Restorative Power of Nature

With more of the nation shutting down to slow the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, kids out of school, many workers laid off and others shifting to working from home, families are rediscovering the calming power of spending time outdoors. Yesterday, on a hike with my son on a local trail, where we would normally have seen three or four other people, we passed dozens of families, conscientiously abiding by social distancing, but clearly relieved to be outside. The power of the outdoors to calm and heal is as old as time, but lands itself a spotlight in these stressful times. We here at INLC are thankful for your support of local green spaces and for entities like Washington and Idaho State Parks who are working overtime to ensure access to these critical places. Check out these tips from the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics on keeping you and your family safe in the outdoors during this sensitive time.