Usually, “touch grass” is a snarky comment that implies someone has been on their digital device for too long. However, I take it as an imperative! When I put down my phone, go outside, and literally touch grass, I usually feel better afterward. In fact, WPPL has a lot of books about the benefits of spending time in nature. Whether it’s working in a garden, taking a “forest bath,” or simply noticing a pretty moth outside your window, there are many ways to consciously invite the natural world into your life.
Many of us have wondered how much screen time is appropriate for kids (and grown-ups, too). Spending time outdoors is a great option to balance out those digital activities. Here in Ohio, the weather is cooling down, but that just means it’s the perfect time to get outside and appreciate those beautiful fall colors. And when winter arrives, snow brings its own special activities.
If you want to add another active element to your outdoor excursions, learning to identify local plants and animals is an endlessly entertaining and affordable option. If fact, you can borrow a nature guide for free from WPPL! Whether it’s flowers, trees, birds, bugs, or even moss and lichen, you can pick a focus and impress all your friends with your new knowledge—and it’s easier than ever to start, with full-color close up photos at your fingertips. Many people track which plants and animals they’ve seen on the nonprofit site/app called iNaturalist. It’s kind of like collecting Pokémon, but in real life! Building up a library of plants and animals that you’ve found and identified can be very satisfying, and it’s a great incentive to explore the outdoors.
Even around the city and suburban areas, you can find nature if you know where to look. It’s as easy as walking around outside your own home. The Cleveland Metroparks are another good place to start. I hope this blog post encourages you to step outside for a few minutes and reconnect with the natural world. Go touch some grass!
