Chicamacomico Sunset by William Whaley

Maryland’s outdoor recreation opportunities are vast and diverse – biking, hiking, climbing, swimming, boating – too many pursuits to list! Most of these pastimes require a certain degree of athleticism or at least ample mobility to enjoy. And the rewards of deep treks into the woods or paddling into remote marshes include some spectacular wildlife sightings.

But here at Wild Acres we know a secret: wildlife appreciation is often just as amazing (or even more rewarding) when you stay still! If hunting, fishing, and chasing birds aren’t your things, here are some suggestions of other ways to celebrate stillness in nature:

Sit spots: This term that comes out of preschool classrooms – referring to the colored dots on a carpet or tile that tell a child where to sit – has taken on new meaning in the field of outdoor education. A sit spot in this context refers to a favorite place in nature to just sit and observe, using all our senses and considering our connections to all living things. Often people revisit the same sit spot on regular intervals, enjoying the changes that occur constantly in nature.

Blue spaces: Any spot can offer wildlife views, but there is something special about sitting by the water. Blue spaces have been shown in numerous research studies to improve mental and physical wellness. Quiet observation by a body of water can also reward you with views of insects, fish, shorebirds or even a river otter.

Taking inventory: Those of us with analytical minds can use our quiet spot to catalog the animals and plants within our view, using a pen and paper, photos, or even a spreadsheet. Even just marking off a very small area and noting the changes in soil, insects, and plant life can help us become more intimately acquainted with our neighbors in nature.

Community science: Speaking of neighbors, do you know exactly who or what is sharing your outdoor space? Consider spending some time as a community scientist, honing your wildlife identification skills, learning from others and contributing your knowledge to science with apps like iNaturalist and eBird, or webpages like the Maryland Biodiversity Project. Some birders have enjoyed participating in The Big Sit annual fall event.

Direct contact: Maybe you haven’t done it since you were a kid, but try taking off your shoes and walking or standing barefoot on a natural surface like soil, leaves, or grass. Explore the textures in nature with your feet and hands, or wrap your arms around a tree and let your whole body lean in. It may feel silly, but we promise, the trees won’t mind.

Take a breather: Even something as simple as breathing can feel different outside, and requires no movement. Consider that everything alive is breathing in its own way too. With every exhale you’re feeding the trees the carbon dioxide they need, as they feed you oxygen. That energy exchange is totally natural and intuitive; observing and appreciating it can enliven and sharpen our other intuitions. Practices like mindfulness, meditation, and forest bathing can also help develop this into an enjoyable and healthy habit.

Lie down: What a great time to observe the sky, finding migrating raptors and other animals or shapes in the clouds (or reporting cloud cover data through the NASA Globe app), or noting the stars and planets at night.

Feel the change: Have you ever considered why everyone loves a good sunset? Transitions in nature are perhaps some of the most interesting and beautiful times to appreciate. Make a point to observe or photograph the sunset or sunrise from the same spot for a short time, and note how it changes. The moon, the tides, and seasonal cycles can also be inspiring transitions to note and pay special attention to.

Visualize: Let’s say you’re stuck inside. Not to fear – as humans, we have imaginations that can transport us. Hold the memory of a favorite, peaceful outdoor place in your mind and remember how you felt, what you saw, smelled, or heard in that place. Even a few minutes of this exercise can bring a sense of peace and renewal.

Create habitat in your backyard: Facilitate amazing and accessible wildlife encounters without ever leaving home! There is nothing better than seeing a hummingbird visit your feeder, a frog in your pond, or a bee pollinating your potted native plant. Don’t forget to explore all our resources at Wild Acres and care for Maryland wildlife with us!

For more on access to public lands for those with mobility challenges, visit: dnr.maryland.gov/outdoorrec/Pages/accessibility.aspx