Being outside in nature can help improve your mood / reduce stress and improve productivity, according to research. Take advantage of Minnesota’s extensive state park and trail system to walk, bike (or, in winter, ski or snowshoe) in the great outdoors. We are lucky to have a great park system here in Minnesota compared to many places.

In addition to appreciating our parks, trails, forests and management areas, I am also impressed with the DNR’s push to incorporate renewable energy and energy conservation into its operations. I recently learned about the Energy Smart program. The DNR has installed wind and solar power and implemented many practices to conserve fuel and energy. The combination of saving money and reducing pollution is yet another way the DNR is a good steward of our state’s resources.

If you want to know more about the benefits of being in nature, see the Outside magazine article: “The Nature Cure.”