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We have shared 60 days of awesome nature connection challenges to help you get outdoors and connect with nature to de-stress, heal, and have fun. Today we challenge you to look back through our 60 challenges on our blog and find one you missed to complete today. Which one will it be?

Nature Connection Challenge - Day 60 - Activate the Vestibular System

Remember when you were a young child, how good it felt to spin around until you were dizzy then fall down laughing in the grass? Well it turns out that when you did that, you were actually doing something very important - activating your vestibular sense. We are all taught at a young age about our five senses, but we rarely hear about this other sensory system. The vestibular system is what contributes to balance, spacial ori…

Land art is art that is made directly in the landscape, sculpting the land itself into earthworks or making structures in the landscape using natural materials such as rocks or twigs.This can be a really interesting way to notice patterns in natural materials or create something beautiful out of mundane materials.

Today’s challenge is to collect some materials from nature and create some land art. Try making a few piles of similar items like pine co…

If you haven’t already, be sure to take a look at the online nature programs we have available for youth and adults. Our programs offer weekly video classes on wilderness skills and nature-focused mindfulness. All are available at no cost during this time.

For Youth:

Woodland - Ages 4-6

Evergreen - Ages 7-11

Ironwood - Ages 12-17

Thrive - Teen Leadership

For Adults:

Wild Wellness - Foraging, Forest Therapy a…

Grab your journal or something to sketch/draw on, go outdoors and find a spot where you can sit. Take a few slow and deep breaths to center your attention and calm yourself. Notice the nature beings around you and create a web by drawing lines from one being to another when there is a connection. Are there any connections between them or you? 

For example, I notice a chickadee on the branch of the birch tree. On…

Nature Connection Challenge - Day 56 - Forage for Dandelion Greens

The humble dandelion has long been valued for its medicinal and nutritive properties and is one of the first and best wild edibles of spring. All parts of this plant can be eaten, but today we will focus on the leaves. These are some of the most nutritious greens you can eat. They contain high amounts of vitamin A, K and C and are high in calcium, folate and inulin (a dietary fiber that helps regulate blood sugar and gut health.…

It can be so much fun to look for evidence of wildlife in your yard or woods, and you often don’t need to look very hard or go very far. Tracks, scats or droppings, a pile of seed hulls or pine cone pieces or other food remnants are all clear indicators that an animal has been in that area. Muddy areas and snow can make it easier to find tracks, and you may even be able to follow the animal’s path for some distance. Keep in mind …

We challenge you to get outdoors when it gets dark and go for a little walk around your yard or down your street, if it’s safe to do so. Or, if you wish, grab a blanket and get snuggly on your front steps or lawn while you observe the night.

The natural world is an amazing place at night. The sounds are different from the daytime and if the sky is clear you can always star or moon gaze. In fact, May 7th was a full moon, so getting outs…

Nature Connection Challenge - Day 53 - Practice Stealth

If you spend time observing nature, you will see that many animals go about their business right under our noses. We often don’t notice them because they have perfected the art of stealth. Predators in particular have adapted ways to stalk their prey without being heard or seen. Meanwhile, most humans walk loudly without noticing the ways we disrupt the quiet order of nature.

Today’s challenge is to practice walking stealthily through a n…

Nature Connection Challenge - Day 52 - Have a Picnic

Today’s challenge is to pack a picnic and go find a beautiful place to eat it. Take time to make a meal that is nutritious and delicious, scout out the perfect picnic spot and enjoy!