UW Combined Fund Drive

May 27, 2026

Recreate Responsibly This Summer

Summer is almost here! With warmer days ahead, there’s no better time to get outside and enjoy everything the Pacific Northwest has to offer. Hiking, cycling, running, boating, horseback riding, fishing, open water swimming. When it comes to outdoor recreation, we live in a place worth celebrating. Just make sure you’re celebrating safely so you can do it again tomorrow.

Getting outside is good for you

The science backs up what most of us already feel: time in nature improves mental clarity and creativity, supports physical health and reduces the risk of conditions like heart disease and depression, and deepens our connection to the environment we’re working to protect. It’s also just really fun.

This is just as true for kids. Outdoor play gives children powerful boosts to their mental, physical and emotional development. Researchers use the term “nature-deficit disorder,” coined by nature advocate Richard Louv, to describe what happens when kids lose that connection. Studies show that children who regularly play outside are more likely to stay active as adults, show better focus and creativity at school, have reduced ADHD symptoms and develop lifelong conservation values. Early exposure to plants, animals and soil also helps young immune systems develop properly, reducing vulnerability to allergies and asthma. Recent research from North Carolina State University found that nature-based activities are especially helpful for teens, helping offset some of the mental health impacts of the stressors young people face today.

How to recreate responsibly

The Washington Recreate Responsibly Coalition offers these simple guidelines to help protect yourself, others and the places you love:

  • Know before you go. Check whether your destination is open and have a backup plan if it’s crowded.
  • Plan ahead. Expect some facilities to be closed, pack your own lunch and bring essentials like hand sanitizer and sunscreen.
  • Explore locally. Great parks, trails and public spaces are close to home. Be mindful of your impact on the communities you visit.
  • Play it safe. Choose lower-risk activities to reduce the chance of injury.
  • Go easy on alcohol. It’s generally prohibited in public parks, and in warm weather, it raises the risk of dehydration and heat stroke while impairing judgment.
  • Don’t let the sunshine fool you. Warm weather is relaxing, but it’s not an invitation to leave common sense behind.
  • Leave no trace. Respect public lands, waterways and Native and local communities. Take all your garbage with you.
  • Build an inclusive outdoors. Help make outdoor spaces safe and welcoming for people of all identities and abilities.

Outdoor time is essential to health, wellbeing and happiness. Everyone deserves to experience the Pacific Northwest’s incredible outdoor spaces, in every season.

Support organizations making the outdoors accessible to all

Through the UWCFD, you can support nonprofit organizations working to make outdoor recreation equitable and accessible for all. Make a one-time gift or set up an ongoing payroll deduction by searching for a charity by name or cause. If you don’t see the organization you’re looking for, reach out at uwcfd@uw.edu and we’ll work to get them added.

Your gift makes a difference.