Nature is
fuel for the soul. Resolve to get outside more -- it's one resolution that doesn't
have to cost a penny and has countless benefits for you and your kids.
Research on
the benefits of nature shows that:
- Being in a natural environment benefits the body, mind, and
spirit.
- Nature makes you more caring and enhances social interactions and close relationships.
- Being outdoors helps keep you healthy -- boosting vitality; improving vision; reducing risks of heart disease, obesity, bone problems, depression, and stress; reducing the symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder; and more.
- Children and adults find it easier to concentrate and pay attention after spending time in nature.
- Short outdoor education programs improve children's cooperation, conflict resolution, self-esteem, peer relationships, and behavior in class.
- Nature provides a rich source of hands-on, multi-sensory stimulation, which is critical for brain development in early childhood.
- Short outdoor education programs improve children's science test scores.
With all of
this research coming to the forefront, it’s not surprising that everyone -- from
researchers to politicians to educators to doctors to parents -- is encouraging us to spend
more time outdoors on a regular basis.
Tips and ideas for getting outdoors
You don’t have
to go far to spend time outdoors. Nature is right outside our
door. You can enjoy walking, winter biking or bird watching from just about anywhere.
Make it a top priority. Dedicate time every week to spend outdoors. To really
develop a lasting, deep relationship with nature, you need to be out in it,
regularly.
Dress for the weather. There is no such thing as bad weather, only bad
clothes. Make sure you are both dry and warm. Keep a set of winter clothing in your car so you are ready to take
advantage of unexpected outdoor opportunities.
Enjoy the parks and trails. Parks and
trails are all around us. Many are free; others require either a day pass or
year pass for a small fee. Check your city and county websites for locations,
fees, and outdoor activities and events. Check out these sites for Minnesota state parks
and state trails.
Visit your local nature center. Nature
centers are located throughout Minnesota and offer beautiful, natural settings to
explore. Often they have snowshoes, cross country skis, binoculars, and other
outdoor gear available to borrow or rent. Check out this list of Minnesota
nature centers and other environmental educations destinations to find one
close to you.
For the truly adventurous, try winter
camping.
Winter camping has several advantages over summer camping. No Mosquitoes. You can easily hike
across frozen lakes and ponds to directly access locations that might require
lengthy hikes during other seasons. Clear night skies offer great star gazing. Night time sounds carry easily, so listen for coyotes, owls, trees snapping and ice cracking. Deciduous trees
shed their leaves and provide unobstructed views of the surrounding landscape.
Additional resources
Kids know best
Fourth
graders in Mrs. Wermers' class at Transfiguration Catholic School in Oakdale
were asked what their top 10 favorite winter outdoor activities are. They said:
10. Playing King of the Hill
9. Skiing
8. Making a snow angel
7. Pond hockey *
6. Ice skating*
5. Snowboarding
4. Making a snow fort
3. Sledding
2. Building a snowman
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And their number one favorite winter outdoor activity is: SNOWBALL FIGHTS!
Community events and resources
The Saint Paul Winter Carnival
celebrates all things winter with activities that include medallion hunting,
sled dog racing, ice carving, and parade watching. January 26 - February 5
(Saint Paul).
Winter Arts Festival 2012 is a unique celebration combining two events, the Snow Carving Symposium
& Winter Plein Air. The Snow Carving Symposium challenges artists to
transform simple blocks of snow into ornate works of art. The Winter Plein Air
is one of the only outdoor painting events of its kind. Be a participant, an
observer, a student…just dress warm. January 30 - February 12 (Grand Marais).
Two Harbors Winter Frolic is an annual event to celebrate winter on the North Shore. Events and
attractions include ski races, free horse drawn sleigh rides, s'mores on the
open fire, a sliding hill, and more. February 10 - 11 (Two Harbors).
Grumpy Old Men Festival is a fun event
in which visitors celebrate winter with that grumpy old man’s hobby of ice
fishing, in the town that inspired the movie of the same name. The festival
includes ice fishing contests, hockey games, the 4th Annual Grumpy Plunge,
food, music, and more! February 25 - 26, (Wabasha, Minn.).
Quick links to other MPCA resources
Send questions or comments about living green to the address
below.
Sincerely,
Colleen Schoenecker and the Living Green Team
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