The children and nature movement is fueled by this fundamental idea: the child in nature is an endangered species, and the health of children and the health of the Earth are inseparable.

Each of us-adult or child-must earn nature's gift by knowing nature directly, however difficult it may be to glean that knowledge in an urban environment.

We have such a brief opportunity to pass on to our children our love for this Earth, and to tell our stories. These are the moments when the world is made whole. In my children's memories, the adventures we've had together in nature will always exist.

We tend to block off many of our senses when we're staring at a screen. Nature time can literally bring us to our senses.

This seems clear enough: When truly present in nature, we do use all our senses at the same time, which is the optimum state of learning.

The woods were my Ritalin. Nature calmed me, focused me, and yet excited my senses.

In our bones we need the natural curves of hills, the scent of chaparral, the whisper of pines, the possibility of wildness.