Reviving Connection with Mother Earth on Earth Day and Every Day Following:
Sunrise Serenade: Connecting with Nature to Build Resiliency
As the first light of dawn breaks through the horizon, the warmth of your morning beverage kisses your lips while the melodic songs of birds drift through the air. The remnants of vibrant wildflowers stand tall amongst the now lush greenery, offering a glimpse of warmer days to come. Welcome to nature's raw beauty, your guiding force in the face of the gravest political and environmental challenges to wildlife in recent history.
We asked our dedicated conservation experts, who push boundaries to protect wildlife both on the ground, in the courts, and on Capitol Hill, a simple yet powerful question: How are you building resiliency through nature? Their responses are a beacon of hope and serve as a reminder of the simple, yet impactful actions we can take, starting this Earth Day and continuing every day.
Immerse Yourself in the Sensory Delights of Nature
Take a moment to breathe the fresh air, hear the rustling leaves, and feel the sun's gentle kiss on your skin. Engage your senses and let them guide you to moments of peace. Spot those distant mountain peaks, watching as they pierce the azure sky, and listen for the whispers of forest insects as the wind brushes past your ears. Even within the urban jungle, the welcoming songs of migrating birds fill the air, offering a serene escape from the chaos of everyday life.
Activate Your Body for Happiness
With the release of endorphins, dopamine, and serotonin comes a feeling of happiness and a much-needed escape from the doom-scrolling news cycle. Embark on a hiking adventure, whether it's a peaceful walk along the coast or an exhilarating trek through the forest. Explore hidden trails on horseback, create a fun hiking club with friends, or take to the water on a canoe or kayak for a different perspective of the world. No matter your chosen adventure, keep your eyes open for the signs of spring and embrace the feeling of rejuvenation that comes with each step forward.
Alaska Marine Representative, Ragen Davey, finds her peace in the challenge of climbing Mount Denali, the highest peak in North America, adaptable as the journey changes from day to day. But you can also find your adventure in smaller goals, such as exploring new coffee shops, art centers, or businesses hiding in unexpected places.
Expand Your Knowledge
Empower yourself by using technology to identify the creatures and plants that share your world. Snap a photo or record a sound, and watch as you gain knowledge and learn something new. Looking for a hidden gem for wildlife viewing? Use that information to share your findings and inspire others to connect with nature. Photography enthusiast and Rockies and Plains Representative, Kaitie Schneider, finds tranquility in documenting the lives of prairie dogs, marveling at the unity and communication within their communities.
Give Back to Our Home Planet
There's no better feeling than knowing that your actions make a difference. Rally your community to clean up local parks and beaches, leaving them cleaner and more welcoming for wildlife. Provide water sources and create habitats for various critters in your backyard, from birds to insects. Plant native plants to support pollinators, or build a bat house, birdhouse, or pollinator garden to provide much-needed shelter for our flying friends.
** Earth Day **
Embrace this movement to reconnect with nature, and in doing so, protect our planet to ensure that future generations can enjoy and cherish its irreplaceable beauty.
- "Delve into the realm of environmental science as you tend to your home-and-garden, implementing sustainable gardening techniques to nurture native plants and thereby support local pollinators, expanding your knowledge of the interconnectedness of life."
- "In the realm of lifestyle choices, consider embracing an environmental-science approach to your home's design, aiming for practices that minimize your carbon footprint, such as incorporating green spaces, energy-efficient appliances, and renewable resources, fostering a harmonious coexistence with nature."
