Just 15 minutes in nature boosts your well-being
Planting trees can create recreation benefits on your own property
Trees and time in nature promote physical and mental well-being; Order trees now for spring planting; Improve forest conditions to protect Lake Huron
Trees are good for the environment and for people, according to Ian Jean, Forestry and Land Stewardship Specialist with Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority (ABCA). Trees and forests contribute to cleaner air and water, can provide sustainable wood products, and also promote physical and mental health, he said.
People plant trees for many different reasons, Ian said.
“Everything from field windbreaks, wildlife habitat, bordering walking trails, to retiring unproductive acres or corners of fields to create private natural areas,” he said.
These tree planting projects help protect and improve our soil and water quality that are so important to agriculture, tourism, and quality of life.
Trees also provide water quality and soil health benefits for Lake Huron.
Spending time in trees and natural areas has been shown to have physical and mental health benefits, according to Ian. Planting trees is one way a local landowner can achieve recreational and physical and mental well-being benefits on their own property.
An article published on January 2, 2025 by Farmtario (‘How even just 15 minutes in nature can boost your wellbeing’), documents how 15 minutes spent around trees and nature can make a big difference in someone's personal well-being. The article says that:
“Spending time outside, particularly in nature, is important because it can help regulate stress, boost mental health, and improve immune function ... But the good news is you don’t need to spend hours outdoors each day to see benefits. Even just 15 minutes a day in nature is enough to boost your mood, concentration and physical health.”
If you have property on which you can plant trees, consider purchasing a tree through a local conservation organization or conservation authority tree order program. If you don’t have room on your property for trees, you can still help to improve forest conditions by donating to tree planting through programs such as Footprints to Forests
Consider purchasing trees, for spring planting from your local conservation organization or conservation authority: