Severson to discuss how time spent with nature affects child development

Rachel Severson, a developmental psychologist at Western Washington University, will present “Growing Up Green: What Does Time in Nature Do for Your Child?” as part of Western’s Department of Psychology Family Academy outreach lecture series at 6 p.m. on May 30 at Brandywine Kitchen at 1317 Commercial St. in downtown Bellingham.

This presentation is free and open to the public.

Severson will present the latest research on the effects of experiences in nature on children’s development, including how children’s experiences might be changing across generations and the potential implications for children’s development.

Parents, teachers, community members and children are encouraged to participate in this open discussion, contributing their own perspectives and posing questions about the role of nature in children’s lives.

Family Academy is an ongoing lecture series connecting scholars at Western with families and community members in Bellingham. The mission is to engage the community in innovative discussions about topics surrounding parenting and children’s development and education.

For more information on this lecture or the Psychology Department Family Academy lecture series, contact Rachel Severson at (360) 650-3539 or rachel.severson@wwu.edu.