The Wild Child – Unleashing the Power of Nature

Mississippi Madawaska Land Trust | Mar 31, 2016

Howard Clifford has unshakable faith in the transforming, restorative powers of nature. He believes that nature is not only a healer but that the “University of Wilderness” is the best teacher.

On Wednesday, April 6, at the Annual General Meeting of the Mississippi Madawaska Land Trust (MMLT), you’ll have a chance to hear him speak about his research and his thoughts at the Perth Legion in a presentation entitled “The Wild Child – Unleashing the Power of Nature”.

Research shows that among predictors of human health - physical, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual - engagement in nature activities is critically important. Similarly recognized is the nature deficit so prevalent today. In past, kids were sent outside to play until the street lights came on, exploring nearby ravines and forests, climbing trees, cliffs, slithering into caves, frequently housing live critters in pockets, happily arriving home dirty or muddy, occasionally with cuts and bruises and clothes that needed re-patching.

Today, children, either assigned or by choice, spend most of their time indoors. Activities are usually highly organized and structured, under close adult supervision. Children (and their parents and caregivers) are being denied the opportunity to connect freely with the natural world, and all the fun, wonder, and benefits that come from that experience. We understand the value of free-range chickens but not free-range children. Parents and those holding special places of influence in the child's life must “rewild” themselves as well - for their own well-being and that of their children.

By focusing primarily on disappearing wild places and ever more species on the brink of extinction, we fail to see that the greater threat to wilderness is our children. Yes, we forget that the reason we learned to love nature is precisely because of the unshackled power of freedom we felt - the sheer joy in exploring nature on our own terms - discovering our wild side. Children denied these experiences cannot love these special places and could become the first generation to not care.

MMLT has wilderness properties beckoning that wild child in young and old. The rocks and trees, meadows and ponds, the tadpoles and chickadees, are waiting to be explored, sensed, shared. We’re looking for ways to overcome the resistance and obstacles that discourage families and children, as well as clients of health services, from spending time in the various wilderness treasures protected by our land trust. One of our primary goals is to help them discover the “wild” in their nature.

Howard Clifford is president of the MMLT, a local charity that helps landowners conserve their treasured wilderness properties for the long term. His family owns the largest property conserved by the Land Trust, home to the popular Blueberry Mountain, which now welcomes over 1,000 visitors each year. He draws from his wide professional experience in child care combined with his passion for the healing powers of Nature. In his presentation, Clifford will share some of his research findings, but rather than present only an academic perspective he will share actual experiences demonstrating the power of nature.

The MMLT will hold its AGM on April 6 beginning at 7 p.m. At 7:30 the general public is most welcome to join us for Howard Clifford’s presentation. Refreshments will be served. The Perth Legion is located at 26

Beckwith St. E. Information: 613-253-2722; www.mmlt.ca