Wilderness Inquiry is proud to join the State of Minnesota and the Office of Governor Tim Walz and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan, and other local organizations in support of the Children’s Outdoor Bill of Rights. The bill was unveiled during an event on the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources stage at the Minnesota State Fair on August 26, 2022.
The bill of rights affirms Minnesota’s commitment to creating equitable outdoor recreation experiences and opportunities to discover the natural environment for children and youth no matter where they live, learn, or play.”
Wilderness Inquiry’s Executive Director Erika Rivers attended the ceremony in support of the bill, adding that,
Time spent outdoors strengthens individuals and communities. The benefits of nature should be enjoyed equitably for people of all backgrounds, abilities and ages…The Minnesota Children’s Outdoor Bill of Rights demonstrates a strong leadership commitment to ensuring that all Minnesota youth experience these benefits and grow into the next generation of environmental stewards.”
Day 78: Proud to join Governor Tim Walz, Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan, DNR Commissioner Sarah Strommen and many long-time partners for the launch of Minnesota’s Children’s Outdoor Bill of Rights today. #100DaysOutdoors #everyonebelongs @WildernessINQ pic.twitter.com/bl8cbzCxrt
— Erika Rivers (@erikarivers) August 26, 2022
What is the Children’s Outdoor Bill of Rights
This bill supports creating a state “where all Minnesota children and families are inspired to engage with the natural world in ways that support physical activity, mental well-being, creativity, and appreciation for nature,” and helps lay the groundwork for future supportive legislation.
- Experience Minnesota’s four seasons
- Explore and play outdoors in a safe, welcoming, and culturally affirming place
- Splash, play, or swim in rivers, lakes, ponds, and community pools
- Plant a tree and watch it grow
- Start or participate in an urban, community, or personal garden or farm
- Compost and recycle for a healthy environment
- Bike, ride, or ski a public trail
- Camp under the stars and safely build a campfire
- Catch and eat a fish
- Hike, hunt, or forage on public lands
- Boat or paddle on one of our 11,842 lakes
- Participate in outdoor sports and recreational activities
- Create art and attend outdoor concerts, festivals, and community events centered in nature
- Participate in traditions and culturally specific ancestral practices rooted in nature
- Protect and preserve our environment for future generations
