We live in a world in which technology has crept into nearly every corner of our lives, from texting and emailing, to constant media consumption. But as we become more connected to our devices, we tend to become increasingly disconnected from the natural world.
We can quickly forget that contact with nature greatly benefits our mental, emotional, and physical health and well-being. By spending time in natural environments, we can improve our mood while lowering blood pressure, heart rate, muscle tension and stress hormone levels. Why is it that spending time outdoors makes us feel so good? It’s called biophilia – the innate urge people have to affiliate with other living things.
Wheat Ridge Parks & Recreation invites you to rediscover your affinity for nature this fall. And you don’t have to fight traffic on I-70 to get into the mountains to do it. We’re fortunate to have a beautiful natural oasis right here in Wheat Ridge. The Wheat Ridge Greenbelt and Clear Creek Trail, stretching 6.5 miles east to west through Wheat Ridge, connects Denver to Golden and provides ample opportunities to regularly commune with nature. Whether it’s through your daily bike commute, a short walk, a shady picnic in Anderson Park, or fishing on the creek’s banks, the accessibility of this natural thruway gives you daily excuses to get outside. This preserved open space is a thriving ecological community that supports an abundance of native plants and wildlife, and is one of the City’s greatest attractions. Visit a trailhead near you to experience the connection for yourself.