Outdoors For All

KATIE GRANT

Katie Grant is communications director for the DNR.

Getting outdoors has a profound impact on our mental and physical health. It provides an opportunity to disconnect from the stresses of daily life and connect with something larger than ourselves.

Time spent in nature has been shown to lower blood pressure and improve one’s overall well-being. It is a powerful antidote to the hustle and bustle we may feel in our day-to-day lives. But many experience challenges in accessing the outdoors for various reasons.

In Wisconsin, where spending time outside is an integral part of our identity, it is crucial we ensure the outdoors are open for all, no matter their background or where they are in the state. Everyone should be able to find an adventure they can enjoy, whether that’s birding, hunting, fishing, simply wandering, or anything else in between.

Read on to learn about a few organizations, people and resources that are helping to make it easier for all to enjoy the outdoors. Know of something else we should feature in a future issue? Let us know at dnrmagazine@wisconsin.gov.