Do you want to get a better night sleep? Be more creative? Have more focus and attention?
What about a higher level of job satisfaction, or a general feeling of being restored?
If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, then the 30×30 Nature Challenge might be for you!
Studies show that time spent in nature makes us happier, healthier, and less stressed. As little as 30 minutes per day can lower your blood pressure, increase self-esteem, reduce anxiety, and boost your mood!
Imagine how your health and happiness could improve by spending time in nature each day for a month. That’s what the 30×30 Nature Challenge is all about.
How to participate
Joining the August 30×30 Nature Challenge is simple.
This August, Ontario Parks and Healthy Parks Healthy People challenge you to make nature a priority by spending 30 minutes outside every day for 30 days.
All you need to do is choose where to spend your 30 minutes, and what activities to try.
For ideas, check out: Five outdoor activities to improve your health.
Special events
We encourage you to find meaningful moments in nature — whether in our parks, a forest, a beach, or in your own backyard!
Your 30 minutes outside can be as simple as breathing deeply, closing your eyes, and relaxing your brain and body.
If you are looking to join one of the engaging events happening in parks across the province, be sure to visit our online events calendar.
Here are some events and activities to get you outside in August:
Music is in the air with the Apple Cider Band!
Enjoy music under the pines on a still summer night.
Back for another year, Mark and his crew of local musicians present an evening of traditional Ottawa Valley old-time fiddle music. Listen for Canadian classics such as Maple Sugar and other ear-worm reels, waltzes, and jigs.
- Where: Bonnechere Provincial Park – Davenport Centre
- When: August 3 at 7:00 p.m.
Disc golf course
Bronte Creek Provincial Park is a great place for a round of disc golf.
The 18-hole course is accessible at Parking Lot F and features a mix of wide-open long shots and short tight shots.
The park offers rentals if you don’t have your own disc.
- Where: Bronte Creek Provincial Park; Parking Lot F
- When: All year long — check the events calendar for availability
Species at Risk Day
Join us to discover more about species at risk in Presqu’ile Provincial Park.
Come to one, or all of the activities planned throughout the day!
- Where: Presqu’ile Provincial Park
- When: Saturday, August 17
- 10:00 am – 12:00 p.m. – Mini bio blitz
- 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. – Fun fair: Activities, crafts, info stations, and more!
- 7:00 p.m. – Live animal demonstration with Scien-sational Snakes!
Wabashiki Wanders
Uncover surprising stories that surround us when we engage our senses along the wetlands and waterways of this 1 km guided walk. Look closer with magnifiers, binoculars and your own five senses.
- Where: Samuel De Champlain Provincial Park
- When: August 23 at 9:00 a.m.
Nature journaling
Drop by the visitor centre between 1:00-3:00 p.m. to learn how to capture your nature observations on paper.
- Where: Rondeau Provincial Park
- When: Thursday, August 15 at 1:00 p.m.
Summer Loon Count
The acidification of Killarney’s lakes in the 1960s and 70s had a harmful effect on our loon populations.
Fortunately, our lakes are in recovery, and loons have returned to breed on many of the lakes.
Help us monitor the health of our loon populations by participating in our Summer Loon Count. Preregistration is required.
- Where: Killarney Provincial Park
- When: August 10 at 9:00 a.m.
Bonus: give plogging a go!
It may have a funny name, but the concept of plogging is simple.
Eco-friendly folks head out for a jog and bring an empty garbage bag (and a glove) to pick up trash along the way. During your jog, you are prepared to pause, and pick up litter as you see it.
It’s a great way to give back to valuable ecosystems during your 30×30 Nature Challenge!
- Where: any green space
- When: any time!
What are you waiting for?
The 30×30 Nature Challenge starts August 1.
Keep track of your journey on X, Facebook and Instagram by sharing photos and stories with the #30x30Challenge hashtag.
