Welcome to Wander Wednesday where we explore destinations where you can deepen your connection to nature.
Winter is a wonderful time to explore Florida. While the weather is nice, head south for a day trip to Everglades National Park, the largest subtropical wilderness in the United States. With a variety of ways to explore – by foot, bike or tram - this is a perfect place for people of all ages to experience nature and its healing benefits. Contrary to the name, alligators are the stars of Shark Valley, a family-friendly destination that serves as a great introduction to Everglades National Park. This sprawling landscape is teeming with a variety of flora and fauna. Located 25 miles west of the Florida Turnpike, the Shark Valley Visitor Center offers educational displays including a short informational video, gift shop, nature trails and restrooms. A great way to learn about this biodiverse ecosystem is to sit back, relax, and enjoy a tram tour led by a trained naturalist. The tram goes to the observation tower and back (about two hours) and is available every hour from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. ($27/adults, $21/seniors, $14/children, free for children 2 and under). Tours are operating at less than 50 percent capacity to provide for social distancing. Due to reduced capacity, booking ahead is STRONGLY recommended. Visit SharkValleyTramTours.com or if online registrations have closed, call the reservation line to check tour availability and make your reservations, (305) 221-8455. Be sure to arrive at least 30 minutes prior to scheduled tour time. Do the 15-mile loop at your own pace: rent a bike ($20/per day, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., first come, first served) or BYOB - bring your own bike and experience the ‘Glades up close and personal. The road is well paved and suitable for most bikes. Biking is a great option for photographers and birders! Weekdays are the ideal time to visit, but if you must go on the weekend, get there early; the parking lot fills up quickly. An alternative option is to park outside the gate and walk or ride your bike in. The cooler months are the best time to visit the Everglades; in the summer, go early in the morning or late in the afternoon and stay hydrated! Sun protection is a must any time of year. However you decide to explore the Everglades, be sure to take time to pause and truly take it all in. Shark Valley Visitor Center Everglades National Park 36000 S.W. 8th Street, Miami Entrance fee: $30/vehicle, good for one week, or buy an annual pass for $55 Face masks are required in all federal buildings and federal lands Plan your visit at NPS.gov/Ever About the Author Kelly Bruce is a Certified Nature and Forest Therapy Guide/Trail Consultant and the founder of Natural Wanders. She leads forest bathing and nature therapy walks in the Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountains of Western North Carolina. Subscribe to her e-newsletter for more inspiration from nature and to learn about upcoming walks, workshops and retreats. Each Wednesday, she’ll provide inspiration to help you wander into wellness, naturally. In the meantime, follow along on Instagram and Facebook. Photography by Kelly Bruce.
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I don't know about you, but I really miss hugs (and concerts, sporting events and carefree living in general, if I'm being honest). The pandemic has made it really difficult to connect with people outside of our own bubble. I miss the smiles that are now hidden under our masks. While I understand and fully endorse/appreciate the importance of these health safety measures, I can't help but notice how disconnected we all are these days. Fortunately, I have two solutions:
1. Hug a tree Hugging trees is not just for hippies! When we give a hug, we get a boost in oxytocin and dopamine, our connection and feel-good hormones. It doesn't matter whether it's another human or a tree. Feeling shy? You can improve your health by simply immersing yourself in the forest atmosphere. All you have to do is breathe. Trees emit phytoncides, a volatile organic compound that protects them from disease and parasites. When humans breathe in these tree aerosols, it boosts our natural killer or NK cells, a type of white blood cell that helps boost immunity and fight disease. How cool is that?! There's also a beautiful element of reciprocity regarding our relationship to trees and plants. We breathe in the oxygen the trees emit, then we exhale the carbon dioxide that the trees need. Just being in the forest and breathing creates a mutually beneficial relationship. 2. Go on a forest bathing walk Sometimes you have to disconnect to reconnect. I truly believe that the great outdoors are the saving grace of this pandemic. Nature helps improve mental and physical health - there's heaps of research to back this up. If you're craving community, join one of our public walks. We'll put down our phones, tune into nature, and bear witness to each other's unique experience. This group walk includes opportunities to discuss what we're noticing and culminates in a tea ceremony - socially distanced, of course. We'll sit down and share a cup of tea together and continue the conversation. Throughout this experience, we are connecting not only to the land, but to each other and ourselves. Remotely guided or virtual walks offer the same components as an in-person experience, but provide the opportunity to connect with the global community. These walks are conducted via Zoom, but the idea is to wander in your own yard or a local park. This is a great activity for families and friends who are separated geographically to connect through a shared experience. Learn more about our virtual and in-person experiences. Tree hugs and kisses! xoxo Kelly About the Author Kelly Bruce is a Certified Nature and Forest Therapy Guide/Trail Consultant and the founder of Natural Wanders. She leads forest bathing and nature therapy walks in the Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountains of Western North Carolina. Subscribe to her e-newsletter for more inspiration from nature and to learn about upcoming walks, workshops and retreats. Each Wednesday, she’ll provide inspiration to help you wander into wellness, naturally. In the meantime, follow along on Instagram and Facebook. Photography by @zailaffitte. This year, I want to turn Valentine’s Day on its head. Forget about cupid, candy and flowers. It’s time to show yourself some love. I’m not talking about brunch or a bubble bath. I want to encourage you to do something that truly fills your heart with joy and brings peace to your life. It doesn’t matter if you’re single or in a relationship… it’s time to find your own individual spark and love yourself unconditionally.
What makes your heart sing? Make time this week to explore this idea, then set a date with yourself. Maybe it’s a paddle on your favorite lake or river, a stroll through a botanical garden, birdwatching in a nature preserve, a bike ride on a scenic trail… these are just a few examples to get the juices flowing, but the sky is the limit! For me, it’s dipping my toes in the ocean, maybe finding some sea glass or pretty shells as I stroll along the beach. It's not a brisk walk for fitness, this is a leisurely wander where I breathe in the salty air, let the rolling waves soothe my soul, maybe watch the sun rise or set. Before I part, I’ll pick up some litter, a little token of reciprocity and love to return to Mother Earth. Need some inspiration? Join me for a remotely guided nature therapy experience at 10 a.m. Eastern on Sunday, Feb. 14 where we’ll focus on self-love and self-care. Indulge in this restorative sensory experience, live via Zoom. This heart-centered approach to forest bathing supports overall wellbeing and cultural repair by fostering a deeper relationship with the earth, yourself and the global community. Join from the comfort of your own yard or living room as your guide broadcasts live from the restorative Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. The experience culminates in a virtual tea ceremony. Detailed instructions provided upon registration. Register here, then click on Virtual Forest Bathing and Nature Therapy. Suggested donation: $20. This practice is available to everyone, regardless of economic status. Pay what you can afford. If you're facing financial hardship, email [email protected] to request a full scholarship. If you're a health care provider or veteran, I thank you for your service. Email [email protected] for your complimentary promo code. About the Author Kelly Bruce is a Certified Nature and Forest Therapy Guide/Trail Consultant and the founder of Natural Wanders. She leads forest bathing and nature therapy walks in the Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountains of Western North Carolina. Subscribe to her e-newsletter for more inspiration from nature and to learn about upcoming walks, workshops and retreats. Each Wednesday, she’ll provide inspiration to help you wander into wellness, naturally. In the meantime, follow along on Instagram and Facebook. Photography by @zailaffitte. |
Welcome! I'm Kelly Bruce, a certified nature and forest therapy guide. Read on for inspiration on improving your overall wellbeing, naturally!
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