The Coyote Club Howlers (5-6 years old) engaged in this winter's rare occasion of snow play.

By Harry Kane

The growing center presented a film screening and discussion at the Somerville Public Library on March 14 to address our disconnection with nature in the education system. The name of the film is Mother Nature’s Child.

Nature has taken a backseat to technology. Children are more apt to watch television or play video games rather than play in nature.

Somerville has great structured playtime activities like sports and parks to play in, but Paula Jordan from the Somerville Community Growing Center feels that more unstructured playtime needs to be incorporated into a child’s early development.

Paula Jordan is the coordinator for the Children in Nature Initiative. Her goal is to talk to teachers and families about getting kids outdoors.

“One of our goals for the Children in Nature Initiative and also for the growing center is to be a welcoming place for all cultures and the community,” said Jordan.

The film discussed several factors that correlate outside play with a child’s development, stressing the importance of “unstructured playtime.”

According to Mother Nature’s Child, the average child spends 44 hours a week in front of a monitor and less tan 40 minutes outside. When kids are able to play outdoors they are less aggressive. There is a necessity for a “risk factor” otherwise development is stifled. And outdoor activity can cut down on health issues like childhood obesity.

The inspiring film also noted several out-door activities: Canoeing, fishing, hunting, camping and chopping wood are some of the examples mentioned.

A deficiency of nature and outdoor play can cause depression, said Aileen Bellwood, volunteer coordinator at the growing center. “Nature needs to be part of a holistic education.”

The quarter acre tier garden has been at 22 Vinal Ave. for 17 years. It has many elements including a pond, beehive, trees and edible fruits.

“The growing center is a public space and open to anyone who wants to go there,” said Bellwood.

The Somerville Community Growing Center, Groundwork Somerville, and Not Just Lego Program (an after-school program taught by Robert Riman, that is working on getting after-school youth more connected to the Mystic River, the garden and nature) are a few of the programs addressing the nature deficit disorder plaguing our children.

Paula Jordan wants Somerville residents to remember that, “nature is really everywhere, you don’t have to go to a special place to see nature.”

So go outside and enjoy yourself.

The Observing & Sketching Nature Event. A walk-talk for adults and teens ages 17+  Sunday March 25 1-2:30p.m.