Welcome all kids, teens, families, teachers, biologists, nature lovers!
This Green Matter “Bug Hugger” Nature Club and Science Network was created to bring together nature-minded individuals for some kid-friendly, family-oriented outings.
The purpose of this group is two-fold:
1) To create a community-based GREEN “BUG HUGGER” CLUB that connects children, families and outdoorsy people of all ages with nature in such a way that they learn to appreciate and understand the environment through respectful interactions, conservation and life-changing experiences in a fun atmosphere. Participants will learn a whole lot more than just bugs, but bugs sure get the attention of kids (big and small) and motivate them to learn about many things that are often found to be boring, uninteresting or seen as just not fun. Currently, this club is organized through Meetup.
2) To create a school-based GREEN “BUG HUGGER” SCIENCE NETWORK that connects students and teachers to naturalists, educators, conservationists, wildlife rehabilitators, scientists, researchers, biologists, environmentalists and business professionals all working towards the same goal – to protect and conserve the environment and its biodiversity. It is my hope that professionals in the field will make themselves available to talk with students and teachers and to share their works. In addition, students can learn how to be scientists themselves through observations of nature and inquiry investigations. In other words, students learn to ask questions and investigate to find answers. Currently, this network is being developed through LinkedIn.
Leave no child inside!
In addition to a science focus, this group is based on the notion that children are our a future and they are getting left inside. Richard Louv, author of Last Child in the Woods, coined the term “nature-deficit disorder” and said that we need to get kids outdoors experiencing nature. My goal is to do just that through educational programs with live bugs, science projects, nature field trips, volunteer opportunities, ecotours and more. These family-friendly activities will be focused on making science fun as well as motivating kids of all ages to make a difference in the world. You’re never too old to enjoy the outdoors! This is for BIG “kids” too! And, it’s nice to take a little time from the hustle and bustle of life and work to get outside in the fresh air and sunshine. In fact, Richard Louv wrote another book geared for adults, The Nature Principle.
Read more about the Green Matter “Bug Hugger” Nature Club and Science Network. We hope you will consider joining us locally as well as virtually.