DECEMBER 2024

In This Issue

• Join the Movement
• Making the case for the benefits of nature
• A look back at 2024 Digests

Exciting developments for 2025

The new year brings several exciting developments for the Children & Nature Network’s research-related work. It’s been my honor and privilege to work with co-curator Ruth Wilson, Ph.D., for the last eight years. Ruth has been a critical force in developing the Research Library and Research Digest into the resources they are today. I could not have asked for a better partner in this enterprise.

Ruth is “retiring” from her role to pursue other professional and personal goals (including finishing another book!). However, she’s not going far. We’ll be welcoming her onto our Scientific Advisory Council, and she will periodically offer us her writing skills. You can read Ruth’s reflections on her work in the recent Finding Nature News story “Always a seeker.” Thank you, Ruth!

Endings often bring new beginnings, and I’m excited to introduce Jory Brass, Ph.D., who is stepping into Ruth’s role and joining our other co-curator, Jaime Winans-Solis, Ph.D. Jory hails from Albuquerque, New Mexico (as does Ruth!). After a successful academic career as a university-level teacher and educational researcher, Jory made the mission-focused and principle-based decision to leave academia to use his writing skills to help connect people to the natural world. We’re excited to work with him.

And, in other big news, the Children & Nature Network has just launched a new Benefits of Nature case-making toolkit. This page provides a single point of entry to a breadth of evidence-based content and resources for making the case for nature engagement for children. We are thrilled to be able to offer you this curated one-stop shop to help organizations and individuals advocate for children and nature more effectively.

Finally, we are wrapping up our annual Member Drive in the next few days. This year is unique because we received a matching grant from a board member — the largest gift of this type in our history — but we need your help to reach our goal before the end of 2024. If you value the work of the Children & Nature Network, please join me in making a donation before midnight on December 31, and double your gift!

Wishing you the best in 2025,

Cathy Jordan, Ph.D.
Consulting Research Director

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