Could you use a positive boost today?
If you answered yes to that question,
we'd like to remind you of a very simple and research-based solution:
GET OUTSIDE.
we'd like to remind you of a very simple and research-based solution:
GET OUTSIDE.
people who walked for 90 minutes in a natural area, as opposed to participants who walked in a high-traffic urban setting, showed decreased activity in a region of the brain associated with a key factor in depression.~ 2015 study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Science
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Does life ever have you feeling anxious, stressed, or depressed? If you answered yes or sometimes to that question, we'd like to remind you of a very simple and research-based solution: GET OUTSIDE.
Yes, it's actually that simple. Taking a walk in nature is a sure-fire way to give you a positive boost. A 2015 study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Science, found that people who walked for 90 minutes in a natural area, as opposed to participants who walked in a high-traffic urban setting, showed decreased activity in a region of the brain associated with a key factor in depression. “This finding is exciting because it demonstrates the impact of nature experience on an aspect of emotion regulation – something that may help explain how nature makes us feel better,” said lead author Gregory Bratman, a graduate student in Stanford’s Emmett Interdisciplinary Program in Environment and Resources, the Stanford Psychophysiology Lab and the Center for Conservation Biology. In another study, also led by Bratman, time spent amongst nature showed a positive effect on mood and cognitive function, including working memory, as well as a dampening effect on anxiety. |
nature deficit disorder
"The human costs of alienation from the natural world.”
~ Author Richard Louv
DESCRIBING THE MEANING OF "NATURE DEFICIT DISORDER" FROM HIS book last child in the woods
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Basically, science has proven something we all know deep down inside - you feel good when you go outside. So why does it seem like we’ve forgotten this? Author Richard Louv coined the phrase “Nature Deficit Disorder” in his 2005 book Last Child in the Woods. He has stated that "nature-deficit disorder is not meant to be a medical diagnosis but rather to serve as a description of the human costs of alienation from the natural world." The evidence and research behind this term is staggering and very real. Recent findings show children ages 8-18 spend more than six hours each day with electronic media, that’s more than 45 hours a week. Children have less time for unstructured, creative play outdoors and perhaps more than any other time in human history. These studies and others posit that people who spend more time inside than outside are at risk for developing chronic health problems. Diabetes, hypertension, obesity, anxiety, and depression are common amongst those who forget to get outside. Thankfully, we’ve got a solution for you. |
Children have less time for unstructured, creative play outdoors and perhaps more than any other time in human history.RECENT FINDINGS SHOW CHILDREN AGES 8-18 SPEND MORE THAN SIX HOURS EACH DAY WITH ELECTRONIC MEDIA, THAT’S MORE THAN 45 HOURS A WEEK.
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Nestled in the foothills of the Western Allegheny mountains, on the Saint Vincent College campus, lies a beautiful 50+ acre nature reserve named in honor of Winnie Palmer, the late wife of golf legend Arnold Palmer. It was Winnie’s vision and the Palmer Family who spearheaded the effort and ultimately saved the area from urban development nearly two decades ago.
Our iconic red Environmental Learning Barn is open all year with exhibits, programming for all ages, tours, library, gifts, and more.
“Winnie Palmer Nature Reserve, or WPNR as the folks here call it, is a destination for all walks of life to come and experience the beauty and wonderment of nature.” says Angela Belli, Executive Director of WPNR. “When you visit us, the first thing you’ll notice is our Environmental Learning Barn. Winnie loved the red barns of Western Pennsylvania and how they added character to the landscape. In addition to our walking trails, Certified Nature Explore Classroom, apiary, gardens, historic Lochry blockhouse and other fascinating outdoor interests, we provide a full suite of programming for all ages in the barn. I like to say we teach people about nature from K to gray.”
Angela, her staff and volunteers are very passionate about nature and encouraging people to remember to get outside. “I wish everyone would remember just how simple it is to feel better.” says Allison Petris, Environmental Education Coordinator at WPNR. “I love talking a walk around here, it never gets old. You just feel good after a nice hike.” |
even during winter
“We subscribe to the notion that there’s no bad weather, only bad clothing choices. My kids and I love going for a hike in winter. The crisp air is invigorating and it’s a ton of fun.”
~ Jennifer Eppolito, WPNR Education Horticulturist
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So do the walking trails still get used in the winter even when there’s snow?
“Absolutely.” says Jennifer Eppolito, Education Horticulturist at WPNR. “We have FREE snow shoes for guests. We subscribe to the notion that there’s no bad weather, only bad clothing choices. My kids and I love going for a hike in winter. The crisp air is invigorating and it’s a ton of fun.” So no matter what season it is, forget about “Netflix and chill” and help yourself and your family by encouraging them to play outside. There’s so much to be gained by exploring nature and you now know why it’s important to get outside. Your body and mind are going to thank you for it. "We created the Get Outside (the box) campaign to raise awareness that getting out from behind a screen and being amongst nature really does help you." says Belli. "The magic of nature, especially for children, is so important to your well being." Next time you're frustrated, feeling blue, a little stir crazy, or stretched too thin, don’t tune in and tune out with TV or check your social media - remember to get outside and be well at Winnie Palmer Nature Reserve. |
You could win free gear!
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explore the seasons
There are so many ways to connect with nature all year-round.
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