Getting in Touch with Nature

Regardless of where you live, there is likely somewhere relatively nearby that can offer you an outdoor experience. Finding a location is usually a matter of looking for somewhere that reaches you on a personal level, and once you have picked a place you can start preparing. Getting ready for a nature walk generally consists of making sure you know your general route, such as the names of trails and the location of landmarks, come prepared with plenty of water and, on longer hikes, food or energy bars, and then knowing any potential hazards you might encounter, from poison oak to dangerous animals or terrain. Keeping a simple first aid kit in your pack and a twenty ounce bottle of water for every five miles is generally a good idea.

Once you’re ready to go, simply start walking. On a short hike, you can go at virtually whatever speed you want, but on longer hikes (such as walks that exceed five or six miles) it may be important to pace yourself. Nothing is worse than following a looping trail and realizing the last half mile is a steep uphill once you’ve jogged most of it.

It is also important to remember a basic rule – take only photographs, leave only footprints. Try not to leave any trash behind, and if you must take something for a good reason (if you are studying a certain plant, for example) make sure that you are allowed to take it and if so only a small amount. For example, tampering with California poppies is illegal, since they are the state flower, and rangers that catch people taking them can subject them to a fine. Being respectful of your environment and other hikers is a good way to make sure everyone can enjoy nature’s gifts.