THIS WEEK
Take a Hike

How?
Get outside. Seek out trees and paths that aren't paved. Watch for wildlife or signs of them. Take a deep breath. And smile.

Why?
People who play outside have a reduced risk for obesity, lower stress levels, and more active imaginations. Yet today's American kids are less connected to the outdoors than any previous generation. 6.5 hours a day spent watching screens. Six times more likely to play a computer game than ride a bike. Four times more likely to be obese than previous generation. And now facing shorter lives – a decline of 2-5 years in average length of life from parents' life expectation.

Furthermore, spending time outdoors helps people value nature, which supports us all. So take a hike. Climb a tree. Dig in the dirt. It's good for you, society, and the planet.

Learn more at:
http://www.childrenandnature.org/research/
http://www.nationalgetoutdoorsday.org/
http://www.discovertheforest.org/

Next Steps
Join a hiking club (for instance, http://www.minneapolisparks.org/default.asp?PageID=1159 and https://happytrailsclub.net/Home_Page.html).

Explore a State Park.

Take a child along. Don't have a child? Take a friend.