Leo Tolstoy once said, “Spring is the time of plans and projects.” Aren’t we all familiar with that feeling of spring fever? That need to get outside to work and play? At Wilderness Inquiry springtime is when we start gearing up for another amazing season of bringing people together in the wilderness. But sometimes, things don’t go according to plan. Right now the needs of others and the greater good of our human community means we have to get creative with our ‘plans and projects’ – turning them into online resources.
The connection between humans and nature is such a fundamental part of life. It’s especially important during times when our hopes and lives are faced with great challenges. At WI, we strive to build opportunities for all people. Regardless of backgrounds or abilities, we want everyone to experience this connection.
Since we can’t spend time with all of you in nature together right now, our team has been getting creative! We’ve been working to create new projects and online content designed to help inspire you to find new ways to connect with the natural world. Check out what’s available here: https://www.wildernessinquiry.org/online-learning/
Our online content is a great place to start, but don’t let your creativity and curiosity stop there! There are lots of ways to safely engage with nature while practicing physical distancing. Our staff have been busy doing this through a variety of creative endeavors. From hikes to home videos, birdwatching to art, see what our staff have been up to below!
Nell Holden – Business Operations Director
Tree Planting – We planted 100 baby trees and 10 medium size trees while maintaining social distance between families.
Jeff Hanson – Operations Manager
Trail Running – I chose to run to Fort Snelling State Park and beyond from my front door step. Connecting familiar and unfamiliar trails along the way. Just the adventure I was seeking!
Kevin Thompson – Program & Staffing Coordinator
Biking Along the Mississippi – We biked a nice 5 mile loop around the Mississippi river as it flows right through downtown Minneapolis.
Cyri Tjaden – Business Operations Manager
Nature Art – I created a quick stop motion video inspired by our mission at Wilderness Inquiry; to provide access to the outdoors regardless of age, background, or ability.
Kim Keprios – Executive Director
I Spy – My family takes daily walks around Lake Harriet, and we will be tracking the growth of the goslings that live there over the next month.
Christine Tomlinson – Youth Programs Manager
Urban Gardening – With much more time at home, we have started a small sidewalk garden with the help of the local nursery Mother Earth Gardens in Minneapolis! We have a few flowers starting to bloom, and herbs growing to use in the kitchen — especially nice now that we are cooking at home more frequently. Our kitties are enjoying the frequent visitors, too! Bees, squirrels and lots of songbirds seem to enjoy the new plants and birdseed to snack on.
Anne Strootman – Registration Manager
Shelter Building – We discovered some shelters during a walk in Elm Creek Park Reserve. We’re speculating they are either being built by kids or maybe even Big Foot.
Suzanne Huggett – Outreach Director
Morel Mushroom Hunting – Spring has sprung and tis’ the season for my favorite outdoor scavenger hunt – morels! These elusive delicacies grow in the wild and are a great addition to any pantry. Famous in French culinary cooking, I like to eat them with just about anything. These edible mushrooms can be found in wooded areas near dead elm trees for a couple weeks in late spring. The best part of the hunt is seeing what other things are sprouting in the woods!
We want to see what nature inspired plans and projects YOU have been up to! Use our Share Your Work form on our website to submit your responses to our online content, or creative content of your own.
From our hearts and homes to yours, we sincerely wish you a healthy spring full of safe and fulfilling plans & projects!
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