If there is one thing we could all use; it is a little fresh air. With the stress and extra screen time this past year has caused for all of us, it is time to get out, literally. So, what’s stopping you from reconnecting with nature? Start planning today to get outside and take advantage of what Crawford County has to offer.
There’s Always Something To Do
More than just hiking, Crawford County has many opportunities to enjoy nature in creative ways at our state or local parks. You can try your hand at birdwatching, nature photography or even plant identification. Activities like these are not only great ways to get outside, but they provide tangible memories of your visit and can be enjoyed with little to no investment.
There’s also lots of more active ways to participate in the outdoors. For those who love a good outside sport, Crawford County has disc golf courses offering three levels of difficulty. Disc golf is growing in popularity with many places to play around the county. It is also easy to learn and great for all ages. For a more relaxed workout, let the fresh air and natural light give you a boost by taking your fitness routine outside. Give outdoor yoga or tai chi a chance. Your mind and body will thank you.
To round out your Crawford County adventure, why not add a treasure hunt, through Geocaching or WayMarking? Both online platforms use GPS to take you to interesting locations, often sharing a bit of history along the way. For example, the machinery at Meadville’s Pomona Park, which gave way to Meadville’s iconic name “Tool City,” is one of the locally listed historic sites. Once you try one of these outdoor activities, you’ll be hooked.
The Sky’s The Limit
There are plenty of resources out there to get you started. Try an online search for trails or parks in your area or visit the links section at Crawford County Conservation. If you are new to hiking or other outdoor sports, be sure to take time to prepare yourself and your family by letting someone else know you are headed out and bring plenty of water, snacks, good shoes, sunscreen and insect repellant. Not only is outside one of the best places to be, the benefits to your health and well-being are endless. Escape the chaos of everyday life and make your 2021 an open-air year to remember.
As a local government entity, the Crawford County Conservation District was established in 1956 to promote the value of conserving soil and water to area farmers. Today, Districts all across PA have evolved to include almost every area of natural resource conservation including erosion and sedimentation control, floodplain management, waterway protection, forest management, agricultural land preservation, dirt, gravel, and low volume roads, environmental education and much more. For more information visit us online at crawfordconservation.com
– Written in collaboration with Tracey Crawford of the Crawford County Conservation District.