What is this project?
This project is my contribution to the Access to Nature goal outlined in Vancouver's Greenest City 2020 Action Plan. One of the main targets in the plan is that all Vancouver residents will be within a five minute walk of a natural space by 2020.

Who am I?
I am Becky Till, a CityStudio student working in collaboration with the City of Vancouver on Greenest City projects. I am also a person wondering what it really means to have access to nature.

What will all the participants and myself be doing?
Each participant of this challenge is going to "take a moment" in a "natural space" everyday for the next ten days (March 24th - April 2nd). We will all be posting reflections both written and visual to share what impact this commitment is having on us.

Why am I doing this?
Well, because I used eat blackberries on a forest path during my commute and now I try not to get hit by cars. I want to see if there is a bridge between my busy city life and my need to feel connected to nature. What does it mean to connect with nature in a city? Does it have the same impact as "wilder" nature? Will having more contact make a noticeable difference in my life? To broaden my conclusions I asked fourteen other people living in Vancouver if they could commit to "Accessing Nature" for 10 days straight too. They said yes.
It's on!

Wednesday 4 April 2012

Gary - Final reflection

1. I did find it challenging. Making the time and hateful spring weather were the two biggest hindrances.

2. Growing up probably influenced my view of nature a lot. I was spoiled as a kid; we had two acres with two duck ponds, 24 fruit trees, some cats and dogs, a fort, sweet BMX's, etc. The parks I've visited over the last ten days actually have had nothing on my old yard. Sorry park with just a bench, you're still nice.

3. I wouldn't say my concept of nature has shifted too much. I would say I've realized I'm pro park though.

4. I will access nature now more that the weather is changing. Lil frisbee, lil football. Getting a bike soon.

5. I'm taking away an ever slightly increased sense of appreciating quietness.

6. Perhaps hold the challenge in the summer and make it a bit shorter. I found myself going to pretty lame little spaces ( I counted a traffic circle) as there weren't enough parks in my direct vicinity. That said, I'd probably have gone further afield in the summer.

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