We are now an urban species, and that is moving us away from and even making us fearful of nature. This leads to what Richard Louv, in his book Last Child in the Woods, called nature-deficit disorder — kids with no relationship to nature, and even fearful of it. This is dangerous. At a time of ecological crisis, we are raising a generation of children who will not respect, cherish and protect nature, who might even fear and revile nature. It is not a cheery prospect. - Dr. Trevor Hancock is a professor and senior scholar at the University of Victoria’s school of public health and social policy. Most of us know that a walk in a garden or a hike in the woods makes us feel better. Until recently, however, there has been little scientific evidence for the psychological benefits of enjoying nature. But recent studies that have shown that the calming effect of being in nature can reduce stress and blood pressure, and even cholesterol levels. While exercise of all kinds is important for good health, studies have shown that a walk outside in nature (as opposed to a walk in a mall) decreases levels of depression; people said they felt less tense and over 90 percent reported increased self-esteem after walking outside. “Green exercise” is beginning to be considered a clinically valid treatment option for people experiencing mental distress. - frogsaregreen.org.