Imagine you walk out your front door after a brutal winter of blizzards and snow days. You might expect to see your street iced over or snow blowing in the road or even people shoveling, still trying to recover from the rough weather. But instead, the door opens to a whole new world: flowers blossoming, neighbors chatting and laughing on their family walks, a fresh breeze of 60º flowing through the street. In a matter of days, the weather flipped on its head. A typical Nebraskan spring. And while it might snow again in two weeks, that makes the current weather all the more enjoyable.
People are increasing their time outdoors in various ways during the spring, which can increase health and wellness benefits.
“I climb (bouldering and sport climbing), mountain bike, and hike,” sophomore Ashlynn Erickson said.
Recreational activities or non-school sports is one way to get outside in the spring. Having warm weather makes all the difference for things like climbing and biking.
“The spring weather helps me do these activities because the temperature gets warmer,” Erickson said. “During the winter I climb in gyms, but with the warmer weather it’s much easier to get outside to do it. The bike trails don’t have snow and aren’t slippery during the spring and hiking is much more enjoyable because I’m not freezing or walking through snow and ice.”
Another way students are getting outside in the spring is through school sports. There are various sports in season now, including track, soccer, and girl’s tennis.
“Soccer helps me get outside more in the spring because the practices and games are all outside,” sophomore Adah Dishmon said.
Aside from sports, there are also many ways to get outside in the community. For example, Fontenelle Forest is a great option to explore Bellevue’s nature, and they have many programs available this time of year.
“We do monthly full moon hikes, volunteer workdays, and a variety of led-hikes,” Fontenelle Forest Director of Operations Michelle Foss said. “Some programs are free with membership/admission, some have an extra cost.”
There are many options to get outside in the community, through sports or many other things that Bellevue has to offer, such as things like parks or trails. Whatever way people decide to enjoy the spring weather, there are many benefits to being outdoors.
“Getting outside has myriad health benefits,” Foss said. “Exercise in nature lifts your spirits as well as helps improve your cardio and strength training. Walking and hiking are some of the most common ways people experience health benefits, but even just being outside in a natural environment can help calm and focus the mind and reduce blood pressure.”
Many students enjoy participating in their spring sports. Having good weather can help with practices and games.
“I enjoy playing soccer in the spring because that’s the time when it is getting warmer outside, but it’s not too hot like it is in the summer,” Dishmon said. “And I like being outside to play, instead of being stuck indoors for the winter.”
There are also many careers that deal with the outdoors that tend to be busier in the spring and fall. Foss is the Director of Operations for Fontenelle Forest, and her job includes a wide variety of duties.
“I am responsible for our land and facilities operations,” Foss said. “This includes trail work, habitat restoration, building repairs/projects, safety, security, and anything having to do with those things. My day ranges from participating in prescribed fire with our land stewardship team to managing construction projects, writing reports, and developing plans and strategies to accomplish all the work you see outside and inside our buildings.”
All in all, spring is a great season for allowing people to get back outside. Whether it’s participating in spring sports or enjoying the nice weather, spring has something to offer for everyone.
“My favorite moments are probably consistently working hard as a team to continue to get better during practices leading up to a game and resulting with a win,” Dishmon said. “It just helps to show all the hard work we put in.”