ANN ARBOR – Did you know that spending time in nature can do wonders for your body and mind?
According to the United States Forest Service, studies have shown that being in nature can reduce muscle tension, stress levels and heart rates. Research has also shown that spending time outdoors can increase attention and focus.
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Luckily for those living in the area, Matthaei Botanical Gardens is hosting free guided nature walks through April. The walks take place on select Wednesdays and Sundays, require no registration and are free to the community. They’re also designed for participants of all ages.
Now through mid-March, the guided walks are set to take place inside the garden’s Conservatory. Mid-March through April, the walks will take place outdoors.
Walks on Wednesdays begin at 5:30 p.m. and on Sundays begin at 1 p.m. Participants are asked to gather in the lobby roughly 10 minutes before the walks start.
Here are the upcoming walks dates and themes:
- Wednesday, March 1: Nature Story
- Wednesday, March 8: Biome boundaries
- Sunday, March 12: Magic in the moment
- Wednesday, March 15: Magic in the moment
- Wednesday, March 22: Spring/Vernal Equinox
- Sunday, March 26: Nature wakes up from a long winter nap -- trees
- Wednesday, March 29: Nature wakes up from a long winter’s nap -- trees & other plants
- Wednesday, April 5: Nature wakes up -- early spring ephemerals, if up, signs of spring
- Sunday, April 9: Biodiversity
- Wednesday, April 12: Native plants
- Wednesday, April 19: Positive human connections to the planet
- Sunday, April 23: Spring migration, frog and toads
- Wednesday, April 26: Bird migration
- Sunday, April 30: Insect helpers
Matthaei Botanical Gardens is located at 1800 N. Dixboro Rd.
For more information, visit www.mbgna.umich.edu.