Fall in love with nature this winter and explore your backyards, local parks and protected areas, says the Nature Conservancy of Canada. It'll make you happy.
A recent Ipsos Reid poll conducted for the NCC shows more than 97 per cent of Canadians believe that getting outdoors is important to their family's wellbeing. The new findings complement an earlier poll that found Canadians are happier when they are connected to nature.
"We already know about the valuable health benefits, both mental and physical, of getting outside and talking a walk," an NCC press release states. "But recent research gives us more information on how Canadians feel about the importance of nature to their happiness and to their families."
The study shows:
97 per cent of Canadians agree that nature is important to their family's well-being;
90 per cent felt being outdoors in nature is important to their family's recreational activities;
87 per cent felt that given the choice, they prefer to spend family time outdoors in nature, rather than indoors.
Nature is coming alive this time of year with many fun things to do in the backyard or local park, the NCC says. Winter bird identification, exploring the types of trees that will look vastly different in summer, following tracks of animals in the snow or meandering with a casual walk are examples of winter activities that are fun for all ages and offer an exhilarating day, filled with the beauty of nature.
NCC Saskatchewan has many great places to visit and enjoy. Consider the southwest with Old Man on His Back Prairie and Heritage Conservation Area, or the beautiful Maymont area just west of Saskatoon, perhaps even a short drive to Fairy Hill, just north of Regina.
Get happy, get outside. Contact your local NCC office for more information on places you can visit with friends and family. Contact us at: saskatchewan [at] natureconservancy.ca or Toll Free: 1.866.622.7275.Visit: www.natureconservancy.ca
