David Kronk, contingent Instructor iin NMU's outdoor recreation, leadership and management program, recently presented "How to Develop an After-School Junior Naturalist Program" at the annual conference of the North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE). About 1,200 educators attended the conference in Madison, Wis. 

Kronk is piloting an after-school program for the MooseWood Nature Center in Marquette. The program is based on his 15 years of experience offering after-school nature programs for Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore in Munising, where he served as the park education specialist.

"I was inspired to give this presentation by Richard Louv's acclaimed book titled Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children from Nature Deficit Disorder,'" Kronk said. "Louv contends that exposure to nature is essential for healthy childhood development, as well as for the physical and emotional health of children and adults. The book is a must-read for parents and anyone working with young children because it offers practical solutions to 'nature deficit disorder.' One of them is after-school nature programs for children."

For more information about the national association, visit NAAEE.org, To learn more about starting after-school nature programs for children, contact Kronk at dkronk@nmu.edu.