Today we’d like to introduce you to Daniel Kielson.
Daniel, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I grew up in Rochester, New York, open spaces were special, and I was fortunate to grow up in a place where we were able to get outside into nature. I remember the 15-minute walks to school through the woods very well, I have always loved to explore. When I walked to school, I observed, heard and smelled the wonders of nature. At summer camp, while playing ‘Capture the Flag’, I would disappear, hide in the woods, and then go searching to get the flag. I recognized and appreciated the benefits of walking through wooded areas at an early age. There’s a plethora of research, fairly recent research, that points to the cognitive, emotional, and social benefits of spending time outdoors.
There was a growing need for opportunities in the community and in the schools to lift the barrier of entry to the outdoors. I picked up and read Richard Louv’s book, Last Child in the Woods (published in 2005), the book addresses children’s decreased exposure to nature and how the resulting nature-deficit disorder hampers their development. From this idea, the BackYard Nature Center (BYNC) non-profit was formed. And having written the phrase, “Connecting children and adults with the wonders of nature,” in 2007, it wasn’t until a year or two later, and after much discussion by the Board members, that we really began to understand its meaning. Everyone has their own personal meaning to the word, “wonders”. And especially as it relates to “nature,” from beauty to an opportunity for a good workout cutting a buckthorn tree, and everything in between.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
When you think of wonders of nature, at first blush, a beautiful sunset might come to mind with its myriad shades of oranges and reds; Our observations are less dramatic, and yet, they are much more significant! We see a sense of exhilaration and accomplishment on the faces of the New Trier High School sophomores during one of their service days when the 25-ft. buckthorn tree comes crashing to the forest’s floor accompanied with a resounding, “Timber!”; or when an 8th-grader’s eyes light up when she discovers that the water she had been testing just an hour earlier that morning is 620 feet above sea level and that it would end up in the Gulf of Mexico, a distance of 1500 miles away, “Awesome” she remarked; or a puzzled 7th grader tries to problem-solve: given that an inch of rainfall is equivalent to a foot of water in the Skokie Lagoons, how much rain would it take reach the surface of Tower Road; or when a 6-yr. old child falling off a horizontal, fallen log, brushes herself off, looks around a little embarrassed, and mutters to herself quietly, “I’m going to get this thing even if it takes all day,” and then runs to quickly try again. These are the wonders of nature to BYNC – One of the challenges has been helping adults understand there is a difference, and benefits, to healthy risk-taking versus environmental hazards that could lead to injury. Making this distinction and providing a safe place for kids to learn and play is what we do, and who we are.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about BackYard Nature Center – what should we know?
I am always amazed at the response following the service days, the kudos come in faster than a child can count to 100, blindfolded (and cheating, at least that’s how we used to do it), and I ask myself, “What is this BYNC Organization?” And the response is consistent, awesome. It’s made up of highly responsible individuals who each bring their own set of skills to the table and the diversity is so effective. I am so impressed by the expert knowledge and professionalism, so much goes on behind the scenes to bring educational lessons in science, math, art, writing and poetry, and history, with the learning focus on inter-disciplinary problem-solving and critical thinking, into the outdoors. We help coordinate all the resources and logistical issues to bring students the very best experience and the opportunity to broaden their understanding and reach a deeper appreciation for their natural environment. The benefits are limitless.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
It has been such a wonderful journey connecting with teachers, school officials, New Trier Township village park district partners, FPCC partners, The Alliance for Early Childhood partners, Chicago Wilderness friends, service-minded and faith-based organizations, volunteers and contributors. BYNC is so proud of our growing number of partners, learning participants, and volunteers, and the wonderful educational and stewardship “connections” that are continuing to make an impact on the hearts and minds of children and adults, and the health of our natural habitat.
Contact Info:
- Address: 723 Foxdale AveWinnetka, Illinois 60093
- Website: http://backyardnaturecenter.org
- Email: bync@backyardnaturecenter.org
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BackYardNatureCenter/
Image Credit:
Diane O’Donnell, Katie Keller, Mark Vaughan
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