Fall is Here! Ways to Enjoy the Season On and Off Campus

Fall is that bittersweet time of year when the summer warmth is slowing down, and classes might be picking up. Shorts might be outdated, though I would not recommend ditching them so fast considering Ottawa’s ever-changing weather. As we prepare for the long haul on campus, let us consider the beauty of this season! So, pull out your sweaters, grab your friends and admire the changing of leaves.

Now is a great time to think about our environmental wellness. It is important that we reflect on our surroundings to support pleasant, safe, stimulating and sustainable environments. This awareness includes both our immediate physical environment and the broader community. Think about how you give back to your community: what characteristics define a healthy environment? How can you enhance your personal health and the world around you? Recognizing our personal and social decisions through positive environmental engagement enhances our wellness in a variety of ways, including reduced stress, mindfulness, harmony with nature, community involvement and improved happiness (Martin et al., 2020; “What is,” 2024).

To kick off the seasonal spirit, I have created a list of environmentally engaging activities on and off campus so that you can “fall” in love with this season too.  I “leaf” it to you!

On Campus  

1. Explore the new Rideau River multi-use pathway bridge connecting Carleton University and Vincent Massey Park. This bridge provides easy access to the RA Centre (a multi-sport recreation facility), Hog’s Back Falls (a magnificent 60-foot waterfall) and Billings Bridge Shopping Centre.
2. Mark your calendars and reserve your spot for the 25th Annual Biology Butterfly Show beginning Saturday, October 5 to Sunday, October 13, 2024. Did you know that this event is held in one of the best university greenhouse complexes in Canada, located in the Nesbitt Biology Building at 1125 Colonel By Drive? Apparently, it is good luck if a butterfly lands on you!
3. Engage in some fall decluttering by learning more about Carleton’s Guide to Sustainability. Some of these eco-friendly initiatives include Textbooks for Change, E-waste Recycling and Sustainable Transportation. Check out Carleton’s Waste Wizard online for more information on proper disposal methods and where to drop off your items.

Off Campus  

1. Adventure the many green spaces within Ottawa for fall colours! These include the arboretum, Major’s Hill Park, Confederation Park and Gatineau Park. On weekends, a free shuttle bus from downtown Ottawa to Gatineau Parkruns until Sunday, October 27, 2024. You can board this bus from Pindigen Park (next to the Canadian War Museum and near the O-Train Pimisi Station). There are also bike racks located next to this shuttle stop. Check out the Gatineau Shuttle Website for schedule details. I recommend a scenic roundtrip chairlift ride at Camp Fortune, savoring the scenery at Champlain Lookout or hiking King Mountain.
2. Visit the local Ottawa Farmers Market at Lansdowne in Aberdeen Square every Sunday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. This promotes sustainable practices by supporting locally-sourced seasonal produce, small businesses and sustainable consumption habits—all while benefitting the community. Everything is produced within 100 kilometres of Ottawa!

Final Reflections 

Lastly, here are six tips so you can continue to practice sustainability and environmental wellness at home:

1. Reduce waste by recycling and composting
2. Conserve water by turning off the tap while brushing your teeth
3. Conserve energy by turning off lights and unplugging devices
4. Educate yourself and others about sustainable practices
5. If you work from home, create a clear, uncluttered workspace separate from your bedroom
6. Bring nature to you! Consider a low-maintenance houseplant like a snake plant for cleaner air and improved mental health.

We hope you find time to enjoy the fall weather, and all Carleton and Ottawa has to offer this season! If you have any more questions about supporting your environmental wellness or want to explore other resources to improve your mental health literacy, come visit the Wellness Desk at 204A MacOdrum Library.

References

Martin, L., White, M. P., Hunt, A., Richardson, M., Pahl, S., & Burt, J. (2020). Nature contact, nature connectedness and associations with health, wellbeing and pro-environmental behaviours. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 68, 101389-.

25+ fun things to do during fall in the Ottawa Region. (2024, September 11). To Do Canada. Retrieved September 20, 2024.

What is Environmental Wellness? (2024, April 16). Stride Mental Health. Retrieved September 20, 2024.