First Steps into Nature

A nature walk is a peaceful, slow-paced journey through a natural setting where we take time to observe, learn, and connect with the environment around us. Unlike a hike that focuses on distance or speed, a nature walk is more about the experience — the birds we hear, the trees we touch, the breeze on our skin, and the small details we often overlook in everyday life.
On our walks at Whittier Narrows Nature Center, we move at a gentle pace, following a one-mile loop surrounded by native plants, wetlands, and wildlife. Along the way, we pause to observe birds in flight, butterflies dancing through the air, and animal tracks on the trail. We talk about local ecology, seasonal changes, and the role each species plays in the ecosystem.
These walks are also moments for mindfulness — we breathe deeply, notice our senses, and allow nature to calm our busy minds. It’s a chance to step away from the noise of daily life and return to something simpler, slower, and healing.
Whether you come for fresh air, community, curiosity, or peace — a nature walk welcomes you just as you are.