The benefits of being outdoors in nature are infinite, no matter your age, what you do for work, or where you live. It’s well known that health and well-being improve by getting outside. Being outside offers the chance to unplug from screens, to-do lists, and daily distractions and encourages us to slow down, breathe, and experience a sense of peace.

These benefits start with the ability to access natural spaces of the world around us. That is why expanding public access is a key part of the Coastal Land Trust’s new strategic plan. We aim to provide a variety of recreational opportunities in the coastal plain. You may enjoy hiking or kayaking or maybe you just like to sit quietly and observe from a bench in the shade of an oak tree. But one thing we might all agree upon is how you feel when you smell the fresh air, feel the warm sun on your skin, and hear the leaves rustling in the wind.

Visiting places the Coastal Land Trust has protected, such as Springer’s Point Preserve on Ocracoke Island, is sure to bring about renewed health and spirit. Someone told me when I moved here that you can’t learn about the area until you see it by way of water. To that end, places such as Salter’s Creek in Carteret County or Keel Creek in Bertie County may be just what you need.

Or if historic preservation piques your interest, you can visit the Currituck Lighthouse in Corolla or Island Farm in Manteo. Don’t forget to visit Navassa to see updates on the restoration of Reaves Chapel as well – it’s come so far.

As much as the solitude of nature is beneficial, we are innately social beings. Going for a walk, paddle, or picnic with family or friends are also great ways to experience the benefits of public access to nature. You can do all of these activities at Brunswick Nature Park and Latham Whitehurst Nature Park in Craven County.

The Coastal Land Trust has saved a lot of incredible natural areas over the past 30 years to create opportunities for people to get out and explore the land, and we are excited about opportunities to come.

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Laura Wilson
CLT Staff