Unfortunately, many New York City schools currently lack resources to provide engaging environmental education in an outdoor environment – this occurring as a disproportionate amount of time spent indoors by youth has been correlated with negative psychological and physical effects, including obesity, depression, loneliness and attention problems. It is New York Restoration Project’s (NYRP) ongoing mission to reconnect communities to the natural world around them – encouraging children and their families to spend as many hours in nature as possible, every day, and effectively dissolving the disconnect between indoor and outdoor learning.
As one of the only providers of no-cost environmental education, recreational and cultural activities in New York City’s underserved communities, NYRP programming touches many lives and benefits areas of the city that need it most. NYRP takes children into the parks, gardens and green spaces being revitalized near their homes, as well as into their schoolyards where students are encouraged to play an active role in the designing, planting and stewardship of healthier playgrounds – empowering them to become responsible stewards of nature in their neighborhoods and laying the foundation for an expanding band of young, green ambassadors who will be tomorrow’s environmental caretakers and leaders. NYRP programs also foster active engagement among family and community members – enhancing critical thinking and basic life skills by raising awareness of ecosystems, environmental issues and stewardship activities, and encouraging nature-friendly decision making.
In June 2009, NYRP, Solar One, Sustainable South Bronx (SSBx) and Mount Sinai Center for Children’s Environmental Health launched the NYC Green Stops Partnership, a citywide campaign to improve the health and quality of life for young New Yorkers by reconnecting them to nature and promoting outdoor recreation as a daily necessity. NYC Green Stops encourages youth and their families to take advantage of New York City’s kid-friendly parks, community gardens, outdoor events and programs that stimulate play, as well as learning.