Newswise — Families staying closer to home this summer for economic reasons, can turn to the National Wildlife Federation's expanded on-line tool, NatureFind (www.nwf.org/naturefind/) to help them escape to the great outdoors. NatureFind maps outdoor activities and events ranging from nature trails, campsites, aviaries and zoos to wildlife preserves and local, state and national parks. It can help you plan a weekend hiking trek or a lazy afternoon exploring nature in a nearby park.
An Associated Press-GfK Poll found that 20 percent of respondents planning a trip this summer will stay closer to home this year. NatureFind users search by city, state, or zip code, so they can plan a nature adventure one mile from home—or venture up to 500 miles away. If you know the name of a special place you like to visit and want to see if any special events are planned there, NatureFind has that information too. Never before have all of these resources been offered in one location on-line.
"We know that children benefit from the free feeling they get surrounded by a world of green," says Rebecca Garland, Senior Director of the National Wildlife Federation's Be Out There campaign. "NatureFind makes it easy to find those places where you can connect with the sights and sounds of nature."
Leave your worries about summer activity planning indoors—NatureFind hand-checks its maps, driving directions, contact information, and event schedules. This database provides thorough details well beyond basics.
For example, kids can navigate the map to choose from the more than 70 different sites listed in Seattle, Washington. Seward Park has 300 acres of forest, eagles' nests, bike and walking paths, located within the city limits.
Families visiting the nation's Capital this season can integrate some of the more than 400 nature events into their planning. Not yet ready for bed after a day among the monuments? NatureFind provides information about summer night star viewing events at the National Park system's planetarium.
Coloradans looking for a local daycation can escape to one of the 150 sites (with more than 800 events!) compiled by NatureFind for their state. Cactus Park for example is 18 miles from Grand Junction, and the NatureFind database will provide a map from your address to a bike adventure surrounded by natural beauty.
Twenty-three percent of those surveyed by the same AP-GfK Poll plan to save money by staying with friends or family instead of in a hotel. Looking for something fun to do outdoors on the way to visit Aunt Helen, pull up NatureFind and check out the options.
This summer, many families and friends will go camping to cut vacation costs, a great way to connect your children to nature through fresh air, green spaces, stars, s'mores, and campfire songs. NatureFind will help you locate the best campsite, near or far, with any amenities you are looking for. Visit www.nwf.org/naturefind/.
NatureFind is developed in conjunction with National Wildlife Federation's Be Out There campaign, which encourage families across America to get outside on a daily basis for their physical and mental health. The benefits of outdoor play are real: healthier kids with a life-long appreciation of wildlife and nature.
National Wildlife Federation is America's conservation organization protecting wildlife for our children's future. www.nwf.org.
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