GET OUTSIDE!

There’s more than one reason to spend a little more time outdoors.

Payne argues that humans are part of nature and should be engaging with the natural world more often and more effectively. She opens with a short history of humans’ relationships with the natural world, noting that the “nature deficit” many of us experience today isn’t universal; she offers examples of Nordic and Indigenous Canadian practices. She explores how people’s abilities to spend time in nature is affected by racial and socioeconomic inequities. The author discusses ways we’ve learned from nature; how we can harness solar, wind, and other forms of natural power; and how we can adapt in the face of climate change. A final chapter describes nature-based activities and outdoor education. Payne gives readers a list of items to bring before exploring the outdoors and reminds them to respect the natural world. Her Canadian perspective is clear, both in her examples and her suggested resources. The text is accessible, if at times a bit didactic, though readers will likely already be on her side and will appreciate the encouragement she provides. Frequent sidebars and subheadings will help readers follow the flow of the work. Stock photos enliven the text and depict diverse people as well as cityscapes and attractive outdoor environments.

Informative and likely to spur readers to forge a stronger bond with the natural world.