News Release
Ontario Launches Challenge to Spend More Time in Nature
Time Spent in Natural Settings Has Positive Impact on Mental and Physical Health
July 25, 2016 11:00 A.M.
The Ontario government and Ontario Parks are challenging people across the province to spend more time in nature and develop new healthy habits.
Inspired by the David Suzuki Foundation's 30x30 Challenge, the Ontario Parks 30x30 Nature Challenge encourages people to spend at least 30 minutes per day in nature for 30 days. This year's challenge begins in August.
Spending time outside each day will help to form a beneficial new habit that supports a healthy lifestyle. Research shows that interacting with nature is good for both physical and mental health, from reducing stress and strengthening the immune system to reducing the risk of certain types of cancer and lowering blood pressure.
The 30x30 Nature Challenge doesn't have to take a lot of time and planning. Nature isn't that far away - there are provincial parks all across Ontario. But it's also right in your backyard. Green space can be as close as your neighbourhood park or garden. You can check out local trails and beaches, too - they may even lie along your daily route.
If you're looking for a change of scenery, the Ontario Parks locator tool makes it easy to find a provincial park nearby. Enjoy hiking, biking, paddling and lots of outdoor programmes.
Here are just some of the ways you can get outside for the 30x30 Challenge this August:
- Bring your family to the Learn to Fish event at Balsam Lake.
- Perfect your howl at Algonquin's wolf howls.
- Take a guided ghost walk at Bronte Creek.
- Learn some kayak basics at Frontenac.
- Become a citizen scientist by participating in the Summer Loon Count at Killarney.
- Go stargazing at Halfway Lake's Star Party, hosted by the Sudbury Astronomy Club.
Finding more time for nature is easy and it can really pay off when it comes to your health!
Quick Facts
- There are more than 330 provincial parks in Ontario, perfect for fun and healthy activities.
- Ontario Parks supports the link between a healthy environment and healthy society through Healthy Parks, Healthy People and the 30x30 Challenge.
- The Healthy Parks Healthy People movement evolved from the international Health Parks, Healthy People Congress in 2010. Its goal is to maintain global momentum towards better understanding the links between nature and human health.
- In 2015, Ontario’s provincial parks received more than 9.8 million visits from people around the world and brought in over $80 million in revenue, which supports jobs and businesses across the province.
Additional Resources
Quotes
“Spending time in one of Ontario’s beautiful provincial parks is a wonderful way to connect with nature and stay healthy. But there are also many natural settings in your own neighbourhood. I encourage all Ontarians to get out to any natural setting and to take up the 30x30 Nature challenge.”
Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry
How is Your Trails Committee Doing?
In the fall of 2015 the Ontario Trails Coordinating Committee endorsed the Ontario Trails Implementation Strategy. On of the action plan items was to assess and better understand how the province and the OTC could support Regional Trail Committees.
Over the past 20 years communities have used RTC's to reduce conflict, find resources and advance trails
TAKE THE SURVEY!
With over 50 committees operating throughout Ontario, many started or supported by the efforts of the OTC, we want to know how you are doing. We believe that trail committees bring the best people together to manage trails!We also want to support your community work, recognize it and get supports for it. From members, local government and the province.
SHARE THE SURVEY!Please send the link to a committee, or a group that works on trails. If they don't have a process to manage trails we'll help get them started.
If you are a group that doesn't have a committee, or has one that could function better give the OTC a call. 613-484-1140
Partnerships always welcome at Ontario Trails!
Our Partnership is just the beginning! We thank you for becoming a partner, here are some of the benefits that are now yours -Great Benefits!
Access to insurance, trail insurance and other services from CAPRI.
Advocacy Information
Your voice in Toronto, in your town and city, and in Ottawa, representing you on issues that matter to you. Trail Legislation, Landowner Rights, Best Practices, Funding and Grant Programs.
Latest Information for Having Your Best Trail
Partners can access the latest information to learn more about healthy living, trail planning, trail protection and managing your trail. OTC members get access to E-newsletter and programs like the Trillium Trail Network.
Community Events & Services
Get involved with one of our 200+ partners across Ontario and join the many volunteers making a difference in your community. We'll promote and list your contribution at no charge.
Planning and Development
We'll get your community to support you! We'll get your community leaders to fund you. If we don't we'll assist in writing grants (for a fee) to get you the money you need to develop the trails you want.
Trail Management Services
We'll help you develop a Regional Trails Council, Incorporate, we provide governance guidance and education to staff and volunteer. We'll help you define projects, secure funds, and we'll bring other knowledge experts in to assist you!
"Trailhead" Brand Conferences and Meetings
We'll help you plan, invite, secure and present, on your trails! Use the power of our network to bring experts to your community, where your leaders can learn about latest practices, trail successes and opportunities. - From 40-140 people, we bring media and marketing of your work home to you! Investment Required, OTC Earnings and Return on Revenue Offered.
PLUS! Award-winning WEBSITE Marketing
The Ontario Trails Council lists you, your trails, and your latest events, news about your work. Our award winning website gets people to Ontario Trails better - than just stand alone sites!
