Why should you take a hike?

Take A Child Outside Week has ended--and what a great week it was! We picnicked; watched a movie in the barn at Meadowbrook Park; looked at stars, galaxies, and nebulas through telescopes; hiked to find salamanders in the woods; collected prairie seeds, and more!

At the heels of this exciting week comes new findings about the emotional benefits of walking in nature. A recent study by researchers at the University of Michigan published in the journal Ecopsychology provides more scientific backing to the idea that nature walks are good for our health and wellbeing. The study finds that these types of walks are associated with “significantly lower depression, perceived stress and negativity,” and “appear to reduce the effects of stressful life events on perceived stress and negative affect.” You can read more about the study here.

Even though Take A Child Outside Week is over, there are still plenty of opportunities for you to get outdoors with your family and reduce stress:

Free! C-U Outdoors Club Free Family Nature Hikes
Saturdays, 12:30-2pm
Oct 11: Meadowbrook Interpretive Center & Meadowbrook Park
Nov 22: Anita Purves Nature Center & Crystal Lake Park
Dec 13: Anita Purves Nature Center & Busey Woods
All Ages (under 15 with adult)
Learn hiking tips and tricks to use when you explore nature with your family and friends. Nature center staff will share information about plants and animals and guide fun trail activities. Hikes will take place rain or shine, so please dress accordingly. Everyone is welcome to these family nature hikes; just sign-in when you arrive. Call 384-4062 for more information.

Free! Sunday Morning Bird Walks
Sundays, Sept 7-Oct 26, 7:30-9am
Meet in Anita Purves Nature Center parking lot
All ages (under 15 with an adult)
Birding can be an adventure for the whole family. Search for birds in Busey Woods and Crystal Lake Park on Sunday mornings. A leader from the Champaign County Audubon Society will help you learn basic bird watching and identification techniques. Bring a pair of binoculars if you have them or call the nature center (384-4062) to inquire about borrowing a pair.

Forget the Rest: Hike and Relaxation!
Saturdays, Sept 20-Oct 25, 8-10am
Interpretive Center, Homer Lake Forest Preserve, 2573 S. Homer Lake Rd, Homer
Are you in need of a special time to relax and reflect? Join us as we hike in nature and forget about the rest of the world. This program will start with some light stretching and breathing exercises to calm your mind and body. This program is for adults and mature teens only, please. Registration is not required. $5 suggested donation. For more info: (217) 896-2455 or cwalsh@ccfpd.org.

Yours in loving nature,
Savannah Donovan
Environmental Public Program Coordinator
Urbana Park District