Nature plays a significant role in our lives, whether we realize it or not. Communities surrounded by natural environments often experience better health outcomes, lower crime rates, and stronger overall well-being compared to areas that have become overly industrialized. Finding the balance is vital for sustained long term health.
While industry is essential for economic growth and community development, it should not come at the expense of the natural environment. With thoughtful planning, industry and nature can coexist in ways that support both economic progress and environmental sustainability. The goal should be to improve quality of life for everyone—through better wages, job opportunities, and community development—while also preserving the natural spaces that support our physical and mental health.
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Too often, development prioritizes short-term gains that benefit a small number of people, while contributing to environmental degradation and growing inequality. As wealth becomes more concentrated, many individuals see little meaningful improvement in their daily lives. This highlights the need for a more balanced approach that values both economic and environmental well-being.
Spending time in nature—through activities like hiking, walking, or biking—not only enhances physical fitness but also supports mental health. These experiences are part of what make places like Michigan’s Upper Peninsula such desirable places to live and invest in. You may be interested in this article on protecting some sensitive nature areas in the UP. Protecting Nature in MI
I'm also a licensed fitness trainer so if you are interested in some virtual or local fitness training let me know by sending a message to the right. A nutrition plan and a routine can go a long way. Likewise, I do some hobby art and photography so if you are interested in the picture above let me know for the size and frame/unframed. You can send along an offer or I can provide you with a delivered cost. Thanks for reading.
Viewing Nature: An Analysis of Exposure to Nature in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula
- Exposure to nature improves physical and mental health, including reducing stress and improving focus
- Nature can be experienced directly (outdoors) or indirectly (through windows or views)
- Access to trees and green space is linked to lower rates of depression and anxiety
- Higher tree density is associated with reduced use of antidepressants
- Tree cover varies across Upper Peninsula communities, with some cities having much lower coverage than others
- Downtown areas generally have less tree coverage than residential neighborhoods
- Lower tree density is connected to poorer overall health outcomes
- Increasing tree cover is a cost-effective way to improve public health and quality of life
Broadway, M., & Brown, J. (2026, January 26). Viewing nature: An analysis of exposure to nature in the Upper Peninsula. Rural Insights. https://ruralinsights.org/content/viewing-nature-an-analysis-of-exposure-to-nature-in-the-upper-peninsula/
Thayer, K. (2025, June 24). Protecting nature in Michigan. Environmental Law & Policy Center. https://elpc.org/blog/protecting-nature-in-michigan/
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