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Native Plant Society of Texas
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Last Child in the Woods:Saving our Children from Nature-Deficit Disorder

Richard Louv

Publisher:

Algonquin Books

Publication Date:

April 10, 2008

Category:

Reference

In this work, Louv highlights the declining exposure of children to nature in American society, coining the term “nature-deficit disorder.” He delves into how this lack of connection with the natural world adversely affects children and society as a whole. Some of the key points from the book include:

  1. Nature-Deficit Disorder: Louv argues that children today spend less time outdoors due to various factors such as parental fears, structured schedules, and limited access to natural spaces. This deficit has significant implications for physical, psychological, and spiritual well-being.
  2. Health Implications: The book explores how nature can serve as therapy for conditions like depression, obesity, and attention deficit disorder. Environment-based education not only improves test scores but also fosters critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
  3. Alternative Future: Louv presents an alternative vision where parents actively encourage their children to engage with nature. By doing so, families can find joy, connectedness, and creativity through outdoor experiences.

About the Region

Fall Symposium 2025 Logo - Teach for the Future

Salado, the location of our Fall 2025 Symposium, lies at the intersection of two ecoregions: the Edwards Plateau (Limestone Cut Plain) and Blackland Prairie (Northern Blackland Prairie).

The Edwards Plateau area is also called the Hill Country; however, this general term covers a much larger area extending farther north. Spring-fed creeks are found throughout the region; deep limestone canyons, rivers, and lakes (reservoirs) are common. Ashe juniper is perhaps the most common woody species found throughout the region. Additional woody species include various species of oak, with live oak (Quercus fusiformis) being the most common. Sycamores (Platanus occidentalis) and bald cypress (Taxodium distichum) border waterways. This area is well known for its spring wildflower displays, though they may be viewed in spring, late summer, and fall, as well. According to Texas Parks and Wildlife, average annual rainfall in the Edwards Plateau ranges from 15 to 34 inches.

The Blackland Prairie extends from the Red River south to San Antonio, bordered on the west by the Edwards Plateau and the Cross Timbers, and on the east by the Post Oak Savannah. Annual rainfall averages 30 to 40 inches, with higher averages to the east. This region is dominated by prairie species. The most common grass species include little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) and Indian grass (Sorghastrum nutans) in the uplands and switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) in the riparian areas and drainages. Common herbaceous flowering plants include salvias, penstemons, and silphiums. This area has suffered greatly from overgrazing and agricultural use. Few intact areas remain, though many of the plants can be found along county roadsides throughout the region.

Our fall Symposium host chapter, the Tonkawa Chapter, includes both of these ecoregions.

Source: Wildflowers of Texas by Michael Eason