Our Favorite Child and Nature Organizations:
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Fun on the Farm with Mary Jane
Butters
While sitting in our village gathering place for
morning tea, I picked up a magazine that
caused me to return for tea again and again
just to read a magazine/mail-order catalog put
out by Mary Jane Butters of Moscow, Idaho. I
enjoyed the issue so much I bought her big
book (416 pages!) of back-to-basic ideas,
stories of interesting people, recipes,
backpacking, wall-tent building plans and
many more topics often nostalgic. Every topic
was of interest to me and the
magazine/catalog and book are the creative
endeavor of Mary Jane an energetic,
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generous and interesting person that has led an extraordinary life. She also has a beautiful website
with information on just about everything imaginable…organic food, farm life, sewing tips, resources,
adventure stories…www.maryjanesfarm.com
The Children’s Nature Institute (CNI)
CNI is a non-profit organization, which has provided innovative environmental educational programs
for hundreds of thousands of young children, parents and teachers in Southern California since
1985. CNI fills the unique niche of impacting the educational experiences of underserved and at-risk
children during their earliest years (pre-K through 3rd grade). With the help of volunteers, their
mission is to educate young children through interactive experience with nature, and to inspire a
sense of respect and responsibility for the natural environment. They have numerous inspirational
and fun activities including a Kid’s Nature Festival (usually in June), Family Camping Trips and
Moonlight Walks (our favorite activity). This is a wonderful program your community may wish to
emulate. For information and membership, call 310-860-9484 or e-mail
info@childrensnatureinstitute.org or click on www.childrensnatureinstitute.org
International Play Association
IPA/USA.org is the national affiliate of IPA, an international non-governmental organization,
founded in Denmark in 1961. It is interdisciplinary and embraces in membership persons of all
professions working for or with children. Membership is open to any individual, group or
organization which endorses the United Nations’ Declaration of the Rights of the Child (1959),
especially Article 7, paragraph 3, which states:
The child shall have full opportunity for play and
recreation which should be directed to the same
purposes as education; society and the public
authorities shall endeavor to promote the enjoyment
of this right.
IPA works in close association with many international organizations, is recognized by the
United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) and UNICEF as a non-governmental
organization with consultative status. http://ipausa.org/
The Orion Society
Their mission is to inform, inspire and engage individuals and grassroots organizations across North
America in becoming a significant cultural force for healing nature and community. Their magazine,
Orion is a forum for thoughtful and creative ideas and practical examples of how we might live
justly, wisely and artfully on Earth. The Orion Grassroots Network supports environmental and
community organizations across North America and engages them in national and global issues.
Membership starts at $35/year and includes a one-year subscription of their thought-provoking
magazine, Orion. Contact The Orion Society, 187 Main Street, Great Barrington, MD 01230-9928 or
www.oriononline.org.
Defenders of Wildlife
Founded in 1947, this very important environmental organization uses litigation and education to
promote the preservation and protection of wildlife and wildlife habitat. Their focus is on habitat
preservation for biological diversity, endangered species recovery, international wildlife trade and
wildlife on public lands - such as wildlife refuges and national forests. They publish Defenders, a
quarterly magazine. www.defenders.org.
Exchanging Links:
We are happy to exchange links with other related sites. Please email us your website information
to: childandnature@gmail.com
Our website information is:
Title: Child and Nature
Description: Want an educational boardgame, toy, or book for your child, family or school? Explore
nature, cooperative play and outdoor recreation with our products.
URL: http://www.childandnature.com
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