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The Canadian Press | Canada's Trusted News Leader

The Canadian Press | Canada's Trusted News Leader

Fires burn Los Angeles schools and destroy outdoor education sanctuaries

The Canadian Press | Canada's Trusted News Leader
Summary
Nutrition label

86% Informative

Outdoor education was a refuge for Los Angeles families during the pandemic.

The fires have burned schools, public and private schools, nature-based preschools, homeschool groups, summer camps and more.

It's not clear when the air quality in Griffith Park will be good enough to resume outdoor programs.

It can be healing to connect with the land after a disaster like the fires, Lila Higgins says.

Outdoor spaces can help children learn how to develop relationships with animals, understand orientation through space by following trails and map-reading.

Higgins says time in nature lowers heart rates, lowers blood pressure and helps children with attention-deficit disorder feel more calm and relaxed.