a profound love for it, but an acknowledgment that they are an integral part of it. Simple actions like picking up moss, examining a stick or a leaf, and discussing these natural elements can cultivate an understanding that every encounter with an animal or insect, every thunderstorm or sunny day, is an interaction with nature itself. 

However, our education system inadvertently exacerbates the problem by highlighting potential human-induced environmental degradation from a young age. This approach disassociates children from nature and engenders a sense that they are problems plaguing "mother nature." Yet, the reality is that Earth has existed long before humans and will persist long after us. To create future environmental stewards and foster genuine solutions, we must free children from this burden while they are still capable of experiencing, enjoying, and even encountering minor mishaps in nature. 

Allowing children to immerse themselves in nature, experiencing emotions with friends, family, or even alone in the woods, is crucial. It enables them to comprehend their intrinsic connection to nature. The weight of "environmental issues" has been unfairly placed upon them by mainstream education, government, and select interest groups controlling societal environmental narratives. To pave the way for a generation of environmentally conscious individuals, we must embrace regenerative agriculture and consistently advocate for both public and privately-owned green spaces. Recognizing that we are an integral part of nature itself will steer us towards a future filled with environmentally responsible stewards.