Green Hour: Reconnecting with Nature
What is a Green Hour?
A Green Hour is a dedicated time each day for individuals, families, and children to spend outdoors, exploring and engaging with nature. The concept encourages stepping away from screens, structured activities, and indoor routines to reconnect with the natural world. Whether it's a walk in the woods, gardening, birdwatching, or simply sitting outside and observing the environment, a Green Hour fosters a deeper appreciation for the outdoors and its benefits.
The Benefits of a Green Hour
Spending regular, unstructured time outdoors has numerous physical, mental, and emotional benefits, including:
Improved Physical Health: Outdoor activity promotes exercise, fresh air intake, and overall well-being.
Mental Clarity & Reduced Stress: Nature has a calming effect, reducing anxiety and enhancing cognitive function.
Enhanced Creativity & Imagination: Free play in nature encourages problem-solving, curiosity, and creative thinking.
Strengthened Environmental Awareness: Regular exposure to nature fosters a lifelong connection to the environment, inspiring conservation and stewardship.
Social & Emotional Growth: Unstructured outdoor play nurtures independence, confidence, and resilience, especially in children.
The Inspiration Behind Green Hour
The Green Hour initiative was inspired by the National Wildlife Federation, which advocates for children to have daily outdoor experiences. Rooted in the idea that past generations naturally spent more time outside, Green Hour aims to restore this connection by making time in nature a regular, cherished part of life.
It also draws from educational philosophies such as:
The Reggio Emilia Approach: Emphasizing experiential learning through direct interaction with the environment.
Waldorf Education: Advocating for outdoor exploration as a foundation for curiosity and holistic development.
Forest School Models: Supporting unstructured outdoor learning to foster resilience, adaptability, and problem-solving skills.
Implementing a Green Hour
Incorporating a Green Hour into daily life is simple and rewarding. Here are a few ways to start:
Take a morning or evening walk through a park or natural area.
Create a backyard or balcony garden to cultivate plants and observe wildlife.
Set up a nature journal to record observations, sketches, and reflections.
Engage in mindful activities like forest bathing, outdoor yoga, or meditative walks.
Plan family outings to explore new trails, streams, and green spaces.
Join WLDflora’s Green Hour Movement
At WLDflora Landscape, we believe that spending time in nature fosters a healthier, happier, and more sustainable lifestyle. Through our commitment to regenerative landscapes and native plant installations, we aim to create outdoor spaces that invite exploration and connection.
By embracing a Green Hour, you take a step toward a deeper relationship with the environment—one that nurtures both the land and the soul.
Make every hour a Green Hour. Start today!