Take a Walk in the Woods
This month’s article is going to take a different path than many of my previous articles. I hope you’ll come along with me this month.
Maybe you’ve felt it already. The cool air that signals Florida’s autumn has started to arrive. Though I’m writing this in October, the mornings and evenings are already beginning to crisp up. Will it still reach the high 80s some days? Probably. But after months of heat and humidity, even a breezy afternoon in the upper 70s to lower 80s can feel downright refreshing.
In short, it’s time to get outside.
WHY YOU SHOULD GET OUTSIDE
People have sought the outdoors as a place of refuge for as long as we’ve lived indoors. Parks, green spaces, trees, and nature in general bring people peace, relaxation, and a refreshed perspective. This benefit of nature is backed by science, too.
Research continues to show that spending time outdoors can improve both physical and mental health. Studies have found that exposure to natural settings can lower stress levels, improve mood, and even help people focus better. Time spent in green spaces has been associated with reduced anxiety and improved emotional well-being.
One of the more interesting findings is that it doesn’t necessarily take an all-day hike through a national forest to see benefits. Researchers have documented reductions in cortisol, one of the body’s primary stress hormones, after just 20 to 30 minutes spent in a natural setting. Whether that’s a walk through a local park, sitting under a tree during lunch, or wandering a favorite trail, the benefits can begin surprisingly quickly.
PLACES TO EXPLORE THIS NOVEMBER
As we move toward Thanksgiving, many of us will spend time reflecting on the people, places, and experiences that enrich our lives. One thing I find easy to take for granted is the natural beauty that surrounds us here in Polk County.
TIGER CREEK PRESERVE:
Near Lake Wales, Tiger Creek Preserve protects one of the last remaining examples of ancient sandhill, scrub, and hardwood hammock habitats in Central Florida. This trail winds through longleaf pine and Lake Wales Ridge habitats where visitors can walk at their own pace and experience some of the native landscapes that once covered much of Central Florida.
BOK TOWER GARDENS, SPECIFICALLY: THE PINE RIDGE TRAIL:
Located in Lake Wales, the Pine Ridge Trail showcases a quieter, more natural side of Bok Tower Gardens. This trail winds through Florida scrub and sandhill ecosystems where visitors can walk at their own pace and experience some of the native landscapes that once covered much of the Lake Wales Ridge.
COLT CREEK STATE PARK:
Situated north of Lakeland near Kathleen, Colt Creek State Park encompasses more than 5,000 acres of pine flatwoods, lakes, wetlands, and cypress domes. The park offers opportunities for hiking, bicycling, fishing, paddling, wildlife viewing, and horseback riding on an extensive trail network.
CIRCLE B BAR RESERVE:
Located on the eastern shore of Lake Hancock in Lakeland, Circle B Bar Reserve is one of Polk County’s premier destinations for wildlife viewing. Visitors can walk miles of trails through wetlands, oak hammocks, and lake-edge habitats while spotting birds, alligators, turtles, and other native wildlife.
LAKELAND HIGHLANDS SCRUB:
Tucked into south Lakeland, Lakeland Highlands Scrub is a small preserve that protects one of Florida’s rarest ecosystems: scrub habitat. Its short walking trails provide an opportunity to see scrub oaks and other drought-adapted plants while enjoying a quick nature break close to town.
Whether you spend twenty minutes outdoors or a whole afternoon exploring a new trail, the important thing is simply making the time to get outside. November comes with plenty of opportunities for food, family, and fellowship, but it also comes with busy schedules, travel, shopping, and the stress that often accompanies the holiday season. Stepping outdoors for a walk, a quiet moment of reflection, or simply a change of scenery can be a great way to recharge before the rush of December begins.
#OPTOUTSIDE THIS HOLIDAY SEASON
You may have seen the hashtag #OptOutside in previous years, and I’d like to encourage you to do just that.
Originally created by outdoor retailer REI to promote spending the day outdoors instead of shopping on the Friday after Thanksgiving, the idea has grown beyond a marketing campaign. For many people, it has become a reminder to step away from the holiday rush and spend some time reconnecting with nature.
As you find time to experience nature in a park or preserve near you, think about ways to make time outside an everyday habit. Try disc golf at the new course in Winter Haven, bird watching at Circle B, boating on one of our 500+ lakes, or even just reading a book in your local park.
Looking for more inspiration? We’re excited to offer a new Nature Sketching Course (3 Sessions) this November and December featuring local artist Danielle Ivey. This small class is the perfect opportunity to try something new, spend time outdoors, and flex your creative muscles. Learn more and register here: NatureSketchingCourse.eventbrite.com.
For more information about the activities or locations mentioned in this article, email me at scarnevale@ufl.ed or visit my webpage at go.ufl.edu/HAVENLKLD
