Outdoor & Nature Connection programming for adults….let’s get out there!

Written By nature play designs .

As you read a few blog posts ago, the Lower Columbia Nature Network partners are really excited about connecting youth of all ages to the outdoors, with safe, welcoming and fun activities. But we know that us adults love to get outside, too!

There is a LOT of research about all of the various benefits of getting outside and connecting with nature:

  • Mental Health and Cognitive Benefits such as reduced stress and anxiety: Nature lowers stress hormones (cortisol and adrenaline), reduces rumination, and helps alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression; Improved cognitive function: Time outdoors restores focus, enhances memory, and sparks creativity by breaking the cycle of overstimulation from urban environments; Increased well-being: Exposure to nature increases feelings of happiness, joy, and calm, contributing to a greater sense of meaning in life. Source: American Psychological Association

  • Numerous Physical Health Benefits: Cardiovascular health: Regular time in nature lowers heart rate and blood pressure; Immune system support: Phytoncides (airborne compounds from plants) can boost immune function; Improved sleep: Natural light exposure, especially in the morning, aligns the circadian rhythm, resulting in better sleep quality; Weight Management: Access to green spaces increases opportunities for walking and physical activity. Source: UCLA Health 

  • Social Benefits: Community connections: Parks &natural spaces encourage social interaction, decreasing feelings of loneliness as well as on-going learning and stewardship; Healthy Aging: Studies show elders who spend time in nature experience improved mood and cognitive abilities; Sense of awe: Experiencing natural landscapes can foster a sense of awe, which improves perspective and prosocial behaviors.

As well as all of the research, being outside is connecting with our “inner youth,” sense of adventure and wanting to have fun! In our corner of the state, we are about 1 hour to the ocean and 1 hour to the mountains, with lots of great adventures in between. At our recent LCNN Partners meeting in April, we wanted to understand and update our list of programs, activities and events focused on adults. Besides our local/regional partners, there are also regional and statewide organizations that occasionally hosts activities in southwest Washington. Check them all out!

Here is what we found (what are we missing?…..let us know!):

  • Several partners host regularly scheduled events for giving back and helping out. Here are a few:

  • We never stop learning and our partners have lots of ways for you to keep learning, whether for your own property or about community spaces. Here are some of our opportunities:

  • Larger events related to outdoor activities are part of our community and something to look forward to every year. Here are a few of the more popular events to get you outside:

  • You don’t have to buy a lot of gear to get outside and enjoy nature. Partners have low stress activities and events to help you have a fun and adventurous outing. Here are a few ideas:

    • Birdhers - a welcoming community for women identifying bird watching group with hikes around the metropolitan region

    • Lower Columbia Estuary Partnership- Join a unique adventure in the big orange canoes at a number of local waterways including Vancouver Lake, Lake River and the Columbia River

    • Plas Newydd Farm hosts monthly Canopy Walks around the farm property and along the Lewis River

    • Vancouver Audubon Society- VAS hosts outings for various levels of hikers and birding experience levels

  • Ready to get out there and really connect? Community partners have lots of ways for you to get on the water, riding through the forest and connecting with nature. Visit each partner for more details:

    • Alder Creek Kayak & Canoe in Ridgefield, WA hosts a variety of classes and tours for kayaking, canoeing and stand-up-paddleboards at Lake River and Camas Lake

    • Clark Skamania Flyfishers - hosts a variety of workshops and outings around the regional waterways.

    • Dragon Boating in Ridgefieldhosts summer Friday night paddles and events for all skills levels at the Ridgefield Waterfront Park

    • Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliancehosts a wide variety of classes, workshops, and rides throughout the year

    • The Mazamas is a regional hiking group founded on Mt. Hood, the group hosts a wide variety of hikes throughout Washington and Oregon for all skills levels

    • Mt. St. Helen’s Institute hosts a wide range of hikes throughout the summer, including Summit climbs, Hummocks trail hikes, family campouts and more

    • Outdoor Afro- hosting a wide array of outdoor activities for camping, hiking, fishing and snowshoeing

    • Outdoor Asian - Washington - connect with others for fishing, hiking and winter sports throughout WA and our region

    • People of Color Outdoors - brings community together for welcoming adventures in paddling, hiking and more

    • PNW Happy Hikers - hosts welcoming outings throughout WA / OR region for hikes and other adventures

    • The Rusty Iron Outrigger Canoe Club hosts a variety of events including at Frenchman’s Bar regional park every spring

    • Vancouver’s Forever Young Hikers coordinate travel and guides for hikes throughout the WA/OR region out of the Marshall Center

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