Richard Louv and The New Nature Movement

Nationally-renowned author and environmental advocate Richard Louv will give a major presentation in New Bedford on “The Nature Principle and The New Nature Movement.”  Louv’s lecture will focus on the diminishing human connection with nature and how communities and individuals can work together to change that. The program will be held on Thursday, March 29 at 7 p.m. at Tifereth Israel Congregation, adjacent to Buttonwood Park in New Bedford. The program is free and open to the public.  Copies of Louv’s latest book, “The Nature Principle” will be available for purchase, courtesy of Baker Books, and Louv will on hand to sign them following his presentation.

The Louv lecture is sponsored by the newly- formed Southcoast Outdoor Network, a regional coalition of organizations connecting individuals, families and communities with the natural world here on the South Coast.  “As the director of an urban national park, I can’t emphasize enough the interesting outdoor spaces available to explore right here in urban New Bedford,” stated Jennifer Nersesian, Park Superintendent and one of the founding members of the coalition.  “Our group reflects the breadth and diversity of our natural world here on the South Coast and we are excited to be able to bring an internationally acclaimed speaker right here to our region.”

Author of eight books, including “The Nature Principle” and “Last Child in the Woods,” Louv’s works have been translated into ten languages and published in fifteen countries. He is the founding chairman of the Children and Nature Network, (www.childrenandnature.org) an organization connecting today’s children and future generations to the natural world.  Louv coined the term “Nature Deficit Disorder’ which has become the defining phrase for the increasing disconnection between children and the natural world around them.  Louv has also written for a number of national newspapers, has appeared on network television to discuss Nature Deficit Disorder, and has addressed the U.S. Congress regarding his work. He has been recognized with the national  Audubon Award as well as many other prestigious honors.

Supported by groundbreaking research, anecdotal evidence, and compelling personal stories, Louv identifies seven basic concepts that can help us reshape our lives. By tapping into the restorative powers of nature, Louv argues, we can boost mental acuity and creativity; promote health and wellness; build smarter and more sustainable businesses, communities and economies; and ultimately strengthen human bonds. “The Nature Principle”, according to Louv,  is “about the power of living in nature—not with it, but in it. We are entering the most creative period in history. The twenty-first century will be the century of human restoration in the natural world.”

“As many organizations strive to promote a healthier environment for families through policy, activities and opportunities for learning, representatives of the Southcoast Outdoor Network believe Richard Louv’s message needs to be shared,” noted  Southcoast Hospitals Community Benefits Manager Kerry Mello.

“Our children are becoming estranged from the natural world in part because of contemporary trends, online activity, and social habits. They are missing some of the best lessons childhood has to offer,” said Mattapoisett Public Library Director Susan Pizzolato.

The Southcoast Outdoor Network represents health care, educational, recreational, environmental and other organizations in the region. Participating organizations will have free information about their programs and events available in the lobby the evening of the program. The coalition will also work to create and provide ongoing information about outdoor opportunities that are readily available on the South Coast – in our cities, our towns, on our ponds and bays and even in our backyards. Sponsors of the program, and founding members of the Southcoast Outdoor Network include:

• Bristol Community College, The Institute for Sustainability and Post-Carbon Education
• Buzzards Bay Coalition
• City of New Bedford, Department of Parks and Recreation
• Greater Fall River Partners for a Healthier Community
• Greater New Bedford Allies for Health and Wellness
• Lloyd Center for the Environment
• MASS Audubon
• MassinMotion
• Mattapoisett Free Public Library
• Mattapoisett Land Trust
• New Bedford Community Rowing
• New Bedford Whaling Historical National Park
• Southeastern Regional Planning and Economic Development District
• Southcoast Hospitals Group, Inc.
• The Stifler Family Foundation
• Trustees of Reservations
• University of Massachusetts Dartmouth Sustainability Initiative
• Voices for a Healthy Southcoast
• Wareham Land Trust
• Whaling History Alliance
• YMCA Southcoast