Southern Urban and Interface Forests - What's New

Congressman Ron Kind (D–WI) introduced the Moving Outdoors in Nature Act in the U.S. House of Representatives on November 18, 2010. The bill supports federal, state and local plans that help connect children with the natural world.

The Moving Outdoors in Nature Act will help get America’s kids healthy and active by bolstering support for more natural play areas, outdoor recreation programs, public health initiatives, outdoor learning environments, service learning and other initiatives. To learn more visit: http://www.nwf.org/News-and-Magazines/Media-Center/News-by-Topic/Get-Outside/2010/11-18-10-Moving-Outdoors-in-Nature-Act-Introduced-in-US-House.aspx

The United Nations (UN) General Assembly designated 2011 as International Year of Forests (IYOF). This designation provides an excellent platform to increase awareness of the connections between healthy forests, ecosystems, people, societies, and economies.

Additional information can be found at the UN website: http://www.un.org/en/events/iyof2011/.

Backyard Woods: Bring Your Vision to Life

The Arbor Day Foundation’s Backyard Woods program is designed to assist landowners in conserving, beautifying, and utilizing their small woodland plot. The program’s guide book includes detailed fact sheets on topics such as planning, wildfire protection, tree care, forest products, and wildlife. The “Backyard Woods: Bring You Vision to Life” guidebook is available for free download online in PDF, or a print copy can be ordered from the Arbor Day Foundation for $4.95 and includes a CD-ROM with twelve tip sheets. The Backyard Woods program is ideal for landowners with one to ten acres.

To learn more about the Backyard Woods program visit:
http://www.arborday.org/backyardwoods/index.cfm

To view or order the “Backyard Woods: Bring Your Vision to Life” guidebook visit:
http://www.arborday.org/backyardwoods/guide.cfm
 

Taking a break to enjoy nature is a pleasure that most of us would like to incorporate into our workday because we know that a walk in the great outdoors can lift our spirits. However, psychologists said the benefits are greater than most of us realize and are more necessary than ever.