Los Angeles Times
07/26/06

Friendship, nutritious food, physical activity and entertainment are important to your well-being. But did you know that it is also good for you to spend time with plants and animals?

You learn about nature in the classroom, but maybe you don't get to spend much time in it because you don't live near natural areas. During the school year, you are busy with homework and extracurricular activities. And when you have free time, you likely entertain yourself by watching television or playing video games.

But have you thought about what you're missing? Do you know what it's like to run down a path and feel the wind in your face or the thrill of exploring the unknown? The chance to sit quietly and focus on the sounds of rustling leaves, squabbling squirrels and singing birds? The fun of discovering turtles sunning themselves on exposed rocks at the edge of a stream? And how about the pleasure of watching butterflies and bees as they flit from flower to flower?

What will happen if you let your imagination soar? Maybe you can write a poem, or draw a picture or do a report for your class. Maybe it will inspire you to become a teacher, an artist or a park ranger when you grow up.

So, hang with your buddies, eat a carrot, do your sit-ups, play with your video games but remember to take some time to enjoy nature!


Carol Felixson is director of education/community outreach for UCLA's Stunt Ranch Santa Monica Mountains Reserve and Mathias Botanical Garden. To learn more about kids and nature, and UCLA's environmental education programs, go to http://www.botgard.ucla.edu and nrs.ucop.edu/reserves/stunt.html.