The weather here in Madison, WI has been fantastic lately. I love all four seasons we get to experience in the Midwest and as spring changes to full-blown summer, I am excited to get outside.

We have great parks here in Madison and are surrounded by wonderful places to explore and enjoy nature’s wonders. It makes me stop and think when I read about stuff like this:

According to a 2006 paper by University of Chicago conservation biologists Oliver Pergams and Patricia Zaradic, Americans’ participation in outdoor activities such as camping and hunting has been declining about 1% a year since the mid-1980s. Fishing and national park visits have also diminished. The reason? Chalk it up to certain entertainment media. After correlating various social variables, Pergams and Zaradic found that the decline since 1987 can be attributed almost entirely to video games, Internet usage and movie viewing. (Rising gas prices were another factor.) Interestingly, TV, a medium that began occupying our time long before the ’80s, was not blamed. [Newsweek, 2/18/08]

I just gotta share the fun in the park featured in the video of little known 70’s buddy comedy:

With that bit of news in mind let me direct your attention to some of the cool stuff for the young at heart to get you outside enjoying nature:

1) Keyring Kite

2) Campfire Cuisine

3) LED Bubble Blaster

For more of these types of fun outdoor products, I point you to one of our Top Ten Lists populated with gifts for the Outdoor Adventurer.

Let’s get reverse that 1% decline and get outside & get happy!