The average American spends 93% of their time indoors and more than seven hours looking at screens daily. Time spent outdoors has been declining since the 1970s, and the effects are staggering. Studies show that lack of outdoor activity and access to nature contribute to mood disorders, reduced attention span, decreased cognitive functions, and loss of connection to other people. This is especially true for teens and children.
Access to nature within 10 miles of home is crucial for encouraging people to get outdoors. Yet, in southern Illinois, many people lack access to spaces that encourage and welcome outdoor activity, like hiking, walking, kayaking, fishing, and hunting. Special places that could become public conservation areas are being lost to poorly planned development and competing land uses. In fact, less than 3% of land is opened to the public for recreation.
Conserving land for public access is one of the simplest and most effective ways to ensure that children, teens, and adults have access to the physical and emotional benefits of nature. Parks and trails offer a place to run, play, and explore, free from screens and distractions. Whether skipping rocks or fishing in a nearby stream, hiking in the woods, or enjoying a sunny afternoon in a local park, these experiences are essential to children’s growth and community well-being.
Preserving public spaces—especially those close to where people live—ensures that all children throughout the Metro East and Southern Illinois region, have a safe, welcoming place to connect with nature. When we ensure that every child has access to green space, we help level the playing field, allowing children to experience the physical, cognitive, and emotional benefits of time spent outdoors.
Federal Conservation Funding and Publicly Accessible Lands
As a community-supported land trust, HeartLands Conservancy is working throughout southern Illinois to create more publicly accessible conservation areas. Federal conservation programs, like the Land and Water Conservation Fund, Recreational Trails Program, and Community Forest Program, have been critical for creating public lands in our region and nationwide.