Trip Report: Families in the Forest

by Holly White-Wolfe (Guest Author)

On Sunday, October 26, SEA volunteers Holly White-Wolfe and Juliet Malik led a joyful “Families in the Forest” outing along Clear Creek in Redding, CA. Despite the rain, two families—three children and four adults—bundled up and shared umbrellas while exploring Horsetown Preserve.

Children eagerly trotted down the trails, identifying pine nuts, blackberries, and grapes. A three-year-old surprised the group by spotting earth star mushrooms nestled in the leaf litter. One dad guided the group in examining two trees for signs of beaver activity, helping distinguish between tooth marks and axe cuts. A pile of squirrel-munched pine cones sparked curiosity and a pine nut tasting break, prompting wonder at the effort squirrels invest for such tiny rewards.

After hiking the short loop near Clear Creek, the group gathered in the outdoor classroom to compare pine cones—like the pokey Ponderosa and the gentle Jeffrey pine—by rolling them between their palms. A whimsical forest gnome joined the adventure, helping children build their sense of place by identifying Mount Shasta (the tall one with snow) and the Sacramento River (the wide one we walk beside).

This event was designed to support family flourishing through nature immersion. Research shows that just two hours per week in nature can improve health, reduce stress, and enhance mental clarity (Weir, 2020; Grinde & Patil, 2009). Families left with muddy boots, full hearts, and a deeper connection to the ecosystem they call home.

References:
Grinde, B., & Patil, G. G. (2009). Biophilia: Does Visual Contact with Nature Impact on Health and Well-Being? International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 6(9), 2332–2343. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph6092332

Weir, K. (2020). Nurtured by nature, 51(3). https://www.apa.org/monitor/2020/04/nurtured-nature