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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

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This low-elevations region of Texas extends inland from the barrier islands, about 60 or so miles, and stretches from Brownsville to Louisiana. In total, it covers about 9.5 million acres, with a high point of 150 feet in elevation. More than 1000 species of plants can be found in this region. On the southern end, species more common in Mexico (such as Sabal mexicana) and Central America occur.

The barrier islands provide us with dune systems, and clay flats to the inland side, which have species found in these areas alone. Many plants here, such as Ipomoea pes-caprae (beach morning glory), can be found throughout tropical regions of the globe. I’ve encountered the same species on the beaches of Guam.

Once inland, vast marshes and wet prairies occur. Occasionally, oak (Quercus fusiformis) groves can be found. Common grasses include species of Bothriochloa, Paspalum, and Sporobolus; eastern gamagrass (Tripsacum dactyloides); and switchgrass (Panicum species). Many rivers and creeks cut through the Gulf Prairies, and along these riparian areas various species of trees, Sabal minor, and other plants adapted to clay soils can be found. Due to overgrazing, farming, and fire suppression, woody species such as mesquite (Prosopis glandulosa) and huisache (Acacia farnesiana), and invasive species such as chinaberry (Melia azedarach), Brazilian pepper (Schinus terebinthifolius), and Chinese tallow (Sapium sebiferum) have increased and displaced our native flora.

Source: Wildflowers of Texas by Michael Eason