How to Respect Nature this Spring & Summer

This information came from the David Suzuki Foundation. You can read more here

As Spring emerges in the Northern Hemisphere, so do the animals and plants that call this planet home. It's important to remember how we can respect and care for the earth and all of it's inhabitants.

There are many studies and plenty of research that highlight how time in nature can improve both mental and physical health, increase attention span and mood, and lower stress. When we spend time in nature, we are reminded of who and what we share this planet with. It puts into perspective how small we are on this planet, yet we have had the biggest impact.

When in nature and spending time outdoors, remember to pay attention, and watch carefully where you are walking. A good way to think about our time outdoors can be thought of as "leave no trace." Make sure not to litter or leave a garbage around, do not feed or touch wildlife, and do not disturb plant life, such as picking flowers from the ground or cutting down trees. Remember that these spaces are home to many species, and when we disrupt their environment, we can disrupt the entire ecosystem. We must treat nature with kindness and respect.

Read below for some ways you can incorporate nature and the outdoors into your life in a respectful and sustainable way.

1. Incorporate movement

   • Try out yoga and meditation

   • Use your body as transportation - Walk or Ride a Bicycle

2. Be present

   • Use your senses to explore around you - Smell the flowers, or listen to the birds

   • Watch a sunset or sunrise

3. Plan activities

   • Go camping

   • Try out hiking

   • Swim in a lake

4. Get gardening

   • Plant a vegetable garden

   • Plant a pollinator garden - Research native plants where you live and plant a variety to encourage pollinators to come visit