Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge
One of my favorite things to do is walk. Walking has a pace and rhythm that allows for observation, contemplation, and breath. It is an important part of my creative process and a favorite family activity in all seasons.
These pictures are from a recent hike in the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge, a 14,000-acre corridor of land and water located along the Minnesota River. The refuge runs through urban, rural and industrial areas while providing habitat for a variety of birds and other wildlife and access to a public, natural environment for nearly 3 million people living nearby.
Nature Walks: Two Favorite Things
I’m not the only fan of walking. From the ancient Greeks to the present day, writers, artists and philosophers have given props to the benefits of walking – particularly in nature. From Henry David Thoreau’s famous essay “Walking” to Fredrich Nietzsche’s assertion that, “All truly great thoughts are conceived while walking,” there is a rich history of walking enthusiasts.
Turns out there’s something to it all. In the article, “Why Walking Helps Us Think,” Ferris Jabr details ways that walking stimulates brain health by increasing blood and oxygen flow to the brain as well as improving memory function and connections between brain cells. (Article linked below)
continue reading
