Couple in the Park, Arles, 1888 by Vincent Van Gogh.
Valentine’s Day is right around the corner. Celebrate love by taking a walk in nature with others and take care of your health at the same time. Medical research from around the world has documented the health benefits of getting out in nature. The Conservation Foundation’s Nature Rx program strives to educate the community and promote the efforts of healthcare facilities, park districts, and forest preserves to engage people with the outdoors and the other living beings that share the places we call home.
Certainly, romantic walks are wonderful – quietly or even silently enjoying each other’s company. You can spend some quality time together, perhaps hand-in-hand. And as nice as it is to do indoors, it is even better outdoors in nature. Why? Because being in nature can improve your health. And that is why NatureRx was established.
The objectives of NatureRx are:
- Improve the physical and mental health of our communities through interaction with nature.
- Improve access to public open space for populations who use parks and forest preserves infrequently.
- Establish collaboration between healthcare facilities, parks, and forest preserves to promote nature therapy and outdoor activities to their constituents.
- Identify new ideas and approaches to promote health and reduce medical expenses.
And taking a walk is a joyous way to interact with nature, get some health benefits, and appreciate the connection between nature and love. You’ll be glad you did.
And on a final note, we leave you with a short poem on the timeless connection between love and nature.
In spring the daffodils bloom
– but not the same daffodils.
And lovers walk in the park
– but not the same lovers.
Peter Gandy
Ready to work for land conservation and provide some romance? Well, land conservation is what The Conservation Foundation does every day. We can all do more together than we can alone. Join our collective momentum – become a member today!
Feel free to comment on this blog with additional ideas you have on your love for conservation. See the The Conservation Foundation’s NatureRx program for more information.
By Steve Stawarz, Oak Brook
DuPage County Advisory Council Member