Award-winning author and journalist Richard Louv warned of children’s estrangement from natural space during his lecture Tuesday night in the EMU Ballroom, stressing the importance of outdoor experiences on youthful creativity, receptiveness to other playmates and participation in physical sports.
“These studies are coming in increasing numbers and all of them all in one direction — natural experience is really good for children’s health, well-being and mental and psychological health,” Louv said.
As part of the Oregon Humanities Center’s “Sustenance” theme, Louv’s concept of “nature-deficit disorder” analyzes the relationship between society’s reliance on technology and nature deficiency.
Throughout his lecture, “The Restorative Power of the Natural World,” Louv recalled stories of children and adults interacting with nature on a personal level, touching on studies showing a relationship between natural interaction and the reduction of childhood obesity, attention-deficit disorder and depression.
Speaking about the main points in his book, the author said that both old and young generations need a connection with nature as a fundamental process for human development.
“You have to consider all of human history,” Louv said. “In the matter of three decades, we have seen a sudden change in childhood that has repercussions.”
Louv’s lecture was based on his book “Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children From Nature-Deficit Disorder,” and his newest work, “The Nature Principle.” Louv discussed the effects of nature deficiency on children first, contending that increased electronic use in society has created a disconnect from the natural world. Few neighborhoods contain “natural habitats” for children, the author said, which has steered more children indoors. As a result, children use technology as an escape, which affects their five senses, imagination, physical health and livelihood.
“When children go out, they learn better,” Louv said. “When else are you using all your sense at the same time other than nature?”
Louv posed the same question for adults and related their lack of interaction with nature to their sense of ownership.  Belonging in nature, the author said, is a tendency all humankind needs.  
“Knowing where you are, where you stand: Below you is land; above is sky,” Louv said. “You belong there, and it is yours and you are its.”
University alumnus and preschool teacher Chrystal Kellerman attended Louv’s lecture out of her passion for nature and her concern for children’s health.
Kellerman said a large number of kids are being kept inside, which takes away their “basic human right to get outside.”
“Children are becoming disconnected from nature and (this) has affected their relationships in general,” Kellerman said. “You become connected with nature; it can help children develop empathy, concern for one another and their community.”
Julia Heydon, associate director for the Oregon Humanities Center, said Louv’s concept is necessary in understanding how to balance time with technology and the natural world.
“Our world is becoming increasingly dominated by technology, and as a result, both children and adults are becoming more sedentary and less attuned to the natural world,” Heydon said. “This is having a profound effect upon our collective physical and emotional health.”
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