How has the pandemic influenced our relationship with nature?

 One of the first published studies to examine how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted people’s relationship with nature finds that the people of Vermont have significantly increased the time they spend outdoors.

During a time when their leaders are encouraging them to stay at home and maintain physical distance, many people are returning to nature.

Researchers from the University of Vermont collected data from online surveys taken by over 3,200 Vermonters between May 3 and May 19, 2020 — a time when Governor Phil Scott had placed restrictions on businesses and social gatherings to lessen the impact of COVID-19 on the state.

The results appear in the journal PLOS ONE.

In the study, the respondents said they had increased participation in several outdoor activities during the pandemic, including:

• walking -— up 70%
• wildlife watching — up 64%
• relaxing outside alone — up 58%
• taking photos and creating art — up 54%

Of the 15 outdoor activities studied, the participants reported decreases in camping (48%) and relaxing outside with others (43%): two activities where it can be hard to maintain physical distance.

 Source: Medical News Today