Connect with Nature - Be Happy

Did you know that scientific studies have shown that connecting with nature can improve your vitality? Yep, kick the stress of highways, work, and hectic schedules and escape for a while in the calm and quiet wonder of nature.

The American Heart Association offers a number of ways to connect with nature and gain these benefits. Just a few ways they offer: "Savor the Scenery", "Wander", and "Meditate on Music".

While exploring nature stop, look and listen. You'll be able to "Meditate on the Music", not Pandora tunes playing on your smart phone. Instead you'll hear the wind rustling leaves, water gurgling streams, and birds calling. But where can you easily explore nature?

Fortunately, Cherry Hill has a network of trails on its Open Space Lands that make it easy to "wander" through nature and "savor the scenery." These trails wind through woods and meadows past century-old trees, and along streams. The ten trail systems and a couple of Pollinator Gardens have been developed and are maintained by the Cherry Hill Environmental Board (CHEB). Find a Cherry Hill Trail by checking out the website: Cherry Hill Trail page. You'll shed the stress and increase your vitality. Try it.

If you find that you really benefit from access to Cherry Hill's Open Spaces, email CHEB's liaison Earle Seneres to learn how to volunteer as a trail ambassador, outreach team member, pollinator garden steward, and/or a trail crew member. Be happier.

Article and photos by Lew Gorman III, Chair, Cherry Hill Environmental Board
Published in Spring 2019 Community Magazine.