Elise Molleur is a recent graduate of The University of Scranton a Bachelor’s of Science in Environmental Science and Philosophy. She grew up in Summit, NJ but has spent half of her life on Lake Winnipesaukee in New Hampshire.

In a time where we have seemingly discovered a sense of normalcy in nature, we are reminded of the importance and versatility of the outdoors. As an environmentalist, my aim is to protect the physical health of nature; with a global deadly pandemic that lacks predictability and draws us to the freedom of the outdoors, I now understand how nature can stimulate and support our mental health. Demonstrated by the influx of individuals to beaches, parks, and forest trails throughout COVID-19 restrictions, we are reminded of the irreplaceable value of the great outdoors.

The passage of the Great American Outdoors Act in June is a hopeful and progressive reassurance that we will not “return to normal” when restrictions are lifted, cases decline, and the nation can press play again. Rather, we will move forward with the environment as our priority after being reminded that it is a privilege. Though unfortunate that it took a relentless and erratic pandemic for us to recognize the amplitude of nature’s effects on our mental and physical health, we won’t end here. Nature is calling, and our response has begun.