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Book to Action takes residents out in nature

FALLBROOK – The Fallbrook Library presents "The Nature Rich Life," a presentation by international best-seller Richard Louv, author of "Last Child in the Woods, The Nature Principle and Vitamin N."

"The Fallbrook Branch of the San Diego County Library was honored to receive a small grant from a statewide program called 'Book to Action,'" Mary Jo Bacik, board member of the Friends of the Fallbrook Library and co-chair of the program, said.

California Center for the Book is a program of the California Library Association, supported in whole or in part by the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act, administered in California by the state librarian.

"The grant allowed the Fallbrook Library to invite this amazing author to our community to speak at a free of charge event. In addition, the grant allowed us to purchase a number of Mr. Louv's book, 'Vitamin N,' which will be handed out to attendees at the presentation as our supply lasts. The goal of this unique Book to Action program is to expand the normal basic book club concept to not only provide an opportunity to meet and learn directly from the author, but to also participate in a series of related events for adults and multi-generational groups to put their new-found knowledge into action," Bacik said.

Bacik said many organizations in town recognize the opportunity to promote the health benefits of spending time in nature, and they are willing to share their expertise and talents to promote a healthy vibrant community.

These include the Fallbrook Land Conservancy, the Fallbrook Regional Health Care District, Sage Yoga and the San Diego County Parks and Recreation. Each organization hosts hikes, walks and yoga in Fallbrook's local preserves.

Branch manager Kris Jorgensen said, "We really hope that learning about the benefits of frequent experiences in the natural world will help get people out to appreciate what we have right here in the Fallbrook area. The Fallbrook Land Conservancy has done great work in preserving and making available a lot of land in the area and is an ideal partner for getting people outside in nature."

Louv is a journalist and author of nine books, including "Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children From Nature-Deficit Disorder," "The Nature Principle: Reconnecting with Life in a Virtual Age" and "Vitamin N: The Essential Guide to a Nature-Rich Life: 500 Ways to Enrich Your Family's Health and Happiness."

His books have been translated and published in 24 countries and have helped launch an international movement to connect children, families and communities to nature. He is co-founder and chairman emeritus of the Children and Nature Network, an organization helping build the movement.

He appears frequently on national radio and television programs, including the "Today" show, "CBS Evening News," and NPR's "Fresh Air." He speaks internationally on nature-deficit disorder, a concept he first introduced in "Last Child in the Woods," on the importance of children's and adults' exposure to nature for their health and on the need for environmental protection and preservation for greater access to nature and the health of the Earth.

In support of the "Book to Action" program, the following events will be held:

Thursday, April 25 at 6 p.m. – Screening of "Mother Nature's Child" documentary at the library.

Sunday, May 5 at 11 a.m. – Sage Yoga will hold a family yoga session at the Palomares House located at 1815 S. Stage Coach Lane. Bring a yoga mat, towel and a bottle of water.

Sunday, May 6 at 3:30 p.m. – The Boys and Girls Clubs of North County will attend a nature walk with Thomas Leech at Live Oak Park. The group will total 30 children between the ages of 5 and 11 and is already full. The ranger-guided walk will be a little over an hour long.

Thursday, May 9 at 6 p.m. – Author Talk: The Nature-Rich Life with Richard Louv: Nature-rich cities, nature-rich homes, nature-rich schools and more. Louv identifies basic concepts that can help people reshape their lives. By tapping into the restorative powers of nature, they can boost mental acuity and creativity; promote health and wellness; build smarter and more sustainable businesses, communities, and economies and ultimately strengthen human bonds. Also nature crafts will be available for children.

Saturday, May 11 from 8 to 11 a.m. – Monserate Mountain hike for adults with the Fallbrook Land Conservancy. Meet at the trailhead located just east of Interstate 15 at Stewart Canyon Road and Horse Creek Road. A steep 1.5 mile hike to the summit will reward hikers with panoramic views from the Peninsular Ridge to the east and west to the Pacific Ocean. Show up at least five minutes before the start time.

Saturday, May 11 from 9 to 10 a.m. – Los Jilgueros Preserve Family Friendly Walk with the Fallbrook Land Conservancy. Meet at the preserve parking lot on the east side of South Mission Road just north of Fallbrook High School. The preserve is 46 acres with gentle looping trails through fields and riparian forests, ponds, wetlands and tree groves. Show up at least five minutes before the start time.

Thursday, June 13 at 6 p.m. – Outdoors in San Diego lecture by Thomas Leech at the library.

These related events are all free of charge and open to adults and children of all ages. The library is located at 124 S. Mission Road.

Submitted by Friends of the Fallbrook Library.

 

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