Health
"Back in my day, Kids played outside a lot more than they do now."
For generations we've heard this same cry by those older than us. Whether you grew up visiting the arcade, playing Oregon Trail, or checking out Instagram posts, there's no denying that going outside has become the exception rather than the rule. Americans spend less time in the outdoors than ever before, leading increasingly sedentary lives with little to no connection to the natural world. It's an unfortunate reality that technology has both helped us become more aware of the world around us while also closing us to it.
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Simply visiting the outdoors brings a wide range of health benefits, particularly to one's mental health. Being immersed in nature has a calming effect that helps relieve stress. The sights, sounds, smells, and tastes we find in the outdoors connects us to the world around us. Living a healthy lifestyle in the outdoors, whether you hike, ski, bike, or snowshoe, promotes a healthy a body as well. We all need to exercise more, so it helps when you can pursue an active lifestyle that's fun and rewarding for both body and mind.
Protecting the heart of the Keweenaw from mismanagement and neglect will allow us to focus on what matters most: the health and well-being of our area's residents and visitors. Currently the bulk of Keweenaw County's interior is owned by distant investment firms with little interest in our community. Rather than focusing on returning value to shareholders, if we were to take local control of these lands the potential for promoting health-forward initiatives is immense.
Local control over Keweenaw County's vast forested landscapes is critical if we want to boost quality of life for all residents in the Copper Country. Help us educate future generations by joining KORC or giving today!