WILD ENCOUNTERS: Exploring Nature
These are trying times. We are constantly bombarded with new images that are frightening and worrisome. It’s hard to cope day-to-day with everything. Most people have reached what is known as their “threshold of worry” – meaning there just isn’t the mental or physical bandwidth to deal with anymore information from the media, good or bad.
But the most important thing we can do right now is stay healthy. The One Health Initiative is gaining ground in making this happen. By starting to focus on keeping animals (wild and domestic) healthy, and keeping the environment healthy, we are learning to keep ourselves healthy!
Did you know that studies have shown that getting outside into the environment and exploring nature is good for your physical AND mental health? Exploring nature is exercise and exercise is good for the body – it strengthens the heart, strengthens the muscles and gets us moving! Spending time a couple days a week outside also allows us to unplug from the media messages of doom and gloom and just BE for while – just be with our families and be outside. This helps our brains cope with day-to-day fears, lessening our stress and strengthening our immune systems!
Additionally, through the use of simple, FREE smart phone apps, families can identify the world around them AND be a part of protecting animals and the environment by being a part of the Citizen Science movement!
To that end, the Education Department at Capron Park Zoo has created the WILD ENCOUNTERS: EXPLORING NATURE virtual programs. Each month we will feature a conservation area, park, hiking trail or other outdoor area in southeastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island where families can be together and connect to nature for FREE. There are so many amazing places in our area, we can’t wait visit them!
We are excited to share with you our collective 40+ years of knowledge, passion and interest in nature, and we hope you enjoy watching them as much as we’ve enjoyed making them!
