re·new·al – the state of being made new, fresh, or strong again
As we wind down the holiday season and enter the New Year, the sense of renewal is in the air. It’s a great time to take a moment, go outside into nature, breathe deeply, and enjoy the spirit the New Year brings. How would you like to renew in 2020?
As we each ponder our thoughts and plans for the upcoming year, LPFW would like to take this time to plant a small seed for our beloved Los Padres National Forest, the Carrizo Plain National Monument, and all public lands along the Central Coast. Why?
- Nature heals – Being in nature reduces anger, fear, and stress and increases pleasant feelings. Exposure to nature not only makes you feel better emotionally, it contributes to your physical well-being, reducing blood pressure, heart rate, muscle tension, and the production of stress hormones.
- Nature soothes – Nature helps us cope with pain and discomfort. Because we are genetically programmed to find trees, plants, water, and other nature elements engrossing, we are absorbed by the nature scenes and distracted from our pain and discomfort.
- Nature restores – Time spent in nature is associated with a positive mood, and psychological well-being, meaningfulness, and vitality. It can also increase our ability to pay attention and provide a respite for out overactive minds, refreshing us for new tasks.
- Nature connects – Nature inspires feelings that connects us to each other, our environments, and the larger world, building a strong sense of community and belonging.
In that spirit of nature and renewal, please consider how you might make a difference in your own backyard this year. Here’s some simple ways you can help:
- Volunteer – Volunteers are the backbone of ForestWatch. Opportunities include field work and habitat restoration, event support, and special projects. To volunteer, email us at volunteer@LPFW.org or you can sign up to receive emails about upcoming opportunities by clicking here.
- Stay Connected – Sign up for monthly email alerts here or by texting “LPFW” to 22828 and wait for the prompt to enter your email address. You can also find us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram where we post updates more frequently.
- Renew Your Membership – If you haven’t already done so, please consider renewing your annual Membership, or becoming a Monthly Sustainer. Your support will allow us to continue our crucial conservation work
One of our members recently said it best, “The Forest continues to make me feel better each time I step out into it, and I feel like returning the favor…”
If you feel stuck, stressed, or burnt out, nature is the solution.
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