As the days grow longer and the weather warms up, spring is the perfect time to shake off the winter vibes and dive into a new hobby. Whether you’re looking to get outside, get creative, or have a fun activity to do, there are many hobbies to explore this season. Gardening, hiking, and picnicking are three perfect hobbies for spring because of the season’s mild temperatures, blooming landscapes, and fresh air. Each activity is a great way to embrace the season and make the most of the outdoors. 

Gardening

A well-known hobby during the springtime is gardening due to the start of warm weather and the capability of planting plants, flowers, and even vegetables/fruits. Gardening is a great way to welcome spring and summer; not only is this a fun activity for many, but it is beneficial to the environment. According to Schulte’s Greenhouse and Nursery, “Plants act as highly effective air cleaners, absorbing carbon dioxide, plus many air pollutants, while releasing clean oxygen and fragrance. Also, a dense cover of plants and mulch holds soil in place, reducing erosion and keeping sediment out of streams, storm drains, and roads.” Gardening is known to also calm the mind and body, so attempting this hobby can not only benefit the environment but also the mental state. 

There is a wide variety of places where people can garden; for example, some enjoy gardening in a backyard or public areas specifically for gardening. A public garden closest to Kinnelon is Riverdale Community Gardens, which is located in Riverdale, NJ, and is rated 4.8 stars according to Google reviews. This community garden is available to anyone who would like to garden, and at no cost; however, there are garden guidelines provided on the Riverdale Community Gardens website.

 Most importantly, to garden, there are a few necessary supplies: Hand trowel: For planting small seeds and transplanting seedlings, Shovel: For digging larger holes, Hand rake: For leveling soil and removing debris, Garden fork: For aerating compacted soil and harvesting root vegetables, Weeder: For removing unwanted weeds. All of these supplies are available at general corporations such as Home Depot, Ace Hardware, and Lowes. Each gardening tool varies from $12-14, and some general corporations offer gardening tool packs for around $20-40.

 “ I enjoy gardening because it is fun, especially when you are gardening with your friends,” said sophomore Taylor Mulch. 

Hiking

Another hobby appreciated in the spring is hiking; this hobby has extreme benefits for one’s physical and mental health, not to mention that it can be a great way to see beautiful parts of nature. Hiking is a great way to spend time outdoors and indulge in the warm, breezy weather. 

“I enjoy hiking because it’s a great way to go outside and look at all the different landscapes; it’s also really pretty to see the sunsets and sunrises,” said sophomore Emma Smith. 

There are multiple spots for hiking, some that are more intense, depending on how steep and long the trail is. There are multiple local hiking trails in Kinnelon. Some are Taylortown reservoir loop Via Tripod Rock – Pyramid Mountain Natural Historical Area, this trail is estimated to be 1 hour and 51 min and it’s 3.53 miles. Another popular trail in Kinnelon is Turkey Mountain Loop-Pyramid Mountain Natural Historical Area, which is estimated to be 2 hours and 25-minute hike, and it is 5.31 miles long. The third popular trail in Kinnelon is the Apshawa Preserve Loop, which is estimated to take 2 hours and 14 minutes and is 5 miles long. These are the top three trails in Kinnelon, according to Komoot, and all three of these trails are free of charge. There are multiple other hiking trails in bordering towns that are free of charge and have different intensities. Some trails will be easy, intermediate, and difficult.  

“I have never been hiking before, however, hiking is something I would like to try out because it looks like a peaceful activity, not to mention the beautiful scenery,” said sophomore Hannah Kenyon.

Some necessities are having good trail shoes, for example, Hokas, Nike, and Brooks. All of these brands have specific trail running shoes. Lastly, it is imperative to bring water and dress according to the weather.  Hiking is not costly due to all the necessities being household items. 

Picnics 

Finally, one other activity that can be done during spring is having a picnic. Having a picnic does not need much effort put in, and it can be a fun day planned during the warm weather. Typically, when having a picnic, some individuals like to go to public parks, beaches, gardens, lakesides, and even spots in mountains or forests. 

Some areas in Kinnelon that are good for having a picnic are Silas Condict County Park, Stoney Brook Park, and Splitrock Reservoir. These are all public places to the community, so it is available for all people and does not cost any money besides the items being brought. 

“I love picnics because it is fun to go outside and see a pretty view and have fun with friends or family; it is very relaxing,” said sophomore Caitlin Wagner.

To have a picnic, only a few things are needed for example, a location, seating/blanket, food/drinks, utensils/dishes, and any extra items like trash bags. All of these items will lead to a fun and successful picnic. A picnic can bring family and friends together and, most of all, create lasting memories this spring. 

“Picnicking is a fun hobby to do in the spring when you have nothing to do and want to spend time in nature,” said Kenyon

Gardening, hiking, and having a picnic can be interesting hobbies to pick up this spring with any free time. All of these activities do not require much effort and can have a beneficial impact this spring.