By Alie Mayes, Community Science Specialist
It is a long-held tradition to take time around the New Year to reflect on what’s important, to acknowledge accomplishments and to imagine how we can live more closely aligned with our values in the next year. If the outdoors and conservation are important to you, here are a few ways to better connect with nature in 2024.
Track the Changes
As we see more changes in our climate, we also are witnessing changes in related phenomena including bloom time, weather patterns and migration. It is more important than ever to understand these changes. One way you can contribute to this understanding is by participating in community science projects, such as Nature’s Notebook. This project from the USA National Phenology Network asks volunteers to track seasonal timing of various plants and animals. These data points help create long-term records that aid in research and policy making.
If you are interested in a more personal way to learn about and record the seasonal changes around you, consider practicing nature journaling, cross-stitching a phenology wheel or crocheting a temperature blanket.
Ditch the Gym
Getting healthier often make the resolutions list. In 2024, try ditching the gym – at least some of the time – and instead focusing on exercising outside. Time in nature promotes many health benefits, such as reducing stress, lowering blood pressure and boosting your immune system. From hiking to rock climbing, there’s a plethora of nature-based activities that can get your heart rate up and muscles working. You can even start the year off with a First Day Hike at one of 20 Nebraska Game and Parks locations.
But what if you could also be a good nature steward while participating in healthy activities? One way to accomplish this is through plogging, the act of picking up trash while jogging.
Another way to tie-in stewardship action with healthy activity is by participating in one of Nebraska Game and Parks’ kayak clean-up events. These events allow participants of all levels to learn the basics of kayaking while helping to clean up the space where they are recreating. Find a kayak cleanup, hike or other outdoor recreation-based opportunity near you by checking out the Outdoor Calendar throughout the year.
Give Back
There are so many great ways to give back to nature in the new year. Contributing to wildlife research through community science projects is one way. Instilling stewardship action into your daily routine is another. You can also choose to support wildlife research in Nebraska financially by contributing to the Wildlife Conservation Fund, by purchasing Mountain Lion Conservation License Plate to support the Game and Parks Education Fund, or by making a donation to the On Track Program, which purchases Track Chairs to provide people with limited mobility with more ways to enjoy the outdoors.
Another great way to give back to nature is by becoming a Nebraska Master Naturalist. This statewide program recruits, trains and manages naturalist volunteers. Master naturalists gain a network of peers with shared interests and receive unique continuing education experiences focused on nature and conservation. They also are invited to volunteer in a variety of education, stewardship, community science and recreation opportunities around the state. To date, the Nebraska Master Naturalists Program has trained over 680 naturalists that have contributed over 100,000 volunteer hours supporting Nebraska’s wildlife and wild spaces.
So for this New Year, get reflective and have fun choosing a few new ways to connect and give back to nature in 2024. You will be glad you did!