Recordpub.com - VIEWPOINT: Escape to nature in Kent Diverse habitat beckons visitors to Kent Bog state preserve

By Gordon F. Vars
Has your family received its "minimum daily requirement" of direct experience with nature today? If not, you all may be running the risk of developing "nature deficit syndrome." That is the term that Richard Louv applies to a serious ignorance and indifference to the world of nature. The syndrome is increasing and especially evident in western societies. He sees this as both damaging to us as human beings and also exceedingly dangerous to all life on this small planet.In his book," Last Child in the Woods" (Algonquin Books, 2006), Louv describes the symptoms, research into its causes, and ways to reduce its harmful effects.
The disconnect with the real world is especially damaging to children.He directly links the absence of nature in the lives of today's "wired" generation to some of the most disturbing trends: the rise in obesity, attention disorders, and depression. He argues that direct exposure to nature is essential for healthy childhood development and also for the continuing physical and emotional health of both children and adults.
More and more of us are spending our lives imprisoned in an electronic "virtual reality." All we know about the world is what we see on television, hear on an ipod or cell phone, or feel (dimly) as we sit hour after hour inside air-conditioned offices or homes. Electronic media lead us to think about the natural world in terms of big problems and big animals. We know more about tropical rain forests than we do about the weeds and shrubs growing in a nearby vacant lot, (if, indeed there are vacant lots near where we live). Wild animals to most of us us are the elephants of Africa or the tigers in India, not the spiders, insects, mammals and birds right outside our doors or even inside our houses.
We citizens of Northeastern Ohio, and especially the city of Kent, have a great place to get in touch with nature, It is right here in town " the Kent Bog State Nature Preserve on Meloy Road just west of S.R. 43. The half-mile boardwalk can be walked in 15 minutes if you are out for exercise. If you really look, listen, smell, and touch, you can spend a day there and not run out of new experiences. If you live or work nearby you can make a quick trip to the bog during your lunchhour, combining healthy exercise with soaking up some nature. Make frequent visits all year long and you can watch the miraculous change of seasons and experience how weather affects our perceptions.
To make the most of your visits, stop at the kiosk near the entrance and pick up a copy of the illustrated brochure: Tom S. Cooperrider-Kent Bog State Nature Preserve.It includes a map that shows several different habitats within the preserve and a brief overview of the history of the bog. Sixteen interpretive signs along the boardwalk give further details. Several times a year naturalists from DNAP lead tours of the boardwalk. The next preserve "open house" will be Saturday, May 17, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., as part of Cuyahoga River Day.
Also in the kiosk are printed trail guides prepared by Dr. Tom S. Cooperrider and Gordon Vars for Friends of the Kent Bog. This voluntary support and advocacy group seeks to preserve and protect the bog "for the education, enjoyment, and inspiration of present and future generations." Their free trail guides point out interesting plants and animals that may be seen at that season of the year. Membership in the Friends group is free. Invitations to membership also may be found in the kiosk.
So, come to the Kent Bog State Nature Preserve to get "up close and personal' with real life in all its wonder and complexity. But leave your electronic gadgets at home, or at least lock them in the trunk of your car. That way you can give full attention to what is happening in the world of nature. The preserve is open daily from dawn to dusk; admission and parking are free. Come often, bring your friends, and especially your children, (but not your dog, please). It could change your life " and the lives of those you love.
"""
Gordon F. Vars is facilitator of Friends of the Kent Bog.
1640 Franklin Avenue, Suite 104,
Kent OH 44240-4324, Phone/Fax 330-677-5008, gvarsnacc@sbcglobal.net