It’s a beautiful day and you’ve got some free time. Will you spend it outdoors in nature or hanging out with your friends? Don’t answer – it’s a trick question! You don’t have to choose. It turns out that being social is one of the best ways to enjoy nature.
A recent study, “The Nature of Americans,” found that although most folks say nature is a top interest, they don’t actually spend much time outdoors. The majority of adults surveyed averaged five or fewer hours a week outside, or less than an hour a day.
“Time spent on computers and TV towers over time spent outdoors,” said David Case, the main author of the study and the keynote speaker at the New Jersey Land Conservation Rally on March 2 in New Brunswick.
But there’s hope! The best way to attract more people outside, according to Case, is to make nature experiences social.
“Adults don’t like being in nature by themselves,” he said. “When adults talk about their experiences in nature, their memorable moments nearly always involve other people.”
According to Case, most people don’t need to be sold on the value of nature. They already enjoy nature and recognize its benefits. “It’s fundamental to human health and well-being,” he said.
So should you organize a bike ride with your kids, or a bird-watching walk with friends? Yes and yes!
But don’t sit home on your couch if friends and family aren’t available. New Jersey has tons of outdoor clubs, meetups and organized nature events. Joining these groups is a great way to both expand your social circle and enjoy the benefits of spending time in nature.
Here are some suggestions:
For a list of many of New Jersey’s hiking and outdoor clubs, go to www.njhiking.com/hiking-clubs-nj/. To find additional clubs, go to www.Meetup.com, and enter your zip code to find groups for hikes, dog walks, bike rides, mountain climbing, skiing, sailing and more. For New York/New Jersey Trail Conference hikes, go to https://www.nynjtc.org/view/hike and for Sierra Club hikes, go to http://nj-sierra.mcc.cc/sierra-schedule/NJ-Sierra-Outings-Page.htm.
To read “The Nature of Americans” and see more recommendations for getting people outdoors, go to https://natureofamericans.org. The study is based on interviews and surveys of more than 10,000 adults and children, and offers interesting insights into their views of nature, what draws them outside, and what barriers keep them indoors.
And for more information on New Jersey’s preserved lands – including events to get people outdoors and into nature – visit the New Jersey Conservation Foundation website or contact me at info@njconservation.org.
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Still the Garden State!ARCHIVE
December 2018