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Decline of Youth Participation: Outdoor Recreation

February 10, 2016

The National Recreation Foundation is “dedicated to enhancing the role of recreation as a positive force in improving the quality of life of youth. We do this by investing in recreation programs directed at those who

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Two people work in a garden with tall buildings around them

Food Forests Offer an Agricultural Alternative

Food systems intersect with climate change in multiple ways. Agriculture is a major contributor to climate change. Our modern food system produces high levels of CO2 emissions, which accelerate the greenhouse effect,

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A group of young people sit holding signs about environmental action

Climate Change is Shaping Philanthropic Work

Climate change has an impact on virtually all areas of human life. Extreme heat and more frequent storms are shifting where we live, how we engage in recreation, and how we construct our built environment. Stress about

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A young person stands looking down a trail with their back to the camera
Photo courtesy of the Charles Roundtree Bloom Project

Extreme Weather Affects Outdoor Access

Many factors influence our ability to engage in outdoor recreation. We need access to free time, transportation, gear, and information about participating safely. For many folks, there are added barriers of navigating

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A child squats in dirt and holds up muddy hands

Time in Nature is Even Better for Kids Than We Thought

We know that playing outside is beneficial for kids. New research shows that there may be even more positive health effects of time in nature than was previously understood. The mental health impacts of time in nature

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Three young people sit in grass with arms around each other

Outdoor Participation Trends Report Provides Key Industry Insights

The latest Outdoor Participation Trends Report tells us that the majority of Americans are engaging in outdoor recreation. The report, which is published annually by the Outdoor Industry Association and the Outdoor

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Kids in bright vests play together on a field
Photo courtesy of Beyond the Ball

New Impact Grants Support Newcomer Youth in Chicago

The Chicago area is now home to a significant number of newcomer families who have recently arrived in the United States. While it can be difficult to track exactly how many new arrivals have landed in Chicago, some

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