CHILD & NATURE DEV. , 2: What research says about our 
environment and our health [It's useful for thinking about how to 
take care of ourselves :03] ... on Passport to Texas.

Passport to Texas from Texas Parks and Wildlife 

To unwind from a demanding day at work or school, a 
simple change of scenery may do the trick.

Research and theory suggest nature is very supportive of 
human functioning. :04

Dr. Andrea Faber Taylor studies the connection between 
our environment and behavior at the University of Illinois. 
And her research, along with others, has revealed what 
we've thought all along: that nature can renew our minds. 
When we compare a barren space to a space that just has a few 
mature trees and a little bit of grass. It's really striking how 
little difference there is. You know, it's certainly not a rich, lush 
green environment, but even that small amount [of green space] 
explains a lot of variation in the measure of attention. And even 
a view of a green space is beneficial. So, it suggests to us that 
nature, and even a little bit of trees and plants, make it more 
restorative. :27






 So what does nature offer that other settings don't? 
Attention restoration theory provides an explanation 

Environments that might be restorative or helpful have 
characteristics that engage our attention, but in a very gentle 
way. TV or video games, certainly they engage our attention, 
but it's in a very riveting way. For an environment to be 
restorative, there's room in your mind for reflective thought. A 
space maybe doesn't need to be huge if it has enough richness 
and enough depth to engage our minds and hold our attention, 
but again, in a gentle way. :25

Tonight: instead of the TV, try a walk in the park.

That's our show ... with research and writing help from 
Sarah Loden... For Texas Parks and Wildlife ... I'm Cecilia 
Nasti. 


Total sound bite time:		 0:56.0
Maximum Script time:		 0:29.0 Suggested show time: 85.0 = 1:25