Stop and smell the roses. 

This old adage carries a lot of wisdom. Many people living in or visiting Northwest Colorado know the importance and health benefits associated with spending time outside. They do so through activities like biking, running, boating and skiing/snowboarding

While all of these activities offer myriad positive health benefits for most people, the objective is to go as fast as possible. Not everyone is aware that it is just as important to spend “slow” time outside.

Taking time to be in nature, connect to your surroundings, and observe natural landscapes is just as critical to our physical and mental well-being. Research shows that even short periods of quiet time in nature can reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and improve overall health.

With people spending more and more time indoors and online, reconnecting with the natural world is essential not only for individual health, but also for building a community of environmental stewards dedicated to protecting our shared landscapes. Organizations like Yampatika, whose mission is “to inspire environmental stewardship through education” make this connection possible by offering programs that help people of all ages experience the outdoors by taking time to go slow, observe, and learn.

Numerous studies demonstrate that being in nature reduces cortisol, the hormone most commonly associated with stress. Taking “slow” time outside has been shown to decrease symptoms of anxiety and depression, sharpen focus, and improve creativity.

Even a short walk through a green space can calm racing thoughts and provide a sense of renewal. For children, outdoor play is especially powerful, boosting confidence and encouraging curiosity. For adults, nature provides respite from busy schedules and digital overload, offering a chance to slow down and re-center.

The physical health benefits of “slow” time outside are equally compelling. Regular exposure to natural light helps regulate sleep cycles and improves Vitamin D levels, which are critical for strong bones and a healthy immune system.

Research even links outdoor time with improved cardiovascular health and a decreased risk of chronic conditions. Unlike a gym session, it’s an enjoyable activity with measurable long-term health rewards.

Equally important is the connection between spending time outside and developing an ethic of environmental stewardship. People who spend time in nature are more likely to value and advocate for the protection of natural landscapes.

This is where Yampatika’s programs play a vital role. By blending education with outdoor experiences, Yampatika helps people connect the dots between personal health, community well-being, and environmental conservation.

Yampatika’s programs are designed for all ages and abilities, from preschoolers discovering the wonders of the forest, to teens building leadership skills on backpacking trips, to adults joining naturalist-led hikes.

These experiences not only provide opportunities to enjoy the health benefits of time outside but also instill a sense of responsibility to care for our shared natural resources. Through hands-on learning and guided exploration, participants leave with a deeper understanding of ecosystems and a stronger connection to the landscapes that sustain us.

In addition to programs that encourage personal growth and wellness, Yampatika fosters collective action.

By participating in programs, volunteering, or supporting conservation efforts, individuals become part of a community committed to protecting Northwest Colorado’s natural resources for generations to come. To learn more about Yampatika’s programming please go to http://www.yampatika.org/programs.

The evidence is clear: time in nature is a prescription for better health—mentally, physically, and emotionally. Yampatika offers the opportunity to fill that prescription while cultivating a culture of stewardship.

Whether it’s a family hike, a school field trip, or an adult naturalist workshop, Yampatika programs provide meaningful ways to step outside, breathe deeply, and be inspired to protect the landscapes we all depend on.

Kristen Jespersen is the executive director of Yampatika.