For the past several years, I’ve been concerned that our children are living lives of virtual reality rather than experiencing the reality of nature and the outdoors. A special report on the health of our nation’s children in USA Weekend validated my concern. Scientists and educators alike are concerned about the problem of our children’s health.

The alarming rise of obesity, nearsightedness, attention disorder and depression among our children is the result of, among other things, the lack of nature in children’s lives. In his best-selling book “Last Child in the Woods: Saving our Children from Nature-Deficit Disorder,” Richard Louv cites a growing body of evidence that supports this conclusion.

In the space of one century, Americans’ experience with nature has gone from an intimate 24-hour-a-day personal involvement during the pioneer days to what has become an electronic detachment today. As an elementary student told Richard Louv, “I like to play indoors better because that’s where all the electrical outlets are.” Children need to be connected with nature early in their lives. In the world of nature, every day is a brand new experience. These experiences engage and exercise the right brain – a major source of imagination, creativity and a help in building self-reliance and self-esteem.

Children must learn to use computers. They’re essential for the world that we live in today. Their use develops the left brain. If children let computers dominate their lives, they fail to develop personal creativity and fully develop the right brain. Introducing our children to nature is one of the best and least expensive ways to insure their physical, emotional and intellectual health. As our nation struggles to deal with rising health care costs, we can proactively educate our children to enjoy healthy lives. An important component of optimal wellness is a strong connection with nature.

For those concerned about the environment, a real hope is that kids get that message early in their lives. Being able to recognize and name a plant or animal and understand its role in the environment helps children value its existence. Many communities around the country are taking creative steps toward nature education for kids. Lawrence should lead our state in this effort.

There are a number of local organizations that are providing outdoor experiences. All of these efforts are very important, yet a large percentage of our children do not participate in regular nature education. Our goal should be that, no later than kindergarten or first grade, all kids are introduced to nature. If the public schools provide these experiences, it should be easier for parents to get their kids outdoors.

Let’s aspire to be a national leader in nature education and wellness as much as we are in college football and basketball. To begin, all kindergarteners and first-graders in Lawrence could take regular field trips to family farms, the Baker Wetlands, the Rice Woods and other natural areas. We need to equip our schools with the resources to accomplish this goal. We are, indeed, fortunate to have these areas so easily accessible. We can take advantage of these resources – now! As Richard Louv’s book shows, it’s not too late for our children; we just need to begin.