Reconnecting with Nature: The Need for Outdoor Exploration in an Urban World

A selection of this writing was published in the August 2024 issue of Springfield Neighbors II Magazine: Page 12

When I am among the trees, especially the willows and the honey locust, equally the beech, the oaks and the pines, they give off such hints of gladness. I would almost say that they save me, and daily. 

– Mary Oliver from When I am Among the Trees

I have spent a lifetime outdoors and it’s hard to put into words the effect being in the wild can have on an individual. I have had numerous experiences that have had profound impacts on my life and have shaped me into the individual I am today. I have formed bonds with family and friends. I have created memories to last ages. The sights, sounds, and smells of nature elicit a visceral feeling; the natural harmony produced gives you connection and purpose, while the sheer magnitude and intense forces show you are, at times, insignificant. 

Hiking has countless physical health benefits including reducing cholesterol, lowering blood pressure, and decreasing the risk of diabetes. In addition, hiking builds muscle and improves cardiovascular performance, 

Beyond the obvious benefits exercise has to our overall physical health, there are numerous studies that show measurable improvements to our mental and emotional wellbeing. Evenmore, studies show, adding nature to the mix compounds those benefits. 

Gaining access to natural areas, however, can seem impossible. Delaware County is the 5th most populous county in the state while being the third smallest in total area, so the opportunities to get outdoors may seem limited. 

According to the World Bank, 56% of the world’s population reside in urban areas with that increasing to 70% by 2050. As a result of urbanization, we are decreasing our contact with nature and increasing our time inside surrounded by electronics and becoming progressively sedentary.

The Stanford Report says residents of urban areas have a 20% greater risk of anxiety disorders and a 40% greater risk of mood disorders compared to those who live in rural areas. 

So how do we access the outdoors while residing in one of the largest metropolitan areas in the country? 

These perceived barriers to nature are limited only by your imagination. In addition to the numerous local and county parks, the county is home to the 2,600 acre Ridley Creek State Park which includes over 13 miles of hiking trails. Delco is also home to Hiking Hound Adventures, LLC which offers outdoor education and gear rentals to instill people with confidence, ensuring that outdoor exploration is inclusive, attainable, and enriching for all. When reflecting on the importance of time in the natural world, I believe Edward Abbey said it best: “Wilderness is not a luxury but a necessity of the human spirit.”