Indiana Children and Nature Network
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 "Every spring is the only spring, a perpetual astonishment"  -Ellis Peters

Say it with us: SPRING IS HERE!

The birds are chirping, spring showers and flowers are abundant... spring has arrived! There is something to be said about the smile on a child's face while playing outside on one of those first warm days of spring. It is so important that all families and all people have safe outdoor spaces that they can freely and safely enjoy. Being able to explore nature is a basic human right, and we know how important spending time outdoors is for developing minds.

This year we challenge you to find some new ways to get involved in protecting and maintaining those natural spaces you enjoy in your neighborhood, community, city, or town! Maybe join a group that picks up litter in these spaces, or help with landscaping or tree planting. These are also fun and valuable experiences for our children, and shows them that they have an important part to play in protecting their favorite places to play outside.

As always, we want to encourage and inspire you and your families this spring to make the mindful effort to spend time outdoors and reap all of the benefits of doing so! Now that you've taken the pledge to play outside at least 30 minutes every day, we've got some ideas below to help you reach that goal. You can also get more play ideas on our resource pages.

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In the News: Bringing Nature to Urban Environments

There are many people and organizations that are finding ways to provide safe outdoor spaces for children who live in large cities. This article highlights a few of those stories!
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Volunteer: Tips for Volunteering with Kids

Check out this link from PBS Kids to learn some tips and ideas for volunteering with your kiddos!
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Explore: Indiana State Parks

Wildflower walks, bird watching, and Easter egg hunts, oh my! There are so many opportunities to get outside and learn in our state parks. Click here for a listing of events and locations!
Follow us on Instagram: inkidsandnature

Contact us: info@IndianaChildrenAndNature.org
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Indiana Children and Nature Network (ICAN) is a project of the
Environmental Education Association of Indiana (EEAI)

Photos used under Creative Commons from SurFeRGiRL30, Sue90ca MORE OFF THAN ON, UC Davis Arboretum & Public Garden, vastateparksstaff