Explore new ways to take time for nature in this weekly tip with help from members of the Carleton community. Building nature-mindfulness can cultivate healthy human-nature relationships as well as influence positive emotions and reduce stress and anxiety.
This gallery of submissions to the Time for Nature photo contest spotlights various ways to take time for nature encouraging and inspiring us to build greater awareness and concern for the natural environment. Now more than ever is an important time to reflect on the role of nature in our lives and the ways in which we can create positive change for the environment.
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Explore nature’s designs.
Look carefully at the world around you and you will begin to notice that nature is filled with many different types of natural designs and patterns. Nature is the best designer weaving incredible, intricate patterns ranging from symmetries, spirals, waves, to tesselations and many more.
“There is so much beauty to be found in the intricate and detailed patterns of nature, and this has been a comfort in these pandemic times. Here are a few colourful explosions of Springtime beauty.”
– Kate Higginson, from The Institute for Comparative Studies in Literature, Art and Culture (ICSLAC)
2. Experience birdwatching.
Birdwatching, the observation of birds in their natural habitat, is a popular nature activity that allows us to learn more about the natural environment. Birdwatching allows us to enhance our connection with nature while also taking part in a fun and educational activity. If you would like to get started in birdwatching, read our tips here.
“Apparently the recent pandemic has led to an increase in people having a greater interest in nature and the hobby of bird watching. That is great news for nature lovers. The Carleton campus and the surrounding areas of Hog’s Back Park, Vincent Massey Park, National Arboretum, Fletcher Wildlife Garden, etc., are all great spots to head out with your binoculars and camera to check on the local feathered fauna!
Here are just a couple of recent pictures taken on the Carleton Campus and the surrounding area this spring. The Great Blue Heron was in the Rideau River at Carleton (you can see the buildings reflected in the background). The other pictures are of a male Indigo Bunting, perhaps one of the most beautiful little birds found in Canada during spring/summer), as well as a Juvenile Cooper’s Hawk.”
– Ian Maclatchy, Biology Alumni
3. Mindful stargazing.
Observe the night sky and spot constellations, stars, planets and the Milky Way. Photo by: Benjamin Heron
Looking up at the stars can be a practice of mindfulness and gratitude during turbulent times like the pandemic. When we bring awareness to the present moment and look up at the majestic and star-filled sky, we become aware of the existence of ourselves within this vast universe, allowing us to put our personal worries into perspective. Start exploring the sky with these tips.
“Long exposure images offer views of the motion of heavenly bodies through time. This was shot at Ottawa’s Prince of Wales Bridge. This image is a two-hour exposure, showing the arcs of the stars as the earth rotates. When the photo was taken, light pollution from the cities restricted what was visible to the eye to only four stars. However, a camera on a tripod can reveal hidden realities. Photography brings us closer to the cosmos.”
– Benjamin Heron, Master of Architecture
4. Connect with nature in urban settings.
There is nature all around the city. Find nature everywhere — and create more of it. Plant a pollinator garden to help restore biodiversity, or bring the outside in by having indoor plants. You can find nature in urban settings and foster a love of the outdoors even in the city.
Carleton University is surrounded by water and green spaces, serving as an important reminder to be an environmental steward and to responsibly manage our ecosystems. Photo by: Quinn McKinney
“This photo was taken during my Ecology (BIOL 2600) class as we counted invertebrates in the Ottawa River to see the differences in populations when there is a current and in places where this is no current in the river.
This photo is special because it shows that even though we are in the middle of the city, there are many ecosystems surrounding campus, all of which are important to understanding the complexity of nature.”
– Quinn McKinney, Environmental Science
5. Do a community clean-up.
Taking time for nature can be as easy as going on a walk and cleaning up litter on the way. It’s a great way to get outside, get fresh air and give back to nature and the community while social distancing.
“This picture was taken by my roommate after our final exams are over. We went on a celebration walk and did garbage picking for having finished all my exams. I hope I can show people that we can protect our mother nature and do something on a daily basis even when that something seems small.”
– Jiachen Wang, Information Technology-Photonics Laser Technology
6. Appreciate the little things in nature.
“These photos represent some of the amazing joys accompanied by spring in the Ottawa area. Being able to find and appreciate the little things nature has to offer provides a sense of reassurance and grounding in times where the world is constantly throwing curveballs.”
– Jessica Desforges, Biology
7. Explore nature’s trails.
Photo Credit: Fran Craig
Take time to get away and immerse yourself in nature by taking a hike or a bike ride on nature’s trails. Check out these resources where you can find the perfect trail to explore: Ultimate Trail Guide for Ottawa and Ontario’s trails.
“Location: NCC Greenbelt just behind the Nepean Sportsplex. This forest dates back to 1962 and is one of my favourite trails in Ottawa. An oasis of nature in the middle of the city, this trail never fails to fill me with peace and gratitude for nature. This tall column of trees gift an oxygen-rich environment and are a treat for the senses. Accessible year-round for hikes, bikes, jogs, and cross country skiing. This is my enchanted garden.”
– Fran Craig, from the Information Carleton & Campus Card Office
8. Combine the outdoors with physical exercise.
“Connecting with nature and getting outside to exercise in fun ways has been pivotal to taking care of my mental health these past few weeks. I have been enjoying bike rides on Ottawa’s many bike paths. This photo was taken during an evening bike ride while reconnecting with friends to watch the sunset together from a distance.”
– Mya Johnson, Neuroscience
Kayak on Rideau Canal. Photo by: Becky Foote
9. Paddle your way on a canoe or a kayak.
Did you know ‘Ontario’ is an Iroquoian word meaning ‘land of shining waters’? There are 500,000 kilometres of lakes, rivers and heritage waterways in Ontario serving as a reminder of how connected we are by water.
Click here for a list of canoeing and kayaking trails in Ontario.
10. Spend time with family in nature.
“I love being outside and so does my son (age 4). Nature is our happy place and no matter how much we drive each other crazy during the day, when we’re outside exploring trails (like this one on the Rideau River earlier this week), we are best buds. And he makes me the best hand-picked dandelion bouquets!”
– Lisa Valenta, Applied Linguistics (ALDS)
Taking time to enjoy nature with family is one way to foster environmental stewardship. By exploring the natural world together, it can foster a greater sense of connection with the environment by connecting children and families to a world of exploration. From nature hikes, camping, to bird watching, there are many nature-based activities you can take part in together. Being in the natural world teaches us how interconnected we all are, as we breathe the same air, drink the same water, and the food we eat has been shared by many others. Our world is interconnected, and as part of this system, we have a responsibility for each other and the natural world around us.
Wednesday, August 5, 2020 in General, News, Sustainability Tip
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