By Lisa Sharko

Hiking in the Rockies, kayaking with your kids in a glacial lake, and families camping deep in the wilderness. These are the images I see daily when I open my social media accounts; lots of beautiful and exotic adventures, connecting deeply with nature.

These photos and captions are truly inspiring, but they also often leave me feeling somewhat inadequate. Is what I am doing enough for me and my kids to develop a connection with nature? I know of other mothers that say, “Well, I can’t take my kids wilderness camping so what’s the point?’’ and their effort to get outside ends there.

We must first remember that what we see on social media is everyone’s best days, their best photos, and the best moments. Secondly, nature is everywhere ready and waiting for you. You don’t have to go on a big adventure to find it.

Like many people, our travel plans and larger adventures have been put on hold due to the complications and restrictions associated with COVID-19. On the positive side, it has also led us to discover places closer to home and utilize our outdoor spaces more creatively.

For example, one of my daughter’s favourite outdoor places is a small park that is wedged between a river and a busy road. It is not a “grand adventure destination” and can be easily overlooked. I personally drove past it for years before ever stopping.

My daughter thrives here! Running in the grass, splashing in the creek, finding ants running up and down tree trunks, and watching birds flying tree to tree. She gets dirty and wet but has an amazing time. As parents we explore right along side of her as her nature mentors. These simple experiences have value and lay a strong foundation to build her nature relationship upon and expand our own.

I am not a professional outdoorsman, naturalist, or an outdoor educator. I am just a mom that tries to get outside daily with my family. Getting outside as been my family’s coping mechanism over the last year. We walk our neighbourhood and local trails, play at playgrounds, and explore local green spaces.

In all these places you can stop and connect with nature if you adjust your mindset, slow down, and learn to appreciate it. Most of our outside time happens in our backyard which has a small kid’s play area and a garden. We work in the garden, watch our backyard birds, hunt for worms, sit in the grass, and splash in the rainwater.

Looking for simple ways to experience nature daily? When you are out for a walk, just listen and watch the birds in your neighbourhood. Instead of rushing through gardening tasks, take time to observe and absorb the task. Is the soil extra dry, what insects do you see, is there wildlife snacking from your garden, or is the weather changing? When visiting a park or greenspace take time to explore. Learn and appreciate what wild plants are growing there, wade into the creek, or watch the pollinators at work.

Let your kids free play outside, explore, and collect things (rocks, sticks, pinecones, seeds, etc.). Don’t be afraid to let them get a little (or a lot) dirty and wet.

There is so much nature to experience if you slow down and enjoy it. Do not undervalue the importance of these everyday nature experiences. Collectively, they are more important than one grand adventure in wild nature. So, is what I am doing enough for me and my kids to develop a connection with nature? I think so.

About the author

Lisa lives in Ingersoll, Ontario with her husband and two young kids. She had an outdoor childhood, playing outside and camping. Lisa and her family try to get outside everyday, even if it is just a quick walk around the block. They love exploring their local green spaces, conservation areas, and Provincial Parks. Follow along on Instagram @touch.dirt.mama or online at www.lisasharko.wixsite.com/touchofdirt