BBA Fitness Hikers

05/05/2026

Love this picture frame! Wildcat Falls on the Souhegan River in Merrimack.
Souhegan River LAC

04/25/2026

Higher than normal tick activity being reported in New England. Get ready now!

Here are some simple tricks for preventing tick bites and techniques for removing them if they do bite.

03/31/2026

You all know this but isn't it reassuring when science gives credence to the benefits we experience?
Nature improves mental well-being

Did you know that spending time in nature can significantly boost your mood and brain health? This is true whether it’s a walk in the park, a virtual reality experience, or even just looking at pictures of greenery.

Researchers at the University of Houston have confirmed what many of us have heard from our parents: fresh air and sunshine really do work wonders for emotional well-being. In a comprehensive meta-analysis, the team reviewed 33 studies involving over 2,100 participants to explore how “green time” impacts the brain. Using tools like EEG and fMRI, they found that nature exposure helps create a more balanced psychological state, reducing negative emotions and increasing positive ones. This isn’t just about feeling good. This is about protecting what scientists call “brain capital,” the cognitive and emotional resources that are essential for a healthy, thriving population.

The study revealed that nature’s benefits aren’t limited to outdoor walks. Virtual reality environments and even images of nature can have a similar positive impact. For example, eight studies showed that looking at nature imagery boosted positive emotions, while seven reported a decrease in negative feelings. Virtual reality nature experiences also showed promising results, with six studies noting reduced negative emotions and five highlighting increased positivity.

With 90% of the U.S. population expected to live in urban areas by 2050, researchers argue that integrating nature into city planning and public health initiatives is more important than ever. They propose “Nature Prescriptions” (Nature Rx) to promote brain health and even treat mental illnesses. This could mean designing urban spaces with more green areas or encouraging people to engage with nature in creative ways.

The team, led by brain scientist Jose Luis Contreras-Vidal, emphasizes that environmental factors play a huge role in mental health beyond just genetics. They’re now working on studies in Houston to better understand how nature impacts brain health, with hopes of creating standardized methods to harness its benefits for everyone.

So, next time you’re feeling stressed, consider taking a stroll outside or even gazing at a serene nature photo. Your brain will thank you!

Insoo Hyun, PhD
Director, Center for Life Sciences and Public Learning
Museum of Science

03/16/2026

Synchronized microspiking

03/10/2026

Why using snowshoes is part of Leave No Trace and trail etiquette.

Postholing is damaging and dangerous. Skis or snowshoes prevent postholing and leave a smoother trail which is easier to travel on. Use them when traveling i...

03/01/2026

Cleaning out files and found this photo. It shows how we found joy outdoors in Dec. 2020 despite a pandemic.

02/23/2026

Ticks are bad news but there are things you can do to keep them off you! This is a good time of year to prepare for when they are released from under the snow which can be as early as March. Treat your clothing. Buy approved repellents to keep in your car and by the door. Here's a great summary with FAQ you may have about ticks:

If you’ve finished a hike or wrapped up a day in the garden and found a tick on your skin or in your clothes, it’s understandable to be a bit freaked out. Ticks, after all, can carry diseases that do more than cause minor problems. What attracts ticks? They may seem random, but they follow a sur...

02/10/2026

This chart shows why it is so uncomfortable to be outside in frigid temperatures when you are inactive (sitting, standing) but when you are hiking, snowshoeing, breaking a trail through deep snow, you are doing WORK and can end up quite warm even when its 5F out.

02/09/2026

Great cardio workout breaking trail to the Federal Hill Fire Tower today. Nobody was cold while doing that!

02/02/2026