Making Connections
Connecting with nature allows us to appreciate the beauty around us. It can inspire a sense of awe and a feeling of calmness. Hiking, or what we like to say, “walking in nature” is good for our mental health and our physical well-being.
According to our friends at One Green Planet, hiking can reduce your stress, boost your immune system, help you recover from an illness, and increase your energy levels.
Being in nature, whether it’s walking, hiking, strolling, or meditating is good for us. And if Mother Earth is so good to us, shouldn’t we return the favor?
When we connect with nature, we learn to love nature. When we love nature, we want to protect it. Find a group or organization below and make a connection or two.
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#HikeWNY
#HikeWNY is a group devoted to hiking trails in the Western New York region. This group was created to share trail experiences.
HikeWNY is affiliated with Outside Chronicles and the WNY Hiking Challenge.
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Hikerbabes Community of WNY
A community of like-minded, diverse women who share a passion for the outdoors. Join and gather for hiking information, meet-ups, and events throughout Western New York.
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Footprints in the Wilderness
Footprints in the Wilderness was started as a dog friendly hiking group. Its members generally enjoy all outdoor activities. So even though its primary purpose is hiking, they are open to all outdoor activities.
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Adirondack Mountain Club (ADK) - Niagara Frontier Chapter
ADK (Adirondack Mountain Club) works to protect New York State wild lands and waters by promoting responsible outdoor recreation and building a statewide constituency of land stewardship advocates.
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Erie County Parks
Erie County Parks is considered one of the finest parks systems within all of New York State. Featuring 24-uniquely diverse environments, there is a park for most outdoor activities.
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Finger Lakes Trail (FLT) Conference
Join, volunteer, and hike the FLT. Their mission is to build, protect, enhance, and promote a continuous footpath across New York State. Forever!
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New York State Parks
Thousands of miles of trails through scenic woods, rivers, lakes, and historic sites, including the newly established Empire State Trail.
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Sierra Club - Niagara Group
Dedicated to exploring, enjoying, and protecting the planet and our corner of it! Visit and learn more about their events and advocacy.
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Western New York Land Conservancy
The Land Conservancy is an accredited regional, not-for-profit land trust that works with landowners, municipalities, and other organizations to help them conserve their most cherished natural areas and working farms.
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The Nature Conservancy of Central & Western New York
Join, volunteer, and support the Nature Conservancy of Central and Western New York. They are dedicated to protecting nature and preserving life in New York.
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Leave No Trace
Leave No Trace focuses on educating people—instead of costly restoration programs or access restrictions—as the most effective and least resource-intensive solution to land protection.
MOre Connections
Enviro-News Monthly Bulletin
Sponsored by Daemen College Global & Local and Sustainability Department, this monthly bulletin has events, local news, teaching resources, grants, and jobs. It also covers civic engagement and activism, environmental tips, and volunteer opportunities and organizational links.
DEC Delivers Newsletter
Choose from topics covering education and outdoor skills, updates on our lakes, rivers, natural areas and wildlife, and pollution and climate programs.