Ontario may soon have an organization devoted to reconnecting kids with nature.

A weekend Back to Nature conference inside a concrete-walled auditorium at the Royal Botanical Gardens Centre resulted in a plan to bring together parks, recreation, health, education, church and environmental groups to promote the benefits of getting children outdoors to play and learn.

Barb McKean, head of education at the RBG, says there's ample evidence that spending time in a natural environment results in "healthier, happier, more resilient kids with less depression, anxiety disorders and ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder)."

Cheryl Charles, president and CEO of the U.S.-based Children & Nature Network (childrenandnature.org), said: "There are so many benefits to children's health and well-being in having experience with nature in their everyday lives. It increases their creativity, self-esteem and ability to solve problems. It's not enough to play on soccer fields and asphalt."

McKean said a handful of the 35 to 40 conference participants will get together early in the new year to map the next steps. "A lot of organizations want to work to raise the profile of the movement to reconnect children and nature."

Don May, a professional planner from Burlington who is president-elect of Parks and Recreation Ontario, said the idea has already been endorsed by members of that organization, which include municipalities, boys' and girls' clubs and YMCAs.

"We're prepared to step forward as a partner, to bring our resources and skill sets to this," he said.

"Conservation authorities, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Parks Canada have the land base. Other groups such as churches and school boards can encourage children to get outside.

Lorna Heidenheim of the Ontario Healthy Living Coalition also pledged that group's support.

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