The last few weeks, I have been contemplating the past while dreaming about opportunities for the future. This was ever present as I spent a few days last month with my son catching trout at Bennett Spring. It’s hard to describe the youthful excitement of a kid catching his first trout and cooking it over a campfire. He and I have spent many days in the outdoors and hope we will share many more. Those few days brought back many memories forged in the outdoors, including at Bennett Spring.
Our strongest emotional connections with a place usually involve the people we enjoyed those places with and the experience we had together. Those emotional connections get even stronger when tied to our olfactory system. One of my favorite smells is burnt gunpowder. It brings back memories of time with friends and family on the range or in the field. For me, slinging a few arrows from the old compound bow is a great way to wash away the stresses of life.
Numerous publications have shown the positive effect of time in nature on mental health. Considering the growing challenges around loneliness and mental health, we need more time in special places with people that can develop into strong emotional connections. I have great appreciation for the many MDC staff, partners, volunteers, and wildlife that are working hard every day so we have safe and healthy ecosystems to enjoy.
Jason Sumners, Director
And More...
This Issue's Staff
Editor - Angie Daly Morfeld
Associate Editor - Larry Archer
Photography Editor - Cliff White
Staff Writer - Kristie Hilgedick
Staff Writer - Joe Jerek
Staff Writer – Dianne Van Dien
Designer – Amanda DeGraffenreid
Designer - Marci Porter
Designer – Lyndsey Yarger
Photographer - Noppadol Paothong
Photographer - David Stonner
Circulation – Marcia Hale