The Ontario government and Ontario Parks are challenging people across the province to spend more time in nature and develop new healthy habits. The Ontario Parks 30×30 Nature Challenge encourages people to spend at least 30 minutes per day in nature for 30 days. This year’s challenge begins in August.
The challenge is intended to help Canadians develop and maintain 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 30×30 Nature Challenge doesn’t have to take a lot of time and planning. There are provincial parks all across Ontario. Green space can be as close as local parks, gardens, local trails and beaches.
Here are some of the ways participants can get outside for the 30×30 Challenge this August:
Attend 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.
Ontario Provincial Parks 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 30×30 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.
source: Ontario Ministery of Natural Resources and Forestry