Louv Readings

Your thoughts on the Louv readings, with particular emphasis on the nature-deficit disorder and the third frontier. Do his arguments seem plausible? Does our improved quality of life (due to technology) trump our need for nature? Do you see a generational gap when it comes to this purported disorder? Do you find yourselves succumbing to this disorder? What can (and has) been done to remedy the problem? What is the third frontier?

I found the Louv readings to be very thought provoking.  The idea that kids problems today with ADD, ADHD, or other mental issues could be linked to lack of exposure to nature could have some merit.  Most kids today are raised by a television and that leaves them with a 30 second attention span till the next loud, flashy ad pops up.  Without seeing live animals on a farm or in the wild, how is a child supposed to realize where their food comes from?  Having the world at your fingertips does not mean someone knows how that world works.  I believe most people take all this new technology for granted, it devolves them into mindless drones following the glow of their smart phone, ignoring the world around them.  This is detrimental to both the individual and to nature.  The individual misses out on the informative and soothing qualities of the natural world while the natural environment misses out on a proponent for its well being.  Someone that has a connection or bond with nature will be less prone to allowing its destruction or corruption by development or mining interests.  I do believe that younger generations are missing out on more of nature and that is partly because there is less nature to take part in.  I try to fight this in myself by being outside whenever possible either fishing or golfing, both provide access to nature, though altered, and allow for a sense of peace.  Preserving the natural areas we have left and allowing access to schoolchildren is the best way to remedy this problem.  The only way to save the natural environment is to have more people experience it, and draw a connection that inspires them to fight for the preservation of these areas.