Urban Life

Our lives are lived in cities. So, I believe that it is estimated that by the year 2050, two-thirds of the world’s population will live in urban areas. As numbers and our populations grow, we need parks, greenways, and trails to help us stay healthy. As we know in today’s society, many individuals spend most of their time indoors, and technology has even made it possible to go outside without going outside. Video games and virtual reality allow us to enjoy nature experiences from the comfort of our couches, but this is not a substitute for the real thing.

Do you like to play outside, or love ourdoor living? Well, if you do, it’s perfect for your life.

Outdoor recreation is the pursuit of any activity which takes place in the great outdoors. Nature is fantastic, and it’s terrific for you to get outside and enjoy it! However, there are many benefits to outdoor recreation that you may not know about.

Here are just a few!

A study by the CDC shows that maintaining a regular schedule of outdoor recreation can increase healthy longevity by as much as 7.4 years!

According to a study by two UC graduates, people who engage in “green exercise” (outdoor recreation) are less likely to suffer from serious health complications like heart disease, arthritis, or cancer than those who do not.

The outdoor recreation activity has been shown to positively affect just about every primary organ system in the human body!

Note Some benefits on how outdoor recreation may be beneficial to staying healthy and reducing stress.

– Reducing the risk of chronic disease

– Boosting energy levels and improving sleep

– Preserving memory function

So, what are you waiting for?

So, with the three mentioned above, touch on a few of the many benefits that spending time outside can provide. 

There are no longer reasons to wonder why? So many people spend their weekends at state parks, walking trails, or just camping in their backyards. 

Nature is something we all need to stay healthy. Though the idea of getting outside may not seem urgent, it’s essential to realize what we are missing when we don’t spend time in nature.

In addition to these benefits, nature is something that most everyone enjoys.

According to a National Sporting Goods Association survey, 96% of Americans report participating in outdoor activities at least once every month.

This number is most likely even more significant for individuals under the age of 24.

Ninety-nine percent report that they participate in outdoor recreation sometime during the year, showing just how important it is to our youth.

The question isn’t whether or not we can afford to visit state parks and get our nature fixed.

It’s the question, can we afford not to?

According to several scientific studies over the decades, people who live closer to urban green spaces felt happier and less stressed than those who did not.

Even more surprising is that these benefits were felt regardless of socioeconomic status, which means anyone may enjoy these benefits, not just privileged ones.

So, let’s get out there and have some fun while enjoying nature!

Wake County’s newest park opens!

Take a Look!

Wake County opens 536-acre Nature Preserve!

The 563-acre Sandy Pines Preserve is the largest single tract of land owned by Wake County Parks, Recreation, and Open Space, the county department that oversees Raleigh’s parks system.

The nature preserve will offer walking and equestrian trail.

Sandy Pines offers 6.5 miles of walking and equestrian trails that run through various habitats, including pine forests, creeks, ponds, and open fields. 

However, before visiting, note: There are no restrooms or water fountains at the preserve.

When can I visit?

The preserve is scheduled to be open on Saturdays and Sundays only now through March 31, 2022, and

From April 1 to August 31, 2022, the preserve will be open between the hours of 8 a.m. and sunset, seven days a week.

The park is located at 7201 Doc Proctor Road in Wendell.

What makes the park unique is its equestrian-friendly trails.

Only two other parks in the county — the American Tobacco Trail and Umstead State Park — allow public riding.

wakegov.com

One of Raleigh’s largest nature preserves.

Wendell is a town in northern Wake County, North Carolina, United States. It is located between Raleigh and the county seat at Raleigh. As of the 2020 censuses, Wendell had a population of 10,135. With a significant growth range from 2015 when the population was 6,733, according to town estimates.

Wendell’s motto is “small-town warmth and big-time sophistication.”

The park opened on Saturday, October 23, 2021, after years of planning and fundraising. This will be a gorgeous addition to Wake County, The Town of Wendell, The city of Raleigh, NC, and surrounding areas.

Largest Southern County Park, Enjoy!

Trails and open spaces help keep our city green and provide an escape from the concrete jungle. These beautiful preserves, county parks, and greenway trails allow us all to connect with nature in a way that we may never have had the opportunity to before.

So, many things our bodies need for health may be found in the great outdoors, so keep exploring! 

And Enjoy!