Bringing Nature Closer
I fondly remember camping with my family or enjoying the outdoors on a national park vacation. These incredible experiences instilled in me a love for nature. Still, I sometimes forgot that nature exists all around, even when not out in the ‘great outdoors.’ Keep reading to learn easy ways to bring nature closer and appreciate the tremendous diversity of life right outside your door!
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Think outside the box (the box is your house)
The great outdoors presents a challenge and an allure that most people cannot resist. Grand mountains, ancient mossy trees, and wide open skies offer both adventure and peace from the chaos of modern life. While these places are amazing, the great outdoors can be much closer to home. Plants, animals, and other parts of thriving natural life exist all around us. The caterpillars, butterflies, and birds in your yard may not be as apparent as a moose in the woods, but they are every bit as intricate, engaging, and impressive to observe. Reframing our understanding of wildlife and wild lands can help us appreciate the nature that lives in our cities, parks, and yards.
The Great Outdoors: past to present
Nature is everywhere, and ‘the great outdoors’ doesn’t have to take a road trip or vacation to visit. The problem with thinking of nature as separate from people arises from the fact that humans are part of nature, and animals can and will thrive in our cities.
Caffeinate your wildlife watching with this bird-friendly coffee!
Historically, conservation efforts have focused on protecting large swaths of pristine wilderness. This practice started after species like the passenger pigeon or bison were eliminated from the landscape. People began to notice that the enormous herds and flocks that once dominated prairies and skies were gone. National parks stoked Americans’ enthusiasm for conservation. The first national park, Yellowstone, was established in 1872 (hug to the Teddy Bear) and was soon joined by another 433 parks and preserves, totaling more than 85 million acres. These vast swaths of land were a massive win for conservation and natural resource protection. But, as more and more of the US becomes urban, natural areas continue to shrink, and the ‘great outdoors’ becomes more and more of a myth- a place to go rather than a place where people live.
National parks and vast wilderness areas are incredible. However, by separating people from nature, we have become distant from their roots, and conservation efforts have stagnated. There are easy ways to give wildlife excellent habitat in cities and suburbs, but these ways often get ignored. Furthermore, people living in urban areas miss out on the benefits of enjoying nature.
Neature - A personal benefit
Listening to bird sounds, flowing water, wind moving through trees, and being outside all have significant health benefits. Many studies show that being in nature helps with thinking, reasoning, cognitive abilities, and physical and mental health. (We think that's pretty neat.)
Green, natural spaces allow our bodies and minds to relax and unwind. Getting outside can help combat the fatigue accompanying stressful work days or too much time in front of a screen. By allowing the mind and body to rest and recover in nature, they become more focused and ready to concentrate. Being outside also lowers blood pressure and heart rate and can lead to lower rates of chronic illness. Moreover, getting a boost of vitamin D from spending time in sunlight is vital for bones, blood cells, and the immune system. Finally, being outside and having regular access to green spaces lowers the chances of depression and anxiety. Time spent outside is time well spent. We can make life happier by cultivating green spaces in our yards and neighborhoods.
Get your peepers on some peepers!
Habitatification - A natural benefit
Being mindful of nature in urban environments also makes conservation efforts more effective. Setting aside vast swaths of wilderness is fantastic and impressive, but it is not enough. Humans must learn to share the world with wildlife, especially in our cities. Doing so opens up a lot of vital space for nature to thrive. Butterflies thrive on New York City’s green Highline walkway. Birds regularly use urban parks as stop-overs during migration. Bumblebees live in gardens planted with native flowers. Creating natural habitats in cities gives animals and plants the space to survive. Most wildlife is incredibly hardy, and given the time and space, animals will adjust to modern life. Natural habitats in cities are a game-changer for animals that simply need more space to thrive.
How to bring nature closer
Bringing nature home is easy! It only requires an inquisitive spirit and a willingness to explore. Nature surrounds us constantly, and our lives get much more remarkable and interesting when we explore the plants, animals, and other wildlife around us. A sense of wonder at the world and its intricacies makes life much more interesting and joyful.
Here is a list of ideas for exploring nature, which may help to develop a child-like sense of amazement at the world and all its cool things.
Bring birds to your backyard!
Nature Journaling: Making observations is a wonderful way to get closer to nature and explore the small critters nearby. Journaling about them can help you notice more details and ask questions. Effective journaling can include drawings, notes, writings, and poetry. As long as observations are made and questions are asked, learning is in progress!
Plant a Garden: Gardens planted with native plants provide a haven for wildlife. One of my favorite activities as a kid was looking at the slugs in my mom’s garden. This activity stoked my love of nature and put me on a path to becoming a biologist. Gardens are an excellent way to engage with nature. Native flowers bring wildlife, and observing that wildlife can help one feel a sense of wonder.
Flip over rocks and logs (carefully!): You might discover something amazing! This is one of my favorite activities. Small critters can be found nearly everywhere, and searching for them is enjoyable. Finding roly-polies, ants, and other interesting bugs can be a great experience! Many fascinating creatures are waiting to be discovered. When flipping logs and rocks, make sure to lift them away from yourself, and wearing gloves can help keep you safe.
Set up bird feeders, birdhouses, and birdbaths: Attracting wildlife to your yard can significantly enhance your appreciation of nature. Installing bird feeders, birdhouses, and birdbaths is an effective way to attract more animals. Listening to birdsong is beneficial for mental health, and observing birds up close can be a fantastic experience.
Engaging with a sense of wonder: That’s what this whole article is about! The world is full of wonderful creatures, and discovering them promotes health and happiness.
Nature ain't heavy, it's our brother, baby
You do not need to go on a road trip to connect with nature; sometimes, all it takes is stepping outside your front door. Local parks, gardens, and backyards are brimming with wildlife. We can promote conservation and create environments where animals can thrive. Most importantly, we can learn about, appreciate, support, and love our local wildlife.
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