Nature Passport

press release: https://www.naturenet.org/nature-passport/

Nature Net, the Monona-based environmental education coalition, is publishing their annual Nature Passport in a new hybrid physical and virtual format. While in the past the Passport was a larger printed journal, the ongoing pandemic and ever changing digital landscape has caused the Nature Passport to evolve and experiment with more technology based mediums. The 2022 Passport booklet is a combination of physical and digital formats, featuring both open writing space for independent journaling and a QR code to scan for a more specific nature challenge and facts about each Nature Net site. The new passport format, the first to be actual passport size, seeks to strike a balance between the creativity and accessibility of a printed journal and the convenience and ease of information delivery of internet based resources.

This year’s passport theme is “Nature –To Your Health!,” drawing inspiration from the link between time spent in nature and good health as well as the timely subjects of physical and mental health. Nature Net director Betsy Parker notes that “A simple walk outdoors can lower blood pressure, boost immunity, and increase creativity…Some doctors are even prescribing nature walks for good health! In Japan, people call this practice shinrin-yoku or “forest bathing.” Using all your senses in the forest is good for your physical and mental wellbeing.” The 2022 passport acts as a guide to outdoor exploration and a healthy mind and body. 

The Nature Passport is a guided activity journal inviting children and their families to visit the various Nature Net sites and spend time engaging with the natural world over the summer. Each site has a suggested activity for kids to complete and further information about the location. Participants may work to complete as many of the nature missions as they can, or simply use their passport as inspiration for their own nature adventure! Passports will be available at all Nature Net sites, at local libraries, and through the MMSD schools now through the end of summer. 

Nature Net, a project of the Aldo Leopold Nature Center, seeks to connect children with nature centers, parks, and museums, in south central Wisconsin. The network consists of 20 unique organizations, including the Henry Vilas Zoo, the UW-Madison Arboretum, and Cave of the Mounds. All member organizations provide high quality experiential, place-based environmental education and work collaboratively to promote outdoor education. Together, Nature Net and its members work to increase access to resources for families and educators and help get kids outside and learning about the world around us.