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Sustainability

Outdoors 

Natural environments or green spaces tie into many aspects of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. On one end, universal, safe, inclusive, and accessible green spaces are a part of the  goal. Green spaces, like parks and preserves, then tie into the  of protecting and restoring terrestrial ecosystems. There are many ways that green spaces tie into environmental protection, social issues, and overall sustainable development. At ϳԹ, we own around 800 acres of forested land, including our 150 acres of North Woods on campus! These lands are important for wildlife habitats, but this parcel of woodlands on campus is also a tremendous resource for the health and wellbeing of students and community members who use the trails to walk, explore, and in turn, nurture their own mental and physical health.

Connecting with the outdoors is important for individual health and the wellbeing of our planet. Especially as college students, we can gain a lot from the positive benefits of time in nature. Spending time outside can help reduce stress, clear the mind, and sharpen focus. Plus, it’s really fun! We live in a beautiful, nature-filled area, and taking advantage of those opportunities can only improve the ϳԹ experience. Also, when folks feel a deeper connection with the outdoors, they are more likely to work to preserve it. It is important to note that there is a history of exclusivity in the outdoors and it is crucial to continue actively working towards creating a more diverse and inclusive outdoor culture at ϳԹ and beyond. 

Outdoor recreation is historically and presently a white-dominated space. Parks and public lands have a long racist and discriminatory history, from forcibly removing Native Americans from their land to anti-Black policies within park lands (). Many public parks, pools, and trails were segregated, preventing Black individuals from accessing these spaces, and that sentiment trickles into current day as many people feel unsafe and uncomfortable going to public/national parks (). Further work needs to be done to increase the inclusivity and diversity in outdoor spaces while also acknowledging that many of the National and State parks we have today forcibly removed the people who lived there. There are many powerful BIPOC led groups shifting the landscape of outdoor recreation to be safe, inclusive and healing for people of color, like , , , and many more (check out this page of ). Check out to discover which indigenous peoples once lived on the land we now reside on. White folks must educate themselves about these travesties, upend racist policies, and make space for BIPOC leadership. 

Spending time in nature is chemically good for our brains and our bodies, helping to relieve stress, improve cognitive ability, and improve overall mood (). Access to nature has become incredibly important, especially during the pandemic with increased levels of stress for most individuals. In some cases, a way to lessen stress and increase your overall mood is to ‘prescribe’ time in nature (). As mentioned above, time spent in nature is linked with reductions in stress, increased happiness, and an overall boost is physical health (Cornell). Additionally, studies have shown that time in nature also lowers blood pressure, reduces nervous systems arousal, increases immune system function, and reduces anxiety (). Therefore it is incredibly important to make sure you spend time outside as often as possible, even everyday. With online classes and a global pandemic, many people have been stuck inside for longer periods of time and have less of a reason to travel, but it is important to plan to spend time outside each day to better your overall well being. In addition, time outside is linked to increased cognitive ability, such as increased concentration and attention span (Cornell). As you spend time outside, optimize your experience by making sure your time spent outside is relaxing, try not to listen to music but instead listen to the sounds of nature, focusing on things like the wind or birds ().

 

connecting with the outdoors improves physical health, enhances mental wellness, and encourages environmental responsibility

 

There are plenty of awesome outdoor opportunities near ϳԹ. Some require significant transportation, but others are within walking distance! Whether you like to connect with the outdoors by walking, running, biking, skiing, sledding, skating, climbing, exploring, sitting, meditating, farming, or anything else, you can access it as a ϳԹ student. 


Tips for Living in On Campus

  • Many students do not have access to a car, but you can still connect with the outdoors without one! On campus students can enjoy Case Green, the grassy area and gazebo by Haupt Pond, and Northwoods. Within walking distance students can reach Congress Park downtown. 
  • Don’t forget about carpooling! Check with friends to connect with the outdoors with you and you could share a ride there. 
  • offers club-led hikes for various skill levels and they provide transportation locally and to the Adirondack Park and the 46 High Peaks! This is a great way to try out hiking for the first time. They offer guidance and gear support before trips, so attendees are dressed comfortably and bring enough food.
  • creates a community of students to explore the outdoors in winter season, with skiing, snowboarding, and more. 
  •  is 6 miles away from campus and hosts some very diverse ecological systems, like the Saratoga sandplains, and is also home to the endangered Karner blue butterfly. This is also a great place to    and they offer lots of education and recreation programs!
  •   is 11 miles from campus, but a nice quiet place where you can walk along the Hudson river, site along the canal, or even sit outside and do homework!
  •  is only 4 miles away from campus and is a great place for a bike ride or walk or try some of Saratoga’s famous spring water! (  )
  • offers a namesake lake and a network of trails to explore, located only 11 miles away from ϳԹ.
  • is a half-hour north of campus, and features a Village with shops and businesses, Million Dollar Beach, and a variety of hikes smattered around the lake. Sleeping Beauty and Buck Mountain are hiking favorites.
  • Adirondack Mountains
    •   provides lots of information and tips for activities in the Adirondacks. 
    • Check out   to find trails that work for you, with things like distance, time, and any trail updates!
    • We live right near the ! Take advantage of the beautiful hikes and adventures the park has to offer, including the 46 High Peaks. 
    • are also close by and offer hiking and other activities such as camping, skiing, and more!
  • Skiing
    • ϳԹ Snowsports
    • Rent skis and equipment from located right off campus!
    • is only 30 minutes away from campus and has a good range of easier and more difficult trails.
    • , around 2+ hours from ϳԹ, has the longest single intermediate run in the Northeast (2.1 mile trail!). It has some easier and more difficult trails, but has a large selection of most difficult and exper only trails as well.
    • , only around 1 hr away from ϳԹ, offers around 100 trails! Similar to Whiteface it has a wide range of trails but also a large amount of most difficult trails as well.
  • Local farms and Orchards you can visit 
    • is an orchard and farmer’s market open everyday all year round and is known for their “pick it yourself” apples and other fruits! (Their apple cider donuts are also delicious and freshly made!)
    • , popular in the fall, has a bunch of fun events, like pumpkin picking, corn mazes, and !
    • is a great garden center, great for indoor plant shopping, that has an annual Fall Festival with a pumpkin patch and more!
  • is a community-based conservation organization that focuses on preserving local habitats, farmlands, indigenous ancestral lands, and more. It also has some volunteer and internship opportunities!
  • Check for a bunch of other outdoor activities in the area!
  • is a great ϳԹ Club for anyone interested in the outdoors, offering a wide range of trips and activities. They also have a gear shed students can borrow for free!
  • Ski clubs: and !
  • is a student organization on campus focused on environmental issues and sustainability.
  • Last but not least- the North Woodsis a network of trails through 155 acres of hardwood forest right on campus! Trail map here!

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