“Last Child in the Woods” author Richard Louv struck such a chord with the staff and board of ACT that we brought him to Gainesville in 2006 to be the keynote speaker for our Conservation Stewards Banquet. He spoke to over a thousand people that week as we carried him around to any group who would listen, and his message forever changed the mission of Alachua Conservation Trust. His book is a compelling investigation into the implications of raising a generation of children without any meaningful connection or comfort with the outdoors. Mr. Louv is returning five years later to Gainesville with a new message in his book, “The Nature Principle: Human Restoration and The End of Nature Deficit Disorder.” Supported by ground-breaking research, anecdotal evidence, and compelling personal stories, Louv identifies seven basic concepts that can help us reshape our lives. By tapping into the restorative powers of nature, we can boost mental acuity and creativity; promote health and wellness; build smarter and more
sustainable businesses, communities, and economies; and ultimately strengthen human bonds. Louv makes a convincing case that we are entering the most creative period in history, that in fact the twenty-first century will be the era of human restoration in the natural world. This encouraging and influential work offers renewed optimism while challenging us to rethink the way we live.
Richard Louv will be speaking and reading at Prairie Creek Lodge on Saturday, October 8th in an evening that includes a social hour and dinner. Florida Defenders of the Environment and Santa Fe College are cosponsoring his visit with ACT – please come for an interesting and inspiring evening, but we do require reservations at: fde@FlaDefenders.org or (352) 378-8465.
~ From the Alachua Conservation Trust, whose latest Gazetteer full of interesting news has just been published!
