New Years Resolution For Nature

New Years resolutions usually revolve around health, giving up soda, losing weight, visiting family more, and the list goes on and on.

But for 2023, I challenge a new type of resolution. Spend more time outside. Sounds simple, but it will take some work. I recommend a goal of 1000 hours outside in 2023. Make the time intentional, a hike, eating outside for lunch or as a family for supper, creating a trail in your own woods. If you normally get your mail when you get home from your car or park at the end of the driveway, change to making it an intentional walk and notice the nature around you.

1000 hours is about 42.5 days. But if you don’t want to spend 42.5 whole days outside, it works out to be about 2 hours and 45 minutes a day. That is definitely more than just the walk to the mailbox. So maybe 1000 hours is not the amount for you. 1000 hours is a common recommendation for children, but set an obtainable goal for yourself.

So, lay on your back count the stars, plant some flower seeds, walk the trails and try to identify animal tracks, plants or birds you see along the way. You will most likely begin to notice better mental health, lower blood pressure, and better stress management the more hours you spend outside

For help tracking your hours and getting ideas go to 1000hoursoutside.com

There is still time to register for two upcoming classes, please call or email Tricia Herr for more information. 765-364-6363 or [email protected]

1. Power of Negotiation and Communication: Land Leasing Strategies for Midwestern Ag Women.

a. Open to all, meals provided at the 4-H Exhibit Hall. Cost is $50 for the 4 week class. Jan 18, Jan 25, Feb 1 & Feb 8 5:30 – 8:30 p.m.

2. Master Gardener Basic Training: 13 week online class for $180

a. Tuesday evenings Feb 7 – May 9 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. and Thursday evenings Feb 9 – May 11 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.

Tricia Herr is the Agriculture and Natural Resources Educator for the Montgomery County Purdue Extension Office. She can be reached at [email protected] .