Bestselling author Richard Louv coined the term nature-deficit disorder years ago in his book "Last Child in the Woods."
On Monday night, Louv gave a lecture at Baylor School, talking to a nearly-filled auditorium about the vital role nature plays in all human development and well-being, especially children's.
"The land beneath you has meaning," Louv said. "There is no guarantee future generations will have that."
Monday night's lecture was open to the public and sponsored by the Baylor Parent Alliance, which was eager to bring Louv's national environmental conversation to their children's school campus.
Louv spoke with humor and gentleness as he lectured on the importance of nature in a child's education, and also the vital role adults play in how children think about and perceive nature in the future.
"It is not often that kids hear positive things about nature," he said. "Kids keep hearing, 'It's too late.'"
Louv encouraged the crowd to create nature-rich cities and civilizations, saying it is possible to have an environmental future better than the one that currently exists.
"The most important thing we need to do is paint a beautiful picture of the future, one we want to go to," Louv said. "Nature is at the center of that future."
He gave practical examples of biophilic architecture and cities. He told stories about schools across the country that are incorporating nature into the classroom and are witnessing better test scores among students as a result. Louv also reminded the crowd that everyone needs to balance technology with the outdoors.
Throughout his talk, Louv cited a variety of academic studies and research, along with his own anecdotal evidence, pointing toward the positive effect nature has on people of all classes and culture.
Nancy Hoffman, a member of Cleveland's Master Gardeners, attended the lecture and said she agreed with Louv.
"[His talk] was near and dear to my heart," she said. "I raised my kids to love the outdoors."
Hoffman said she was dumbfounded to hear Louv say that in 30 years kids may not be playing outside.
She watched the role nature played in her children's development, and now her grandchildren's, and said she can't fathom a world where children do not play in the woods and sunshine.
"I am thankful for this city," she said. "I think it is moving in a positive direction with how it interacts with nature."
Contact staff writer Kendi Anderson at kendi.anderson@timesfreepress.com or at 423-757-6592.