"It is our collective and individual responsibility to protect and nurture the global family, to support its weaker members and to preserve and tend to the environment in which we all live."
- Dalai Lama 

• Mecklenburg and surrounding counties develop an average of 40 acres of land every day.
• Mecklenburg County is the 12th worst county in the United States for ozone.
• Between 1984-2001, Mecklenburg County lost over 22% of its tree cover and 22% of its open space. Over that same time period, impervious surfaces increased by 127%. 
• Students spend less time outdoors than their parents did when they were young. The general use of space by students has changed from primarily outdoors, using their imagination, to indoors using multiple forms of electronic media.
• Students growing up in urban areas experience lower levels of biological diversity. They know more about Pokeman than common plants and wildlife.
• CPCC can take the lead in identifying the importance of natural landscaping, balanced ecosystems and wildlife area restoration that is often overlooked in a growing urban setting. We will showcase wildlife landscaping practices to area colleges, schools and businesses by encouraging their participation in environmentally safe landscape management. Certified locations will be used as out-door classrooms for year-around study and career prep. They would also serve as "quiet getaway" areas for faculty, staff and students who need to reconnect with the natural world.

Resources:

National Wildlife Federation Tips

The Children & Nature Network

"Brining Nature Home"