Hi, Hello and Welcome

Hi, hello, and welcome!

I'm Ellie and this is my blog all about playing outside, exploring new parks, and going on adventures. Blogging isn't something I've ever really done before, but I'm excited to see where this space goes and how it helps me think more intentionally about parks and outdoor spaces.

I grew up in a town called Catonsville, about 10 minutes outside of Baltimore, Maryland. I was also lucky enough to grow up 5 minutes from Patapsco Valley State Park; 32 miles of the Patapsco River, encompassing 16,043 acres with hiking, fishing, camping, biking, and more. Some of my favorite childhood memories are wandering through the woods with my family, climbing over fallen logs, and then growing up and exploring even more with my friends. One of my mom's favorite traditions was taking photos of my brother and I at the same log over the years, a precious way to see how we and the park were growing. 

It wasn't until I moved to Florida for college that I realized how unusual and special it was to grow up with such incredible access to high-quality parks. Being so close to nature was not the norm for everyone. Between the woods of Patapsco and a childhood spent largely outside, I have a deep appreciation for the natural world and the role that parks play in shaping memories and experiences. I will share reflections from my own experiences, park visits, and course readings as I keep exploring what makes these spaces meaningful and accessible.  

P.S., here are some non-parks related things about me:

• I've been to 28 out of 50 states and hope to eventually visit them all
• I love live bluegrass music 
• I'm left-handed
• I am 24 and finish my Master of Urban and Regional Planning in 4 months