Dear Friend,

Every Earth Week, I am drawn back to one of my favorite thinkers about our connection to nature, Richard Louv:  

“Passion is lifted from the earth itself by the muddy hands of the young;  

it travels along grass-stained sleeves to the heart.” 

Contact with nature definitely stirs the soul broadly. And it is elemental in forging passion for the earth. 

The research is clear that time in nature improves our wellbeing across so many dimensions – mental and physical health, academics, social connections. Our doctors, hospitals, clinics, and psychologists increasingly tell us to spend more time outside. 

But what if you have no place to do that?  

People in our cities have dramatically less access to green spaces in their neighborhoods. This means too many people also have no means to develop an affection and understanding for the wonders of nature.  

Parks are the nature fix! NCP is dedicated to providing the spaces that make that possible.  

Over the last 3 years, we have welcomed over 100,000 people back outside. And this year alone, another 440,000 will gain access to revitalized parks in their neighborhoods. This extends Earth Day to the every day.  

Environmentalism starts with everyone seeing themselves as a part of the environment. Wherever you are, whatever the weather, try to go outside today!  

Warmly,