Each month the Earth Care team organizes and leads a nature walk. These are not fitness hikes, but leisurely walks that accommodate participants of all ages to foster a more deliberate and attentive connection with our natural world. Scientific studies have repeatedly confirmed that nature is restorative! After being in nature, we become more relaxed, more open and friendly, more creative with better memory and concentration. Nature lowers blood pressure, reduces stress, and bolsters our immune system. Indeed, the health industry's agenda now increasingly includes Rx prescriptions for nature walks! 

Over the past few years, our 2-3 mile monthly outings have included bird walks along wetlands and bay shores, wildflower walks, and walks along trails in nearby State and County Parks. Several of our monthly walks have embraced the Japanese tradition of shinrin-yoku ("forest bathing”). Shinrin-yoku offers a series of intentionally guided exercises designed to help walkers absorb nature through all five senses.