Benefits of Being Outdoors

Fresh Air for Your Health

Spending time outdoors isn’t just enjoyable—it’s critical to a healthy lifestyle! Studies show that children who play outside have stronger immune systems, improved focus, and reduced stress levels. Plus, time in nature is linked to lower blood pressure and increased overall well-being for all ages. 

Part of the Conservancy’s core mission is to facilitate time spent in our parks.  Some ways the Conservancy encourages residents to connect with their parks:

Teddy Bear Picnic

The 15th annual Teddy Bear Picnic was one for the books! The annual free event brought families together for an afternoon of music, activities, and outdoor fun at the Rose Pavilion. With over 3,500 attendees and favorite stuffed animal friends in tow, the Teddy Bear Picnic was filled with laughter, creativity, and sunshine. Thanks to our sustainability efforts, we diverted 92% of waste from area landfills, making the day not only fun but also eco-friendly! 

Here are some other ways to get your vitamin D in the parks this spring:

Volunteer with Us

Looking for a way to give back, spend time with your neighbors, learn about gardening and enjoy time outdoors in our beautiful parks? Volunteer today to assist with planting vibrant flower beds, weeding, harvesting fresh produce, and keeping our garden spaces thriving. No experience is needed—our expert horticulture team provides hands on guidance and all tools and refreshments needed for your workday. Whether you join us weekly or only once, your support makes a lasting impact.

VOLUNTEER

Take a Walk

Grab a friend and join your neighbors for a brisk walk along the West Ashley Greenway (John’s Island end). Whether you’re a seasoned walker or just starting out, this in-person event is perfect for everyone looking to get active, connect with friends and enjoy the outdoors.

Starting at 9:00 AM each Monday, meet at the parking lot off of McLeod Mill Road and set off on a volunteer led walk along the Stono River. The walk is a flat, gravel & paved trail of moderate intensity and each walk is a 2.7 mile round trip. We look forward to seeing you there!

RSVP

Share the Healing Power of Parks with those in Need

This spring, you can bring the beauty of our parks into your home while also supporting a woman in need in our community. Our seasonal bouquet subscription offers six weeks of stunning, hand-arranged bouquets featuring the park grown flowers picked at their peak. Our Seasonal Bouquet Subscription is more than just a flower subscription; it’s an opportunity to support the Conservancy’s efforts to donate bouquets to a community member in need.

Our cut flower program is dedicated to supporting women at all stages of life. The Conservancy works with Postpartum Support Charleston to support new mothers through horticulture therapy as they help us care for, harvest and arrange bouquets from our two cut flower gardens. Last year, the Conservancy donated 1,200 bouquets to partner organizations including My Sister’s House, Moms on the Run, Charleston County Library Free and Fresh Fridge Program and Florence Crittenton House. The benefits of spending time in the outdoors and around flowers are well documented:

  • 1 in 7 women experience postpartum depression. Our program seeks to improve outcomes for new mothers who have experienced trauma and may not have a support system in place. We do this through carefully choosing our partner organizations including My Sister’s House (a domestic abuse shelter for women and children), CCPL Free and Fresh Fridges, Carter May Senior Living Home, and Postpartum Support Charleston.
  • Research shows that simply being around flowers reduces stress, speeds healing, enhances concentration, and improves mood.
  • A 2008 study found that patients with plants in their hospital rooms had significantly fewer intakes of pain medication, more positive physiological responses (lower blood pressure and heart rate), less pain, anxiety, and fatigue, and better overall positive and higher satisfaction with their recovery rooms than their counterparts in the control group without plants in their rooms.
  • Living with flowers strengthens compassion and decreases anxiety and worry – Harvard University
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