[Photo © George Ivey/TNC] A new study finds that visits to U.S. National Parks have declined in recent years as TV, video games, Internet use and other passive activities are increasing dramatically. Are today's children losing touch with the environment?

The life and times of our planet. Good news about nature, the environment, and the challenges that people face in their interactions with the Earth. Learn about how you can get involved with saving the last great places.

By promoting and helping to organize ecotourism, nonprofits like The Nature Conservancy benefit by raising awareness for their causes. The draw for travelers? Gaining access to places that they wouldn't be able to get to otherwise.