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“I go to nature to be soothed and healed, and have my senses put in order.”

John Burroughs, a leader in the early conservation movement, an American essayist, and a naturalist, wrote those words over one hundred years ago. Today, scientists and environmentalists are rediscovering this idea of “nature therapy.”

A walk in the woods provides more than fresh air and exercise. It can give us a sense of comfort and restore our mood. This type of nature therapy aims to bring the healing energy of nature into ourselves, in every way, through all of our senses.

The last several weeks have been incredibly difficult for our community. In these trying times, I encourage you to try nature therapy, in whatever form works best for you. Go for a walk at the Still Pond Preserve. Listen to the spring peepers at the Browne Preserve as they emerge from their winter slumber. Enjoy the warmth of the sunlight as it gives new life to the meadow at the Colhoun Preserve. I hope these experiences provide you with a sense of comfort and rejuvenation, as they do for me.

With this first day of spring comes hope for better days ahead. In the coming weeks, we plan for artists to install sculptures at six land trust properties as part of the New Canaan Sculpture Trail. Plus, a sculpture will be placed in front of New Canaan Town Hall, and another in the Carriage Barn Art Center’s courtyard. The sculptures will be on view through July, and are a perfect outing to enjoy while practicing ‘social distancing’. NCLT will also continue making headway on two potential gifts of land, and preparing for a summer full of land stewardship projects.

Much of New Canaan may be closed, but nature is open.

I wish you and your families good health and wellness.

Regards,

Tom Cronin
Board President
New Canaan Land Trust