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Aldo Leopold Nature Center: No. 1 of 9

Aldo Leopold Nature Center's programs cater to children aged from two to 14, and the facility is focused on creating equitable access to its programs for all children.

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Aldo Leopold Nature Center: No. 2 of 9

Working in alignment with state education standards, students get to spend their science or social studies classes out at Aldo Leopold Nature Center.

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Aldo Leopold Nature Center: No. 3 of 9

There are myriad benefits of spending time outdoors, and increased exposure to vitamin D can even be linked to fewer symptoms of ADD and ADHD, says ALNC's Cara Erickson.

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Aldo Leopold Nature Center: No. 4 of 9

“Students are able to recognize by interacting with nature that there is a broader world outside of themselves,” says ALNC's Cara Erickson.

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Aldo Leopold Nature Center: No. 5 of 9

As kids spend more time outdoors, “we have seen improvements in immune systems, lower rates of obesity and better performance in standardized test scores," says ALNC's Cara Erickson.

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Aldo Leopold Nature Center: No. 6 of 9

Looking ahead at the next five to 10 years, ALNC plans to increase accessibility by strengthening its partnerships with community organizations, and developing avenues for children from all backgrounds to experience the countless benefits of connecting with the natural world.

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Aldo Leopold Nature Center: No. 7 of 9

ALNC’s summer program involves campers witnessing the transition of monarch butterflies from larvae to chrysalis, and finally releasing the butterflies in their fully evolved form.

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Aldo Leopold Nature Center: No. 8 of 9

Says ALNC's Cara Erickson: “Their reactions are priceless. The absolute joy and wonder of nature is written across their faces.”

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Aldo Leopold Nature Center: No. 9 of 9

Alongside the academic, physical and mental improvements, interacting with nature also brings emotional benefits—curbing anxiety and stress, boosting confidence and self-awareness—as youth begin the transformation into adulthood.

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