Family Activities to Reconnect with Nature on the Florida Trail by Chelsea Collison, Community Outreach Manager
“I go to nature to be soothed and healed and to have my senses put in order,” said American naturalist and nature essayist John Burroughs. For many, getting outdoors is more than just exercise and fresh air. It is a way to reconnect to one’s surroundings, let go of the grind of the daily work day, or practice self reflection. Research has shown that getting outdoors is a safe and effective way to connect with others and reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. Spending time in nature can also act as a balm for our busy brains and even boost memory function! This is true for adults and children alike. Whether you’re new to hiking, introducing a child to the trail for the first time, or are an expert hiker, the following activities include ways to reconnect with nature while using your senses on the Florida Trail.
Create a Sound Map!
A sound map is a great way to focus on sound, tuning in to the detail of a place. A sound map is a visual (sometimes digital) representation of the sounds in a specific location. In this case, it’s recommended you find a shady spot along the 32
Florida Trail Association
Florida Trail, but sound maps can be created anywhere! Sound maps are often used to help people slow down and ground themselves. When the emphasis is taken off the sometimes overwhelming visual surroundings, people are able to more easily tune into the sounds around them. Materials: Pencil or pen Paper or piece of cardboard Surface for writing (notebook, clipboard, tree stump)
could represent a gust of wind, or a musical note could indicate a singing bird. Making simple marks keeps the focus on listening rather than on drawing. Spend 5-10 minutes noting the sounds in your area and add this to your paper. Be still and quiet and really focus on sounds you can hear. 4. After 5-10 minutes, stop and ask yourself (and your partner if you’re doing this in a group) what sounds you heard that you may not have noticed before? Was it easy or difficult to focus just on your sense of hearing while ignoring your other senses? Were you able to identify any of the sounds?
Instructions: 1. Find a shady spot along the trail to have a seat. 2. Draw an X on the center of your paper. The X represents where you are sitting. 3. When you hear a sound, make a mark on the paper to represent the sound. The location of the mark should indicate the direction and distance of the sound from your seat. You don’t need to draw a detailed picture for each sound, just make a simple mark. For example, a few wavy lines FloridaTrail.org
Example of a sound map.
