Whitetail First
Published October 9, 2008

Whitetails Unlimited is sponsoring the U.S. Forest Service’s More Kids in the Woods program, which helps connect children with nature in fun and constructive outdoor activities.

In its second year, the More Kids in the Woods program has already benefited 23,000 children. The Forest Service provides overall coordination and administration, along with a half-million dollars to be matched with partner donations to fully fund the various activities. Partners include nonprofit conservation, education and recreational organizations, along with schools, universities, communities, museums and government agencies.

“We’re very happy to spearhead this program with the U.S. Forest Service,” said WTU Executive Director Pete Gerl. “So many children have little or no connection to nature anymore, and anything we can do to encourage or create that connection is good for both the children and for anyone else that appreciates nature.”

The overall goal of the campaign is to encourage children and their parents to take advantage of recreational opportunities in national forests, in order to develop a healthier lifestyle and to learn about conservation of our natural resources. Specific programs depend on the available resources in particular areas throughout the country, including programs tailored to providing children from urban areas with the opportunity to experience outdoor activities and recreation.

Projects in 2008 include more than 13,000 students in Wisconsin building Schoolyard Habitats during field trips; almost 600 Ohio children experiencing the natural world through structured camping programs; 285 youth in Arizona engaging in a sustained outdoor experience to understand the stewardship of the natural world through a Junior Forest Ranger Program; and a family program called Fall Forest Adventures in Connecticut, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania and Minnesota, where more than 12,000 people will connect with nature, and experience our public treasures. There are numerous other programs that are taking place throughout the nation.

“These programs actually get kids into the outdoors, face-to-face with nature in exciting, safe, and constructive activities,” said Gerl. “Many of these children will continue their interest in the great outdoors, and that will be good for conservationists.”


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