The importance of nature in the middle of a city

An icy morning at the Ohio State Olentangy Wetlands Research Park.

My eyes gazed to the right and in between the cemetery plots sat a gigantic buck deer, he stared right back at my dog and I, and he didn’t budge an inch from his comfortable laying position ten feet away from us.

This cemetery is a favorite part of my “urban hike” Loop that I take right out the front door of my Airbnb in Clintonville (a neighborhood smack dab in the middle of the 14th biggest city in the US.)

This area that I can hike several miles on in the dirt (and some gravel and paved) is part of a Wetlands Research Area protected by Ohio State and a Urban Wildlife Management Area in Clintonville. The cemetery where I saw the buck is right next to the Wetlands Research Area and on any given day I will see owls, hawks, beavers, birds, deer, and more in a highly populated area that is literally in the middle of the city.

I have long been an advocate for the National Parks and protection of plants and animals along with access to all for outdoor recreation, probably going so far as to say that I am a biocentrist. I also endorse and promote strategies such as rewilding, having “wild” yards, and removing invasive species. Planting trees in urban areas and having open green space a mile within every person’s residence in a city, yes I believe that is vital as well.

But until I landed in Clintonville had I rarely seen such action being taken to make this a truly “wild” setting right in the middle of a neighborhood.

A gorgeous gaze down the Olentangy River.

The Scioto Audobon Metro Park is a great example of taking nothing to something beautiful. As someone who lived within a mile of this park before its creation, during its build, or for a while afterwards I truly appreciated the transformation from industrial leftovers to a green park oasis.

As I returned to Central Ohio for several months though we found ourselves living in Clintonville (don’t worry Audobon I still frequent you often just not daily.) It was here that I truly gained an appreciation of the 13.1 mile Olentangy Bike Trail that connects Worthington to downtown Columbus. A trail that I rode on often when I used to live in the C Bus but never out of such necessity as I do now.

Being a one car family has forced me on this trail if I want to get to yoga, buy groceries, or do some work out of the house. The surrounding park, wildlife area, cemetery, and wetlands research center combine to make this a true nature sanctuary that is steps from my doorstep. Yet if I walk in the opposite direction I will be on High St and in the hustle and bustle of the city energy that I do love in just five minutes.

The importance of nature in the middle of a city can not be understated in my opinion.

A happy hiking pup who didn’t have to even get in the car to go on his hike, but one who also lives in a city.

Many don’t get a choice in where they live and many more don’t have a way to move even if they damn well manifested, prayed, and chakra’d it daily. Many others (like myself) love the city living but would prefer to also have a connection to nature within it.

We can’t jet off to those state parks and national parks all of the time and whenever we prefer. It’s a large privilege to get to do so and even someone like myself who has the access and the means doesn’t always have the time nor desire to pack it up and hit the road.

I would prefer to walk out of my front door and go on a urban hike, see some wildlife, or ride my bike instead of getting in a car without fear of getting clipped by a distracted driver who flows into the bike lane by accident.

As much as I would love for everyone to get to experience the beauty of Yellowstone, Yosemite, Zion, Acadia, and the Everglades at least once in their lives; I think it’s probably more important and vital for everyone who lives in a city to have areas that I have access to right now in Clintonville.

A bike path that doesn’t intersect with cars.

Walking trails on dirt that you can spend 5 minutes or 2 hours on.

The ability to interact with and see real wildlife.

Trees. Wild Yards. Non-Invasive Species.

And more.

The National Parks are “America’s Best Idea” but for true well-being, physical and mental health, and an ability to unwind while placing priority on the wildness of animals, plants, and the planet Urban Wildlife Management Area’s, nature research facilities in urban environments, and bike paths with no motorized vehicles might be “America’s Most Needed Idea” that we should spread to every crevice of every city and town in the US and across the planet.

Finally… cemeteries should be included. Not to let the secret out but it’s the quietest and most reflective place to go for a run or take a dog on a walk that is not a park. There’s also some higher energy connection going on while you navigate it. And of course the ghosts and spirits ;).

Call this my rewilding while living in the city. I am grateful for it and it’s something we all deserve!

Leave your comments below with any thoughts or favorite city “wild” areas.

Because Adventure Feeds the Soul,
Mike R