by Linda Martinson, Blue Ridge Naturalist 

Does anyone else feel that the year has flown by? But undaunted by a late start, I have compiled several suggestions for gifts of books that help strengthen our connections with nature. Research results indicate that being in green spaces, parks, forests, and other natural surroundings reduces our stress and anxiety and makes us feel more alert and aware of our surroundings. Spending more time in natural settings increases both short- and long-term memory, as well as improving one’s attention span. Also, hospital patients recover more quickly if they are able to spend some time in green spaces. And so, here are eight books (with some long titles) to inspire us to spend more time outside: