Shared by Rachel Blevins, as Guest Blogger.

While the term “connection” has an entirely new meaning lately, it could not be more relevant or significant. As we are all practicing social distancing, it seems as if our daily patterns and routines have been thrown off kilter. And while those stir crazy and cabin fever feelings can be overwhelming, spending time outdoors in the fresh air can do wonders.

Discovery and exploration in nature not only takes our minds off of life’s worries but it reminds us about connections – both in nature and the connections with our friends and families. Everything and everyone is connected in some way, whether it is quite literally the food chain in an ecosystem or a hobby or favorite band. Nature has a funny way of highlighting these connections and bringing everyone together.

And so while we’re all socially distant, let’s get connected with nature. Here is my (Ranger Rachel) challenge for you: Pick and 8 foot by 8 foot area in your backyard or park and simply spend 15 minutes exploring and observing this area. Make a list of or draw what you found. Were there any animal signs? How many different colors or shapes are there? Any critters crawling around?

 

Findings from my Social Distancing Discovery Challenge

I picked an area near Stock Creek here at the park. At first glance, it looks pretty bland – mostly decaying leaves from last fall. But as I got a closer look, I discovered so much more.

This is Ranger Rachel's selected 8' x 8' area.

 

Getting a closer look…

 

Spring Beauties – a classic woodland wildflower emerging from the leaf litter.

 

Leaf shapes – some were smooth while others were sharp and jagged like teeth

 

 

The leaf litter – look at how many different shades of brown there are.

And some leaves are unique designs in them. What made those holes?

 

Moss – some were a dark green while another was a vibrant green. With a closer look, the details show how delicate it is.

 

Fresh new growth beneath the leaf litter. A reminder that color with surely return to the forest.

 

 

A flower from the maple tree above was reddish pink.

 

Another seed nearby was dull in color but had a unique and fuzzy texture.

 

Earthworm – nature’s decomposer. Keeping our soil healthy to give way to new plant growth

 

And after I observed my findings, I realized one would not be there without the other. Almost like a game of Jenga – if you removed the one supporting piece, the tower would collapse. What would I have found if there weren’t any earthworms to decompose and keep our soil healthy and rich?

It’s truly amazing how everything around us is connected. Not only in nature but in our own lives. Think about all of those connections you have – friends, families, neighbors, even strangers in which you share common interest. Indirectly, we’re all connected and it is during current events like this that we realize how much we depend on one another, sort of like an ecosystem.

All of life’s connections are like a spider web, holding us safe and secure in place. These connections are what make us feel reassured and safe. And so I encourage you to enjoy all that nature offers – explore often and be reminded of how everything and everyone is connected.