By Laura
When I was younger, getting outside was often a rather selfish pursuit. It was all about me checking another trail off my wish list or seeing how far I could push myself. I was, undoubtedly, still reaping the benefits to my physical and mental wellbeing simply by getting out there, but it felt like a one-sided transaction.
I was missing out on a much more meaningful connection by not taking the time to truly interact with nature.
At some point, I developed a greater desire to know more about the land on which I was living and exploring. I started to slow down, observe, learn, and make my outdoor time more about what was happening around me rather than about what I was accomplishing. This led to a couple of unexpected outcomes.
First, and somewhat ironically, I became much more aware of the impact nature had on my physical and mental health. Although I was looking to make it more about my environment and less about me, I started to notice the subtle effects being outside had. We’re not talking about the burning muscles or adrenaline-fueled rush that comes with certain outdoor activities. This was about noticing the calming effect on my nervous system, the moments of joy, and the release of stress and tension that came with observing wildlife or recognizing a plant that was previously unknown to me.
Second, I feel that my respect for nature increased. Although I had always been a nature lover and did my best to tread lightly on the land, having greater knowledge and curiosity about the intricacies of the particular ecosystem I was in helped me better understand the why and how behind good practices. Knowing how difficult it may be for a certain type of wildflower to reproduce itself or how sensitive wildlife can be during parts of their life cycle brings a whole new perspective and level of consideration.
Overall, I began to feel more connected to nature, and my time outside started to be about so much more than how many miles I did that day. For those looking for a deeper connection to the natural world, here are my top tips on how to find that:
Learn How to ID Plants
Plants can tell you a lot. Their location can indicate microclimates with particular moisture levels and soil types. Their growth and dormancy cycles can signal transitions through the seasons. Their presence might give clues about what animals could be using them as a food source or helping them spread their seed. The simple ID of a plant can open a whole new world of information and questions that draw you deeper.
Grab a plant guide for your particular region and take it along on your next hike or outdoor adventure. Reference it as you come across plants you aren’t familiar with. Another option is to download a plant ID app on your phone. iNaturalist is a great way to not only learn more about the plants around you, but to contribute data for scientists working in conservation as well. Once you have an ID, take some time back home to learn more. Where does that plant usually exist? What eats it? Is it native or naturalized? What role does it play in the ecosystem?
Get to Know the Wildlife
You’re likely familiar with what animals may pose a threat in the places you explore, but do you know anything else about them? How they live and what role they play? What about the wildlife that quietly exists in the region? As with plants, the patterns and behaviours of wildlife can open a whole new door to understanding what’s happening around you. Plus, learning more about how they live their lives may just make you a little more considerate of how you interact with them and their environment.
Catching a glimpse of wildlife is always a thrill on an outing, but often we won’t see even a fraction of what’s out there. Do some research, check with local nature groups, or ask parks staff for more information on what lives in the area. Learn how to ID species via things like scat or footprints. Coming across a den, burrow, or nest can give clues as to what might be around. iNaturalist can also be used to ID animals through photos, sound recordings, and tracks. Just remember to always be respectful and give wildlife plenty of space any time you are observing them.
Go on Observation Walks
Paying closer attention to what’s happening around you can, of course, be done on any outing. Still, I highly recommend heading out on intentional observation walks or hikes.
These are excursions focused mainly on the sights, sounds, smells, and textures around you and can be done on the trail, in your neighbourhood, or in your own backyard. Avoid setting time or distance goals. Instead, let your curiosity guide you. Often, a simple plant ID can lead you on a scavenger hunt of sorts. You’ll start looking for other plant species that are commonly found growing together, or maybe you’ll hunt for signs of animals that use that plant as a food source. You may not make miles, but you’ll gain a greater understanding of how things interact.
Never Stop Learning
We’re fortunate to have so much information right at our fingertips. A quick online search can bring a wealth of information about the various actors in the ecosystem and how they interact. We also have museums, clubs, and groups with knowledgeable people who will happily share the information they have on almost any topic you can imagine. Parks programs and interpretive trails are another excellent resource for learning.
As we learn more, this information starts to morph into stories. Stories about communication, cooperation, and competition. Stories about birth, death, and regrowth. Simply put, stories about life. Becoming part of that story can add a rich layer to your outdoor experiences that you may just be missing out on.
About the author
Laura is the blogger behind An Ordinary Existence, where she shares stories, advice, and guides to help people overcome their fears, try new things, and work a little more adventure into their lives. When she's not behind her keyboard, you can likely find Laura outside, on the road, or spending time with her two dogs, Izzie and Gus.
