Urban Ecology and Wellness Activities
The Urban Ecology Wellness Center at Keney Park intends to heal the Hartford community by providing opportunities for individuals and families to engage in activities that promote a deeper connection to nature and the environment. At the UEWC, we recognize that nature is a powerful tool for healing trauma and promoting health and wellness. Therefore, we provide urban ecology activities that aim to help residents learn about their environment and connect with nature, as well as wellness activities that provide a unique opportunity for participants to allow nature to heal and transform them.
Urban Ecology
Urban Biodiversity
-
Birding:
Relaxing and educational activity where you learn how to locate and identify local bird species -
Bee education:
Opportunity to learn about the life-cycle and habits of bees as well as the vital role they play in our ecosystem. Additionally, you will learn how honey is made and how to ethically harvest from bee hives.
-
Wildlife education:
Educational opportunity to learn about the history of our local ecosystem and learn about current wildlife inhabiting CT.
-
Local conservation:
Opportunity to learn about current conservation efforts in Hartford, CT, and New England, as well as the importance of conservation and how you can help.
Urban Water use/Management
Pond stocking:
- Learn the science behind fish stocking ponds; how to decide which fish to use, how many fish to use, and how to maintain the pond.
Water quality testing:
- Learn the importance of having access to clean and safe water, how to test water to ensure safety, and how to filter water if needed.
Water reclamation:
- Learn how wastewater is filtered, cleaned, and tested for purity and later re-used to promote water conservation.
Fishing tournaments
- Participate in fishing competitions with other community members at the Keney Park Pond!
Urban Forestry/Natural Resources
-
Trail maintenance/reconstruction:
Learn how to properly care for and repair local trails when hiking or walking through nature.
-
Urban wood utilization:
Learn about current efforts to reduce deforestation by utilizing local wood and resources from urban and/or damaged trees that are going to be removed anyways.
-
Maple syrup production:
Opportunity to learn how to harvest sap from maple trees and convert the sap to syrup.
-
Forest management:
Learn about current state and national efforts to maintain and restore ecosystems and steps that are being taken for future protection and maintenance of forests.
Urban Agriculture
-
Composting:
Learn the science behind composting, the benefits of composting, and how you can start composting at home! - Horticultural/gardening education: ِ Learn how to begin and properly maintain and care for a variety of plants including fruits, vegetables, flowers, herbs, and so much more.
-
Soil health:
Learn about the importance of soil health, the various components of soil health and how to promote healthy soil.
-
Animal husbandry:
Learn about the industry behind dairy, meat, and other animal products; how the animals that produce these products are bred and cared for and how to raise your own livestock.
-
Vegetable production:
Learn about the various growing conditions preferred by certain vegetables, which vegetables can be grown together, and which you can easily grow in your own home or community garden.
-
Mushroom foraging:
Learn the different types of mushrooms local to CT and how to identify mushrooms that are safe for human consumption.
-
Hydroponics/aquaponics:
Learn about the various advantages and disadvantages of growing plants in nutrient-rich water, and observe a garden where plants are grown without soil!
Wellness
Health
-
Pop-Up Health and Wellness Screenings:
Events where local providers from different health fields (e.g. dental, medical and nutritional) come to help residents stay health by providing free health education and screenings.
-
Food distribution:
Events when locals can come to pick out free vegetables.
Movement/ Activity
Yoga/Pilates:
- Yoga and Pilates are low-impact workouts that use body resistance. Looking for a relaxing but challenging workout? Then an outdoor yoga class may be the right fight for you! Or, if you want a workout with a bit more structure, try a Pilates class.
Qi Gong/TaiChi :
- Learn Qi Gong, an ancient Chinese practice that incorporates the regulation of breath, mind, posture and body movements.
Hiking/Biking:
- Breath in the fresh air, enjoy the beautiful views and listen to the birds sing while hiking or biking on one of our many trails.
Tranquility/Relaxation
-
Sound healing:
sound healing is a form of music therapy that uses different sounds to promote well-being.
-
Meditation:
In need of some relaxation? Meditation classes use breathing and focus to help you calm your mind.
-
Massage:
Got the weight of the world on your shoulders? Treat yourself to a massage that will leave you feeling refreshed and renewed.
-
Deep breathing:
Need to destress? Attend a deep breathing class to learn how to use breathing to help your body relax.
Therapy
-
Forest therapy:
Derived from the Japanese practice of shinrin-yoku, or “forest bathing,” forest therapy involves a leisurely walk through the forest led by a guide that will remind you to use all of your senses to fully enjoy all that nature has to offer.
-
Horticulture therapy:
]Horticulture therapy helps you to take your mind off of your worries while getting your hands dirty as you learn how to work in a garden.
-
Physical therapy:
Physical therapy uses certain massages, exercises, and stimuli to help restore and strengthen your physical health.
-
Weaving therapy:
Waving therapy helps you to take your mind off of your worries by working with your hands while you create beautiful art that you can treasure forever.
Creativity/Sensory Activities
-
Visual art:
Get in touch with your creative side while a professional artist guides you through creating art in the great outdoors.
-
Nature crafts:
Think outside the box and create art using material that can be found in nature
- Indigenous music: Learn how to play indigenous music using authentic instruments while connecting with nature.
-
Performing arts:
Step out of your comfort zone and learn some new skills as an instructor guides you through expressing yourself using different modes of art, such as acting and playing musical instruments.
-
Dance:
Express yourself through dance while enjoying the great outdoors