Public Lands Make Me Feel More Centered, Mindful and Grounded

Chanté Coleman is the director of equity and justice at the National Wildlife Federation

Do you ever notice that everyone you pass on a trail on public lands is smiling? This is my favorite part of being outdoors and enjoying our public lands — seeing the happiness it brings to everyone around me. And feeling that happiness within me as well. Since I was a kid, I have always dealt with anxiety. I find that when I am enjoying our public lands, it reduces my anxiety and stress levels and I feel more centered, mindful, and grounded.

I’ve spent time exploring large national parks like Acadia, Yosemite, and Everglades where I can spend days surrounded by nature and nothing else. I also recently hiked the Billy Goat Trail near Great Falls, Maryland (as seen in photo). I scrambled over boulders overlooking the Potomac River, which is one of the largest tributaries to the Chesapeake Bay. I used binoculars to look for birds and other wildlife. And I enjoyed time with my hiking companions. This is the time I give myself to be in the present moment, connect with nature, and not think about the stressors of the world. Especially in our new reality, it is important to find the time to, safely, connect with the environment and our public lands.

So many of our country’s parks and public lands written about in these love notes would not exist but for the Land and Water Conservation Fund. It’s why Congress should fund the program permanently. Follow the movement along at #FundLWCF. Learn more here.…………………………………………………………………………………….

Would you like to write about public lands that you cherish? Please email Mary Jo Brooks at brooksm@nwf.org for guidelines.