Kids in Nature

Kids in Nature. Kids enjoying the view in the Cottonwood Lakes Basin, John Muir Wilderness, California USA
Kids enjoying the view at Cottonwood Lakes Basin, John Muir Wilderness, California

Kids in Nature. I have mixed feelings as I write this post. The image is a favorite location in the Sierras and a fond memory of a special trip with my kids to the wilderness. But it also holds a deeper meaning, a realization that future generations may not see the value in protecting such areas especially if they have little opportunity to experience them at an early age and ultimately appreciate and preserve them.

Many children today are losing the basic understanding that nature exists even in their own backyards and neighborhoods, which further disconnects them from their knowledge and appreciation of the natural world. It’s important to realize that enjoying a city park can be just as valuable as visiting a wilderness area in terms of instilling a life-long connection with nature.

Richard Louv, in his book Last Child in the Woods, explores research linking the absence of nature in children’s lives to rising rates of obesity, attention disorders, and depression.  His findings point to an overload of electronic media combined with an understandable concern for safety from parents unwilling to just let their kids roam free.

Fortunately Ken Burns popular series America’s Best Idea spurred new interest in our national parks, bringing families together in the outdoors and reversing a trend in recent years referred to as “nature deficit disorder”.

I am a member of several conservation organizations whose common goal is to preserve the natural world and to remind us of the less obvious ways that nature enhances our lives. It can improve our physical health and mental outlook, and most importantly it nurtures our souls.  “In wildness is the preservation of the world” –  today Thoreau’s words are as meaningful as ever and if embraced by the next generation will ring true long into the future.

 

 

©Russ Bishop/All Rights Reserved

International Women’s Day

International Women's Day. Climber on the summit of Tenaya Peak, Yosemite National Park, California USA (© Russ Bishop/www.russbishop.com)
Climber on the summit of Tenaya Peak, Yosemite National Park, California

March 8th is International Women’s Day!

Celebrating all the ladies out there today – the mothers, daughters, sisters, partners, friends. Your achievements in the social, economic, cultural, and political realms around the world are a powerful force.
You are strong and agile, and you add beauty and grace to this often chaotic world. At home and on the trail your compass keeps us balanced – and you deserve equality in the workplace as in life.
 
Enjoy your day!

 

 

 

©Russ Bishop/All Rights Reserved

Backcountry Bliss

 

Backcountry skier under Banner and Ritter Peaks, Ansel Adams Wilderness, Sierra Nevada Mountains, California
Skier under Banner and Ritter Peaks, Ansel Adams Wilderness, California

Backcountry skiing in the Sierra Nevada is a perfect winter counterpart to the Desert Solitaire of Edward Abbey’s Utah. This popular and often crowded summer destination takes on another form during the shortest days of the year where deep in the wilderness that rare form of quiet is still plentiful.

Whether you want to ski your own private bowls or just enjoy the tranquility and unique photographic opportunities, it’s all there for the taking. Proper equipment and skills are obvious requirements and outdoor retailers like REI not only sell all the appropriate gear, but also offer classes in technique and safety. Enjoy the season!

 

©Russ Bishop/All Rights Reserved