Spring Is Here, Let's Step Outside
3/12/2026 by Muse Abid, M.B.B.S, B.BiomedSc, M.P.H. and Brian Lynch, M. D.
After a long Minnesota winter, the shift into spring is hard to miss. The light lingers a little longer in the evening, birds return and trails begin to soften as the snow disappears. For many people, it also brings a quiet reminder that it might be time to spend more time outside again.
Time outdoors is not just enjoyable, It can also benefit our health. Research suggests that spending time in natural environments can help reduce stress, improve mood and encourage regular physical activity. Exposure to daylight supports healthy sleep patterns and even gentle movement outdoors can support heart health and overall well-being.
The good news is that it doesn’t take hours to notice a difference. A short walk, a bit of gardening, or simply sitting outside for a few minutes can help reset the mind after a long winter indoors.
Across Southeast Minnesota, local parks and community organizations offer many opportunities this spring to step outside, learn something new, and reconnect with nature.
Chester Woods Park programs
March—May 2026
• Chester Woods County Park offers a variety of seasonal programs that make it easy for families and individuals to enjoy the outdoors.
Sunday, March 15 at 1:00 p.m. — Egg carton gardens
• Celebrate the longer days by getting an early start on gardening. Kids can plant seeds in egg cartons and take them home to watch them grow before transplanting them into a garden or pot later in the season. Gardening is a hands-on way for children to develop patience, fine motor skills and a sense of accomplishment as they watch something they planted begin to grow.
Space is limited. Call 507-328-7350 by March 10 to reserve a spot.
Sunday, April 12 at 1:00 p.m. – Early signs of spring hike
• Join the park naturalist for a relaxed hike along one of Chester Woods’ trails, as we look for early wildflowers, budding plants and other small signs of spring. Walking at a comfortable pace outdoors provides gentle physical activity, while offering a chance to slow down and notice the seasonal changes around us.
Tuesday, April 14 from 7:30—9:00 p.m. — ZVAS Woodcock hike
• Each spring, American Woodcocks perform one of the most unusual mating displays in the bird world. Beginning at dusk, participants will gather at the horse corral parking lot to try to observe this unique behavior. Evening nature walks can also be a peaceful way to unwind and transition from the busy pace of the day.
Saturday, April 25 from 9:00 a.m.—12:00 p.m. — Friends of Chester Woods Spring Clean-Up Day
• Volunteers are invited to help prepare the park for the busy spring and summer season. Meet at the park office for coffee and doughnuts before heading out to help with cleanup projects. Community volunteer activities combine light physical movement with social connection important for long-term health.
Sunday, April 26 from 9:00 a.m.—12:00 p.m. — ZVAS Bird Walk at Root River Park
• Located just south of Rochester near Simpson, Root River Park features a two-mile loop trail with diverse habitat for many bird species. Participants may see early spring migrants such as Golden-crowned Kinglets and Yellow-rumped Warblers, while also watching for early blooming wildflowers. Bird walks combine gentle walking with focused observation, which many people find both relaxing and mentally refreshing.
Saturday, May 9 from 8:00 a.m.—12:00 p.m. — ZVAS Big Birding Day
• Held during the peak of spring migration, this annual event often brings the opportunity to see a wide variety of bird species. Participants will meet at the boat landing parking lot. After the morning walk, there will be a pause for lunch. Participants should bring their own food and beverages.
Sunday, May 10 at 10:00 a.m. — Spring kids craft
• A fun seasonal craft activity for younger visitors. Creative activities help children build fine motor skills while encouraging curiosity about nature.
Friday, May 22 at 10:00 a.m. — Beach and watercraft rentals open
• The beach and watercraft rentals open for the season, offering opportunities for swimming, paddling and other water recreation. Water-based activities provide enjoyable outdoor exercise that is easy on the joints.
Learning and exploration at Oxbow Park
• Oxbow Park programs offer hands-on opportunities to learn about wildlife, water systems and the natural environment. Outdoor learning experiences help build curiosity, while giving participants time outside in natural settings, which is something many people miss during the winter months.
• Spring programs include maple syrup demonstrations, reptile and amphibian presentations and guest educators from organizations such as the Wildlife Rehabilitation Center of Minnesota and the National Eagle Center. These programs give visitors a chance to learn about wildlife up close while spending time outdoors with family and community members.
Highlights include:
• February 28: Kick-off weekend – WOW Mobile Metal Lab (1—4 p.m.)
• March 1: Karst public program
• March 7: Master Gardeners – Rainwater Barrels & Rochester Stormwater program
• March 8: Water Cycle class
• March 14: Maple Syrup program (11 a.m.) and Rochester Public Library Water Science Discovery (1:30 p.m.)
• March 15: Wildlife Rehabilitation Center of Minnesota presentation
• March 21: Quarry Hill – Blanding’s Turtle program
• March 22: Maple Syrup program
• March 29: Reptile and Amphibian program
• April 4: “Shaped by Water” presentation
• April 11: Soil and Water Conservation program
• April 12: DNR Invasive Species program
• April 18: Meet the Otters – Photo and presentation event
• April 19: National Eagle Center presentations
Rochester Parks & Recreation summer programs
As the weather continues to warm, Rochester Parks & Recreation offers a wide range of summer programs designed to keep residents active and connected.
Tennis, hockey and youth recreation programs encourage regular physical activity, while helping participants build skills and confidence. The Accessible Recreation Program provides inclusive activities for children and adults with diverse cognitive needs, creating welcoming opportunities for everyone to participate.
Regular movement, whether through organized sports, recreation programs or simple outdoor play, supports cardiovascular health, strengthens muscles and bones and contributes to overall well-being.
Learn more about these summer programs on the Rochester Parks & Recreation website.
A simple invitation
For many people, the hardest part of spending time outdoors after winter is simply getting started again.
This spring offers plenty of opportunities to take that first step, whether it is joining a guided hike, attending a nature program, volunteering in a park or simply walking a local trail.
Sometimes the most meaningful way to support our health is also one of the simplest: spending a little more time outside.
Muse Abdi, M.B.B.S., B.BiomedSc., M.P.H., is a population health specialist at Olmsted County Public Health. Trained in medicine and public health, his work focuses on connecting healthcare, communities, and nature to support physical and mental wellbeing. Through the Statewide Health Improvement Partnership (SHIP), he leads initiatives such as Park Rx and Exercise is Medicine. He also facilitates the Southeast Minnesota Park Rx Coalition, bringing together healthcare providers, parks, and community partners to expand access to nature and promote the health benefits of spending time outdoors.
Brian A. Lynch, M.D., is a primary care pediatrician at Mayo Family Clinic Northwest in Rochester. He co-chairs the Primary Care Work Group of the Mayo Clinic Obesity Council and chairs the Primary Care Obesity Task Force. Dr. Lynch works closely with the Southeast Minnesota Park Rx Team to promote the physical and mental health benefits of spending time in nature with his patients and colleagues.