Greater Baltimore Children and Nature Collaborative

About GBCAN
The Greater Baltimore Children and Nature Collaborative (GBCAN) encourages partnerships and provides information to foster connections between children and the natural world. Recognizing that contact with nature is important for everyone, GBCAN focuses special attention on children, re-connecting them with nature and ensuring the well being of both.

Inspired by the growing national movement to connect children with nature, local leaders across the sectors of education, health, business, faith, and the arts voiced a need for an “umbrella” organization to provide information and create opportunities for networking and partnerships. Starting in 2008, a guiding committee of dedicated individuals and organizations formed the Greater Baltimore Children and Nature Collaborative (GBCAN) to serve this need. 

GBCAN currently operates with a steering committee of 18 members committed to connecting children ages birth to young adult with nature and its benefits. Leveraging current initiatives such as family nature clubs, parent workshops and the member network, GBCAN provides ways for parents, grandparents and educators to participate in outdoor experiences, healthy behaviors and stewardship.

Background
Richard Louv brought to the public’s awareness in his book, Last Child in the Woods, Saving Our Children From Nature Deficit Disorder, that within just a few decades, the way children understand and experience nature has changed radically and this change has profound implications for the physical, mental, and spiritual health of today’s children and future generations.

For many Baltimore City children who are kept indoors in apartments, homes and schools because of safety issues and lack of resources, the challenge to offer valuable nature connections is great. Louv points out in his book that all children, urban, suburban and even rural are losing their connection to the natural world.

In addition, research shows that this generation of youth may be the first in American history to have a shorter average lifespan than their parents due to rising health problems such as childhood obesity, hypertension and type II diabetes. Some young people are spending 40-65 hours a week "plugged in" to electronic media leaving less time for free unstructured outdoor play that is essential to good health.

For more information on the Baltimore Children and Nature Collaborative or nature play, email Mike Dorsey or call him at (410) 448-5663 ext. 124.