The February meeting will be Saturday, February 14th, at 10:30 am in the Meeting Room of the Abrahamson Branch Library. Yes, this is Valentine's day, and we have a very SPECIAL program in store!

Question: What do free range children, dedication to conservation and St. Valentine’s Day all have in common?

Answer: Green Hearts Institute for Nature in Children!

SURPRISE! Ken Finch of Green Hearts INC. has graciously agreed to be our guest speaker at the next Omaha New Urbanism and Sustainable Development Group Meeting! He will illustrate the importance of planning green spaces, which he refers to as "Naturehoods" into our new developments.

Green Hearts was founded as one of the country's first conservation
organizations entirely dedicated to restoring and strengthening the emotional bonds between children and nature. During his long career, Ken Finch has been a front-line educator in environmental education programs, worked as a senior manager in two children's museums, led two of the country's largest nature centers, and served as a Vice President of the National Audubon Society. Ken holds a master's degree in environmental education, and is a published writer and an accomplished speaker.

Ken will be discussing children’s play in nature, and while the subject and Ken’s commitment to it are both serious, his presentation style isn’t. Come and see why the disappearance of “free range children” is something we need to change!

For more on Green Hearts, www.greenheartsinc.org

There are no limitations on attendance for this meeting, as the room will accomodate up to 90 occupants, and the public will be encouraged to attend this presentation! Bring guests- if you have children, plan to have children someday, or simply care about how we'll encourage future generations to value and appreciate our green spaces, YOU DON'T WANT TO MISS THIS!!!