I believe that it is important for families to spend time together outside. I believe that the mountains and rivers and forests and beaches of this world are the very best playgrounds our children could ever ask for. I believe that experiencing nature through your own eyes and with your own mind and body helps you grow as a person. I believe that nature is a critical component in the development of a child, and that it is the job of family to cultivate this growth. Being active outside from a young age will build confidence and strength and stamina. It will cultivate a feeling of reverence for this planet that is much needed in our future generations.
Origins
The Bark and Moss Project began almost seven years ago with the birth of my first daughter Kate. It began subconsciously. It began as a feeling. It began as a promise to myself. The two most important things in my life are my family and being outside exploring all that this earth has to offer. I did not want to stop adventuring because I had kids. I wanted to share my love of nature with them. Kate, and now my youngest daughter Lila, have been outside from the time they were a week old. We have logged countless miles in our trusty BOB stroller and various frontpacks and backpacks. The girls have always loved the fresh air, sunshine, rain, and the feel of a tree. With her little hand on a huge cedar tree covered in a carpet of green, bark and moss, right after Momma and Dada, were the first words Kate ever said. Obviously this was a proud parenting moment. The look of amazement a kid gets from exploring and touching and running and playing outside is humbling and inspiring. I want to see all my adventures through the eyes of a child.
The Basics
The Bark and Moss Project is my blog, but more than that it is an idea and a community. I will be sharing thoughts and stories and trip reports about the adventures that my family loves to take. I want to chronicle life’s small adventures, and give them the respect they deserve. A one mile hike at Artist Point with my wife and daughters can feel just as good as a Mt. Baker Summit push. I want to inspire and encourage families to spend time together experiencing our natural world. If kids are exposed to the beauty and wonder of green spaces and wild places from an early age, maybe, just maybe, they will respect and cherish this earth with more insight and determination than my generation and those before. Kids are our future and family is our now. I want to connect families and strengthen the bond of community and place.
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The Bark and Moss Project 
Yay for getting babies outside! As an environmental educator for over a decade, I believe that in order to develop a sense of environmental stewardship, one needs to have a personal connection to our earth. Not only will our planet have the chance at healing through this connection, but our Momma Gaia returns the favor and heals us. This is why I love herbal medicine and am now an acupuncturist. It gives me great hope to see children fall in love with rocks, mountains and streams!
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Watching kids play outside gives me hope for a more environmentally engaged future. As you say…the healing goes both ways. Thanks for checking out my blog and for the comment.
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Adam, I am so excited for this new adventure you are embarking upon. I adore your family and it is a privilege to read about your journeys together.
One of the countries the U.S. is often compared to doesn’t start formal classroom-based education until children are seven. Instead, kinders are schooled in the great outdoors through play and experience. I love that your family is building this into your everyday life.
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Thanks for reading Strow. I would be interested in talking to you about any research you might come across. The learning and developmental potential of children playing outside is a concept that’s close to my heart.
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