In Pursuit of Nature: 'Unlock the outdoors using free resources'
"In Pursuit of Nature" writer Michael Williams is a retired educator and Master Naturalist.
Is it possible to enjoy nature in the heat of summer? The changes of fall? The frigid winter? With the temperatures changing faster than most can remember, it is impossible to acclimate to the temps outside.
Eight inches of snow, followed by 60 degrees — how does one's body get used to that?
An old saying goes: "There is no such thing as bad weather, just inadequate clothing.” With that said, let's get outside.
Walking in a natural setting has been proven over and over again to reduce stress and anxiety, and improve mood. Yet, some folks are fearful of what is out there. Critters, both large and small, have people worried about everything from Lyme disease to bear attacks, strangers to isolation, extreme cold to intense heat.
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How can one enjoy if one is uncomfortable or afraid? The answer lies within education and the opportunity to learn with resources that fit with the situation. One also needs the environment in which to seek out the wonders of the world without having to worry about getting run over or too much noise pollution.
Experiencing the outdoors is great but having “friends" to accompany you is better. Being able to recognize plants, trees, birds, bugs, clouds, stars, rocks, will turn a remote trail into a party with old friends. If this sounds like an impossibility, let me offer you some opportunities to learn about the fauna and flora of our area:
1. First Day Hikes at Claytor Lake State Park, Jan. 1, led by Master Naturalists including myself and park staff. Free, both the hikes and entrance to the park.
2. We are trying to put together a class to introduce the public to the natural world, free of charge. It could meet once a week and combine indoor and outdoor classes in Floyd.
3. The Jessie Peterman Memorial Library — Its collection of nature-related books is outstanding.
4. If you possess an iPhone, the apps “Merlin,” “Seek,” and “Audubon” are available, also for free.
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5. You can also contact me, as a retired educator/land steward, to take you and friends/family on hikes within Floyd, and also in the surrounding area to share the richness of our environment. Also free.
Goals for beginners:
- Learning the names of 10 trees from their twigs.
- Identifying five birds from their songs.
- Predicting future weather by the clouds.
- Identifying five mammals from the tracks and signs they leave in their wake.
- Learning directions from the stars, including some Greek mythology.
- Using the apps on your phone to become your own naturalist.
- Distinguishing edible and medicinal plants.
The possibilities are endless and include groups you can join locally and network with. As Frank Lloyd Wright said, "Love Nature. Learn Nature. Stay close to Nature. It will never fail you."
I look forward to meeting you in the outdoors! Look for me with my pooch, Coco.
"In Pursuit of Nature" writer Michael Williams is a retired educator and Master Naturalist. Contact him by emailing miwilli6@vt.edu.