Shawnee Lookout and Ironweed

I went on a nice hike this past weekend to one of my favorite parks in Cincinnati, Shawnee Lookout. The leaves are just beginning to turn to their beautiful fall colors and the late summer wildflowers are still in bloom. Pictured here is the Blue Jacket trail. As you can see, even in a crowded city such as Cincinnati, you can still get away from it all and surround yourself with nature.

I've been reading lately about the healing effects of nature. Here is an excerpt from an article I read on the subject:

Forests, and other natural, green settings, can reduce stress, improve moods, reduce anger and aggressiveness, and increase overall happiness. Forest visits may also strengthen our immune system by increasing the activity and number of natural killer cells that destroy cancer cells. 

Many studies show that after stressful or concentration-demanding situations, people recover faster and better in natural environments than in urban settings. Blood pressure, heart rate, muscle tension and the level of "stress hormones" all decrease faster in natural settings. 

I always knew that I felt better after a hike, I felt happier somehow, more relaxed and content with myself and my life. Now there is scientific proof that I am not just some crazy nature-loving tree-hugger. A simple walk in the park is the magical cure-all. Check it out for yourself. Go for a walk! It's fun! Or just get outside and sit under a tree. Listen to the birds sing and eximine the leaves around you. I'm sure that you will feel better and whatever was troubling you before, won't seem as bad after.

I also learned of a native wildflower that grows abundantly in this region of the US, the Ironweed. Wildflower or weed? In truth, this is a wildflower and it should be present in everyone's yard. It is an excellent nectar plant and is visited by many species of butterflies and bees. I even captured a bee in my picture! I've read that this flower does well planted next to Milkweed in a butterfly garden. Unfortunately, many people consider this a weed and mow it down in their vain attempts to maintain a yard full of grass. I wish everyone would dedicate at least a portion of their yard for the native wildflowers. Think of all the time and money you would be saving by not trying to grow only grass and think of all of the critters that will benefit from the weeds that don't get mowed. Here's another excerpt for you, this one from the USDA Forest Service: 

Wildflowers support entire ecosystems for pollinators, birds, and small animals on a micro scale. Butterflies and other insects, small birds, and animals depend on seeds, nectar, and pollen for their food supply and life support system. In addition, some pollinators are not very mobile or have very small home ranges or depend on just one species of plant and die once their habitat has been destroyed.

So, that is my message for this fine Friday... go for a walk and stop mowing down wildflowers!