As more Americans dwell in cities and suburbs, our society becomes increasingly distanced from the natural world. This absence of everyday connections to nature has many negative effects-especially for children.

Pockets of remaining wetland in developed areas often provide the easiest access to nature. Yet these wetlands may be degraded and go unnoticed.

Urban and suburban wetlands are valuable resources to be restored, protected and enjoyed. These remnants of the natural world in the human landscape can play a key role in reconnecting people to nearby nature-thereby improving the health of our children and our communities.

This online video by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency outlines the opportunities wetlands present to reconnect children with nature in our more urbanized communities.

Watch the video online now.

11/14/2008