Emerging from sub-zero and single digit temps to upper 40s, however, briefly, is a heat wave here in Erie, PA.
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| Typical Erie winter day |
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| WARM Erie winter day - do you see the difference? |
It brings to question "How does one go outside and enjoy nature when it the temperatures are so frigid?" Well, carefully. And we don't stay outside as long as we might like. We wear many layers and proper gear, covering our hands, faces, ears, and neck. The weather certainly doesn't stop our Park visitors! We still see our regular dog walkers, and now snowshoers and cross-country skiiers.
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| Snowshoe tracks |
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| Check out the cleat marks! |
It's great to also find a way to enjoy being outdoors in the winter because of the various other ways to spy the wildlife.
If we are leaving these amazing tracks in the snow, think what tracks the rabbits, deer, mice, and birds are leaving...
Children love to be outside year round. I ran across an interesting blog today about risk aversity in nature. Essentially, well-meaning guardians protecting their children from nature because it may hurt them. Yet humans NEED their time in nature. Time to relax. Reconnect. Enjoy time unplugged from the fast paced world that awaits us 24 hours a day. Check out the
article here.
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| My snowman greeting visitors at the bridge |
If adults need this unplugged nature time, what must our children need?
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| The blue sky was mesmerizing today |
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| I could see Mill Creek's water running openly! |
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| Pete made snow angels. He was so happy. |
Not only do kids need unplugged time (arguably MORE than adults), they need their play time. Unstructured, run-around, be loud, be quiet, explore, play time. What may look like silliness to many adults is hard work for kids. They are constantly learning and adding more information to their brain about what is happening around them. This play time, for all children, not just toddlers, is essential to their healthy growth.
It may be difficult for some, but it is imperative to let and encourage our children to enjoy being outside. Headwaters Park is free to enjoy to the public, as many parks in Erie and across the States are. If you do not have nature out your back door, find a park and try it out!
