It was lovely to be with Miss M pictured here on Sunday of the long weekend in the rugged beauty of Lytton, BC.

Many years ago, botanist Luther Burbank said: “Every child should have mudpies, grasshoppers, wildflowers, Aspen trees, blue sky, soaring birds, fuzzy squirrels, huge rocks, butterflies, pinecones, wild strawberries, and room to run in—and any child who has been deprived of these has been deprived of the best part of education.”

Those that live in the richness and natural beauty of areas like Lytton, BC know that magical things happen when children and nature get together. There is a growing body of research that supports the importance of a strong connection with the natural world for all of us, and especially for young people. As many scientists have put it, we can now assume that just as children need good nutrition and adequate sleep, they may very well need contact with nature. Nature calms children, focuses them, and yet excites their senses. The natural world incites peace and curiosity at the same time. Time spent in nature provides physical and emotional exercise that is more varied and less time-bound than organized sports. Play in nature reduces stress and bolsters children’s resilience. Children are simply happier and healthier when they have frequent and varied opportunities for experiences in the out-of-doors.
 
It is interesting to note that Luther Burbank had no children of his own, but he did adopt a daughter. 

“She is my human plant.” Luther would say about her affectionately. “I see humanity now as one vast plant, needing for its highest fulfillments only love, the natural blessings of the great outdoors, and intelligent crossing and selection. In the span of my own lifetime, I have observed such wondrous progress in plant evolution that I look forward optimistically to a healthy, happy world as soon as its children are taught the principles of simple and rational living. We must return to nature and nature’s God.”

Spending time with Miss M takes you directly to that loving place that naturally exists in all beings.  

The Emily Dahl Foundation