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 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)

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 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?

When hiking, it’s sometimes hard to resist picking up a perfectly shaped rock, a colorful fallen leaf, or feather laying just across the path. But if you’re following the Leave No Trace principles (as we recommend), you know it’s best to leave what you find so that others can experience the sense of discovery as well. With this activity, you can embrace your collector habits to create a work of art then replace your materials wherever you found them. This activity is a great way to appreciate the visual beauty of nature while tapping into your more creative side. We recommend trying it out at a campsite or picnic table.

Materials:  Found natural objects like sticks, leaves, flowers, acorns (make sure you use objects on the ground and not torn from plants)  Camera or notebook/pencil (optional)

Instructions: 1. Collect your found natural objects from the ground and find a flat surface out of the way of other hikers.

2. Arrange your materials on the surface to make a picture. You could try using your objects to make a face, an animal, or something more abstract. 3. Take a photograph or sketch of your art! Remember this project is a temporary work of art but you can take a picture of it or sketch it in a notebook to help you remember your hike.

4. Do your best to replace your natural materials where you found them. You don’t have to get it exactly right but it’s important to make an effort to protect our trails.

Try bark rubbings!

Have you ever taken the time to appreciate the diversity of trees in Florida? From cypress trees to sabal palms, Florida’s trees have all kinds of bark textures. Understanding the texture of tree bark not only helps form stronger appreciation for plant life but also helps to improve identification skills. This is especially helpful in the North Florida winters when many trees lose their more identifiable leaves. Bark rubbings can be used to explore textures and create works of art but are also used by scientists to record observations and remember features of different species! Materials:  Paper  Crayon (peel the paper off the crayon in advance to avoid littering on the trail)

Instructions: 1. Find a tree trunk at least 4 inches wide, the wider the better.

2. Place your paper flat against the bark of the tree in an area with no branches. Bigger trees are easier to get rubbings. 3. Rub the side of the crayon against the paper until the pattern of the bark is visible on the paper. Make sure to keep the crayon flat against the paper. 4. If you know it, record the name of the tree or shrub on your paper. If not, try using a scientific identification app like iNaturalist to help you identify the tree. 5. Start a notebook to keep track of your bark findings!