Some things to consider

In researching this topic I have encountered a number of interesting theorists and studies.  Lee (2012) suggests that children have a basic developmental orientation toward nature, further suggesting that theoretical models of child development have focused on sociocultural perspectives and could therefore benefit from the addition of a nature orientation.  Kahn, Severson and Ruckert (2009) have provided research that underscores the benefits of experiences with actual nature to human wholeness and “what counts as a full measure of human experience and human flourishing” (p. 37). Researchers studying the lives of environmentalists discovered they all had childhood experiences in wild places which may have supported their development of ecological values, in fact many of them contributed their commitment to a combination of “many hours spent outdoors in a keenly remembered wild or semi-wild place in childhood or adolescence, and an adult who taught respect for 
nature." (Sobel, 2008, p. 9)  It is an exciting field of inquiry with much to learn on all sides.

If you know of some interesting research to add to the discussion, please post a link to extend the conversation.

Kahn, P., Severson, R. & Ruckert, J. (2009). The human relation with nature and   technological   nature. Association for Psychological Science, 18(1). 37-42.

Lee, P. C. (2012). The human child’s nature orientation.  Child Development Perspectives, 6 (2). 193-198.

Sobel, D. (2008). Childhood and nature: Design principles for educators. Portland, MA: Stenhouse.