November Nature
As time slows down, plants and animals go to rest, tree leaves fall, and the days grow shorter, we are reminded of the everchanging world around us. In November, we are invited to celebrate these changes, among others, and dive deeper into our understanding of the world around us.

November 1st is World Ecology Day, inviting us to learn more about our local ecology. On November 15th, America Recycles Day helps us better understand our recycling systems in the United States. November 17th is National Take a Hike Day, making this a perfect day to get outside and explore! 

World Ecology Day

Ecology is the study of the interrelationships of living organisms and their environment, including people. The main focus of ecology is to understand the connections between animals and plants to their environment at every scale.To understand the multiple aspects of the living world, ecologists study a wide range of life ranging from microbacterium to the largest mammals. This study also aids in our understanding of how to use nature’s resources while leaving the environment healthy. They are also not limited to the living organisms. Ecologists can study things like gravity, fire, volcanoes, waterway systems, cities, and temperature. Ecology unlocks the secrets of how earth functions and in turn shows us how we affect the environment.

November 1st is World Ecology Day and this is a day to celebrate the significant relationships between us and our environment. This day also recognizes the hard work and dedication of ecologists all over the world. The main mission of this day is to celebrate ecology as a science and to bring awareness to what roles it plays in creating and discovering solutions to improve our environment. Looking for ways to get involved? Join us on our Restoration Work Days! Join staff as we restore and maintain balance to our ecosystem as we remove invasive species. At home there are also many ways to aid in ecological improvement. Research and plant native plants, repurpose items in your house, plant your own garden, start a composting system, and much more.

America Recycles Day

November 15th is America Recycles Day, which is one great way to aid in the mission of ecologists. By reducing waste that leaves our homes going to landfills, choosing to recycle gives back to the earth in a sustainable way to reuse products that already exist. In turn recycling also improves our economy. This preserves more of our natural resources, uses less energy, and creates jobs for a growing industry. There are well known ways to recycle items like plastic bottles, aluminum cans, and cardboard like putting them into the correct waste bins. However there are also other things you can do too that help cut down on waste even more like donating items when possible, use reusable grocery bags, reuse packaging like glass jars, and opting out of junk mail when possible. Want more insight and info on composting? Join us for Nature on Tap:“Is My Dinner Compostable?” lecture to talk about the science of composting, why it is important for the planet and how you can contribute to the solution.

Take a Hike Day

While ecology is important in these aspects, it is equally just as important to enjoy nature just as it is. November 17th is National Take a Hike Day. Hiking is not only good for your mental and physical health, but getting out into nature to observe its amazing sights and inhabitants will inspire people to advocate for what they love. Being an advocate for the natural environment you enjoy will help improve it for many many years to come for the later generations to enjoy. Here at Wild Roots Nature Center, we have a monthly Tuesday Walking Group where anyone is welcome to join for a calming hike to just spend some time outside. November 26th to November 29th is our Self-Guided Gratitude Walk. Take a self-guided stroll through the woods of Severson Dells Forest Preserve and stop at the various stations with prompts to help you express gratitude in this and all seasons. 

What's the relationship between people and nature?

The relationship between us and ecology is extremely important. Many different specialties affect our everyday lives. The information gathered by ecologists helps improve our own living situations like our cities, improve our environment, and protect human health. Ecology matters because of the many ways people impact nature. Through agricultural development, fishing, urbanisation, and the overall changing of the land, ecology directly supports our wellbeing and the health of the environment simultaneously. 

Spending time in nature, like taking a hike, is beneficial to your mental and physical health. Studies have shown that getting outdoors improves brain function, reduces stress, decreases symptoms of anxiety, and more. It has also shown to go beyond just health benefits. Time outdoors allows us to take time to focus on things like social wellbeing, elevate our connection to and value of nature, and increase willingness to be involved with pro-environmental behaviors. 

There are many ways to help and enjoy our wonderful natural world, whether that's becoming a scientist, finding ways to be sustainable in your everyday life, or just going outside and spending time with nature.

Resources:
“What Is Ecology?” Ecological Society of America, esa.org/about/what-does-ecology-have-to-do-with-me/. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.National Geographic Society. “Ecology.” Education, 19 Oct. 2023, education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/ecology/.Gedert, Bob. “The History of America Recycles Day.” U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, U.S. Chamber of Commerce, 14 Nov. 2023, www.uschamberfoundation.org/disasters/history-america-recycles-day.Himrod, Corey. “National Hiking Day Is Today: Go Take a Hike!” Landtrustalliance, 17 Nov. 2023, landtrustalliance.org/blog/national-hiking-day-is-today-go-take-a-hike.“What Is Ecology? Learn about Ecologists & Our World.” British Ecological Society, 24 June 2025, www.britishecologicalsociety.org/what-is-ecology/.Capra, Fritjof. “Ecology and Community.” Ecoliteracy.Org, www.ecoliteracy.org/article/ecology-and-community. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.“Recycling Basics and Benefits.” EPA, Environmental Protection Agency, 22 June 2026, www.epa.gov/recycle/recycling-basics-and-benefits.DeCramer, Michael. “Why Hiking Is Good for People and the Outdoors.” Washington Trails Association, winter 2023, www.wta.org/news/magazine/features/why-hiking-is-good-for-people-and-the-outdoors.Arroyo, Flor Morales. “Global Conservation: Celebrating World Ecology and Ecologist Day.” FLAAR MESOAMERICA, 30 Nov. 2023, flaar-mesoamerica.org/2023/10/30/global-conservation-celebrating-world-ecology-and-ecologist-day/.Tamlyn, Kaiya. “Spend Time in Nature: It’s Good for You, Your Community, and the Planet.” Colorado State University, 2 Dec. 2025, sustainability.colostate.edu/humannature/spend-time-in-nature-its-good-for-you-your-community-and-the-planet/.