Nature Journaling Programs Helps Families Connect with Each Other & Nature

One of the best things parents can do for their children is to encourage them to spend time outdoors. Nature exploration can provide lifelong benefits, from improving both physical and mental health to increasing academic skills and competency. In fact, even playing with dirt has been shown to reduce both stress and anxiety levels in children.

Those are just a few of the reasons Ashland Soil and Water Conservation District will be partnering with local naturalist Carrie Elvey to conduct a family-focused nature journaling program this summer for local youth to participate in with their families.

During the nature journaling program, adults and children will work together to explore the Hazel Willis Woods—a 40-acre outdoor learning laboratory owned and operated by Ashland SWCD since 1980.

Introducing children to different natural environments can help children develop creative solutions and think beyond their typical surroundings. But despite all of these benefits, today’s children are spending less time outdoors than ever, missing out on valuable foundational experiences that cam help enrich their development both physically and cognitively. In fact, would you believe the average American child today spends only 4-7 minutes per day playing outside and over 7 hours a day in front of a screen.

Ashland SWCD’s program is designed to provide youth and their families with a fun-filled summer of nature journaling and exploration. Adults and children will work together to document their woodland discoveries through nature journaling and art projects.

When children are introduced to the diversity of nature, it encourages them to build an appreciation for the natural world as well as explore their place within that world. So for example, spending time in the woods not only  provides children with an opportunity to learn more about wildlife who may live in the woods, but they can also explore the diversity of trees and plants as well as explore the stream that runs through the Hazel Willis Woods.

Walter Willis envisioned just those types of experiences when he donated 40-acres of woodlands near Mifflin to Ashland SWCD in loving memory of his wife. In fact, he specified that the land must be used as an outdoor educational laboratory for all ages.

Green spaces like the Hazel Willis Woods are valuable resources to our environment, because their protect and preserve soil, sequester carbon from our atmosphere, and literally clean our air. Plus, they offer unlimited opportunities for kids to explore, imagine, create, and gain confidence.

And the Hazel Willis Woods provides plenty of opportunities for exploration. The property contains a Loop Road then circles the perimeter of the 40 acres as well as a primitive cabin, garage, outhouses and pavilion. Children can also try their hand at using a hand-pump water well or scout for wildlife as the woods’ spring tank.

Exploring nature provides children with opportunities to take risks and explore their limits. Climbing downed trees, exploring trails, and splashing through streams in nature may be new experiences for many kids, but successfully navigating those risks builds confidence in ways that extend to other areas of their lives as well.

Plus, spending out time it’s just fun for the kids, it’s relaxing for adults, too. But the data is clear: kids who play outside are happier, better at paying attention, and less anxious that kids who spend more time indoors.

And of course, being outside gets kids moving, too. No matter what they are doing outside, it usually involves more exercise than if they were sitting on the couch. Not only is exercise good for kids’ bodies and physical health, but it makes them more focused and is especially helpful to those who struggle with ADHD.

Now is the perfect time to make plans to turn your family’s summer into one of exploration and wonder by spending time in the Hazel Willis Woods nature journaling. Not only will you reap a multitude of physical and mental benefits for you and the children in your life, but you’;l; be making priceless memories and laying the foundation for a lifelong appreciation of nature as well.

Registration will be $150/family and will include a 7 week course. Classes will take place Thursday evenings from 6-7:30 p.m. from June 15 through July 27. Registration is available at the Ashland SWCD office or online at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2023-nature-journaling-tickets Registration is limited to 20 families.