Fall in love with nature and explore your backyards, local parks and protected areas. It’ll make you happy.

A recent Ipsos Reid poll conducted for the Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) shows that more than 97 percent of Canadians believe that getting outdoors is important to their family’s wellbeing. The new findings complement an earlier poll that found Canadians are happier when they are connected to nature.

We already know about the valuable health benefits — both mental and physical — of getting outside and talking a walk. But recent research gives us more information on how Canadians feel about the importance of nature to their happiness and to their families.

The study tells us:

• 97% of Canadians agree that nature is important to their family’s well-being;

• 90% felt being outdoors in nature is important to their family’s recreational activities;

• 87 % felt  that given the choice, they prefer to spend family time outdoors in nature, rather than indoors.

What better way to spend a day off to explore nature and the great outdoors? Nature is coming alive this time of year with many fun things to do in your backyard or local park. Winter bird identification, exploring the types of trees that will look vastly different in summer, following tracks of animals in the snow or meandering with a casual walk are perfect examples of winter activities that are fun for all ages and offer an exhilarating day, filled with the beauty of nature.

NCC Saskatchewan has so very many great places to visit and enjoy! Consider the southwest with Old Man on His Back Prairie and Heritage Conservation Area, or the beautiful Maymont area just west of Saskatoon, perhaps even a short drive to Fairy Hill, just north of Regina. And we have all the details, too!

Get happy, get outside. Contact your local NCC office for more information on places you can visit with friends and family this family day. Contact us at:  saskatchewan [at] natureconservancy.ca or Toll Free: 1.866.622.7275.Visit:   www.natureconservancy.ca