From “springing forward” in time to the official first day of spring, the taste of warmer weather is in the air and sounds just as mouth-watering as Crescent Ridge on a 90-degree day. 

With temperatures slowly scraping out of the 30s and moving closer to the 60s, a simple drive around town has drivers watching for pedestrians going on walks with their families, pets, and sometimes even kayaks to take a peaceful row at Lake Massapoag. 

“I’m excited for it to be the type of warm where you can wear shorts and go to the lake because I’m very outdoorsy and like swimming, bringing my dog out for walks, and kayaking,” Heather Kelly, a junior at Sharon High School, said. 

Yet getting out into nature does more for us than just a nice tan or walking along the beach.

Whether it is going outside to procrastinate a little more on an essay or just for fun, residents of the town of Sharon have begun getting out of their houses to enjoy the warmth of the sun and chirping birds again. Something that doctors say is a good thing.

Within the past few years, studies have shown that being out in nature has a positive effect on both our physical and mental health. Scientists say spending as little as 20 minutes in nature daily can reduce stress levels, improve academic performance, and strengthen mental health.

As Marena Chen, a junior at Sharon High School, noted, “Hikes are refreshing both physically and mentally. I get to enjoy time with my family and I don’t even think about looking at my phone.”

So with the end of Quarter 3 and the beginning of the testing season (MCAS, AP Exams, and eventually finals), the question remains of what are some ways for students and teachers alike to get away from the everyday hustle and bustle and into nature.

Fortunately, from options closer to home to adventures a little further away, Sharon and its surrounding towns are not at a disadvantage when it comes to a lack of environmental opportunity. 

Lake Massapoag, at a whopping 353 acres in size, is open to all Sharon residents with a pass throughout the year and is home to many motor boats, canoes, kayaks, and, of course, fish. 

And for those not as interested in water sports, there is always the opportunity to take a stroll on the various sidewalks throughout town or on the trails scattered all around our area.

For trails close to home, Borderland State Park and the Sampson Exercise Trail are a short drive away from the center of town.

And for those up for a challenge, Blue Hills just up the street in Milton has over 125 miles of trails for people to explore and hike. Trail lengths vary from as short as 0.5 miles to as long as 3.75 miles. Each trail comes with its unique challenges and beauty. 

With both the abundance of trails, the spot is popular with many residents in the metro Boston area, including Sharon. 

“I like to go hiking at Blue Hill. The air is so fresh and you can smell the plants. Not many people are there, so it’s very tranquil and calm. And I can do it with my family,” Chen said. 

From common pastimes like hiking to more interesting hobbies like metal detecting, the coming of spring means the start of the warmer months and eventually summer. So, this spring, fight the urge to stay inside after a long day of school and explore nature all around you. 

And if you play as hard as your work, some say that it might even make your grades a little better.

List of Places Mentioned w/ Addresses & Websites: