resources 
Environmental Education
ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION
Residents is a strong advocate of the invaluable importance of outdoor exploration for children and adults alike. A connection with nature not only leads to exciting and engaging hands-on educational experiences, but also sparks creativity and a healthy interest in the world around us. We learn of the importance of the natural world by interacting with it on a personal level. Here you will find information about ways to spend family time outdoors, how to imbue your child with a love of the outdoors, and why such an exposure to nature is important.
FUN OUTDOOR IDEAS FOR THE FAMILY:
The Long Island Nature Collaborative for Kids offers many helpful services for parents including:
o A growing index of parks and Nature Explore Classrooms on Long Island that are a big step towards a child forming a connection with nature
o Fun outdoor play and project ideas
Big Learning is another great resource for fun ways to educate your child about the natural world
Click here for a list of hiking trails right here on Long Island
THE IMPORTANCE OF OUTDOOR EXPLORATION:
Dr. Howard Gardner, a neuroscience professor from Harvard Univeristy, cites “naturalist intelligence” as one of eight distinct types of intelligence. Find a summary of his theory here. Gardner argues that in order for a child to fully reach his/her potential, he/she must be exposed to a wide range of educational experiences encompassing all areas of intelligence…outdoor exploration is an integral part of your child exploring his/her potential
The importance of protecting the natural world is a value essential to every generation that will inherit the wellbeing of our planet. In his book Last Child in the Woods: Saving our Children from Nature-Deficit Disorder, Richard Louv argues that the a close connection between children and their environment is essential for the flourishing of both