Do you ever get (or give) the advice, “touch grass”? Many people find that contact with nature can relieve stress and improve mood. Whether you touch grass, bark, soil, sand, or sea water, contact with nature feels good. We seem to know it intuitively, but the research keeps bearing it out: time outdoors is good for your well-being.
As it turns out, volunteering your time can offer similar benefits. It can even help you live longer. What if we combine the great outdoors with giving back? That’s a powerful recipe for good vibes. If you’re looking to volunteer around Tampa Bay or to spend more enjoying all the natural beauty that this area has to offer, we’ve got good news.
There are numerous advantages of environmental volunteering around Tampa Bay. Here are three that we see in action all the time here at MAR.
1. Mental and Physical Well-Being
Even in urban environments like Pinellas County, research shows that outdoor activities lower stress hormone levels.There’s no shortage of nature-based activities around Tampa Bay, but volunteering is a great one.
Outdoor or environmental volunteer activities might include a trip to the beach where you pick up trash on shore or out on the water, diving or in a boat. It could mean planting trees and native plants, or removing invasive ones. You may even find citizen science projects like counting birds or gopher tortoise burrows. Some of these are more physically active, which is great if you want some exercise. However, there are usually roles for people with differing levels of ability, too. Follow your favorite Tampa-area environmental nonprofits to discover all kinds of environmental volunteer opportunities. (You’ve picked a good place to start here at MAR.)
2. Social Connection
Planting a tree is a two-person (at least) job! Whether you show up with a friend or partner up with someone new, you’re going to strike up conversations. You already know you have something in common, so it’s easy to connect. The same is true if you’re picking up trash on a beach, removing invasive plants, or any other hands-on regenerative nature activity.
Volunteering in nature together can bring you closer with your friends and family, as well as cultivating new connections. Regular volunteer commitments, where you participate repeatedly with the same people, are especially useful for building those bonds. One study looked at older adults and observed that socialization was the motivation they most often gave for why they volunteer in nature.
3. Sense of Purpose
One of the main reasons people volunteer in any capacity is to share their abilities and gain a sense of purpose. The executive director of an outdoor volunteering group based in Colorado says, “people often report increased confidence, purpose, and positivity after volunteering.” She adds that those who volunteer outdoors, in particular, feel a sense of empowerment.
In a time where there are plenty of negative news stories about our natural environment, we can all use a little boost of that empowerment. The antidote to hopelessness, even ecological grief, is taking action. One of the best things about tree planting, a core component of MAR’s mission, is you can come back and see the results of your work, hopefully for many years to come. As they grow, they provide more shade and habitat, increasing the return on your investment of time.
Advantages of Environmental Volunteering at Every Age
Who can benefit from nature volunteering? People have different needs depending on where they are in life, and no doubt different reasons for volunteering. In addition to the three benefits of nature volunteering above, here are some points to consider for different groups.
Students and young adults: Volunteering outdoors can help you learn what fills your cup and what you’re best at. You may discover a new career path and make some strong connections to support you in getting started. A volunteer project can also enhance a resume.
Parents and families: A family volunteer outing in nature can be a blast. Not only is it fun, it can help kids appreciate the natural world, learn the importance of giving back, and see examples of helpful adults. For parents, it can provide meaningful time together.
Empty nesters or people in transition: Life changes sometimes. Kids move away, careers change direction, relationships shift. Maybe you’re new to Tampa/St. Petersburg. If you find yourself in a transitional phase, it’s the perfect time to get outside, learn something new, and make local friends. As a bonus, you may learn about the local ecology and how to make your own yard a Florida-friendly oasis!
Retirees: Some people really miss being busy once they leave formal work behind, no matter how glad they are to welcome their much-deserved retirement. Nature volunteering offers a way to do work of your choosing, on your own schedule. You’ll also get to share the value of your experiences with younger generations.
Ready to start reaping the benefits of nature volunteering? Explore our upcoming events for ways to make an impact with MAR in St. Petersburg and beyond. You can also choose from dozens of environmental nonprofits, parks, and preserves in the Tampa Bay area — or wherever you happen to live.
