Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced that USDA’s Forest Service will contribute $500,000 in 2010 to the “More Kids in the Woods” program for projects that promote active lifestyles and connect kids to nature.
“If we are going to put an end to childhood obesity, we must promote healthy, active lifestyles and encourage our kids to get off the couch and go outside,” said Vilsack. “Our “More Kids in the Woods” challenge not only promotes physical activity, it fosters environmental awareness and stewardship among young people as we face critical environmental challenges, such as the effects of climate change. “More Kids in the Woods” helps kids make the connection between healthy forests, healthy communities and their own healthy lifestyles.”
The contribution will be leveraged with $1.5 million in donations and in-kind services from partners. The “More Kids in the Woods” challenge is a cost-share program in the Forest Service’s long-standing Kids in the Woods program that involves thousands of partners who contribute their
time, energy and resources to help us connect kids and families with the natural world.
The Forest Service selected 21 projects for funding from more than 130 high-quality agency proposals created to promote environmental stewardship through innovative, hands-on activities. All “More Kids in the Woods” projects are designed to spark curiosity about nature and promote understanding of the role of the nation’s forests and grasslands in providing clean, abundant water, clean air, wildlife habitat, and recreation. Project partners are committed to helping children develop a
love for the land that will enable them to meet the conservation challenges of the 21st century through healthy lifestyles choices and natural resource careers.
