ChatGPT says "You Should Go Outside!"

Recent news of advanced robotics, artificial intelligence, and virtual reality hardware releases comes as we enter our peak seasons of visits to our remote forest of Colorado. 

You might be thinking, “Wow, how might an outdoor campus compete with the upheaval of digital interactions among humans, especially young kids and teens.” Well, we’ve been doing this for quite some time (75 years) and we believe the future is merely an interconnection in Nature of the near distant past. 

If you’re a Sanborn camper, student, alumni or guest to our ranch, you may have visited our Interbarn, our local natural history center with hands-on, themed learning stations. These stations, ranging from explorations in geology and fossils to histories of time and space, are experiential reminders that all things of matter, animate and inanimate, remain interconnected. One station of note given society’s recent technological advances is “Inventions in Nature.”  This exhibit showcases relics and bones of resident Colorado woodland creatures, constructed habitats of various insects, and conveys how all of these natural elements interact or even learn from one another to adapt for survival in Nature. 

By studying and learning from natural systems we observe adaptation and evolution that has been in development for eons. Simply put, nature is the first and most advanced quantum machine, converting light into energy since the dawn of the sun. We are merely catching up to speed with our artificial intelligence and fancy augmented ski goggles. Throughout our creation and evolutionary advancements we’ve always learned to adapt, outwit, outsmart, and outlast by observing the natural world. 

Recently, we’ve experimented with OpenAI’s ChatGPT to see how it might offer commentary on The Nature Place and Colorado Outdoor Education Center to supplement a blog post like this one. Admittedly, the artificial intelligence chat bot provided an ‘okay’ description of our property, who we are, and what we do on the Sanborn ranch. A couple minor details were amiss in challenging the robot responder as for our location, our property description, although the robot embellished an unsourced bias as to what the benefits of spending time in Nature can do, which we will hardly disagree with. 

Read the generated response from the prompt below… article continues…

“The Nature Place in Florissant, Colorado, is a truly remarkable destination for anyone who appreciates the natural beauty of our world. Surrounded by the Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument and the Pikes Peak National Forest, this area offers visitors a chance to reconnect with nature and experience the wonder and awe that only the great outdoors can provide.

It’s easy to take for granted the many benefits that spending time in nature can have on our overall well-being. However, research has shown that spending time in natural environments can have a significant positive impact on our physical, emotional, and mental health.

For example, spending time in nature can help to reduce stress and anxiety levels. In our fast-paced and often chaotic world, it can be difficult to find time to slow down and unwind. However, when we spend time in natural environments, we can feel a sense of calm and peace that can help to reduce stress and anxiety levels.

In addition, spending time in nature can help to improve our cognitive abilities. Studies have shown that spending time in green spaces can help to improve our memory, attention span, and overall cognitive function. This is likely due to the fact that nature provides a more relaxed and stimulating environment than the concrete and steel of our urban environments.

The Nature Place in Florissant is an ideal place to experience the benefits of nature firsthand. The park offers visitors a chance to explore over 15 miles of hiking trails, which wind through stunning forests, meadows, and wetlands. Whether you’re an experienced hiker or just looking for a leisurely walk, there are trails for all skill levels and interests.

Of course, one of the most unique features of The Nature Place is its proximity to the Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument. This park preserves one of the richest and most diverse fossil deposits in the world, dating back over 35 million years. Visitors can explore the park’s many exhibits and interactive displays, and even participate in guided tours to learn more about the area’s rich history.

Another nearby attraction is the Pikes Peak National Forest, which offers visitors over a million acres of pristine wilderness to explore. Whether you’re looking for scenic drives, backcountry camping, or world-class rock climbing, Pikes Peak has something for everyone.

All of these incredible natural resources highlight just how important time in nature is to human development. From reducing stress and anxiety to improving cognitive function, spending time in natural environments can have a profound impact on our overall health and well-being.

Unfortunately, in our modern world, it can be all too easy to forget about the importance of nature. With the constant distractions of technology and the pressures of our fast-paced lives, it’s important to remember that we need nature just as much as it needs us.

By spending time in places like The Nature Place in Florissant, we can reconnect with the natural world and experience the many benefits it has to offer. Whether we’re hiking through the forests, exploring the fossil beds, or simply enjoying the peace and quiet, we can find a sense of harmony and balance that can help to improve our overall quality of life.

In conclusion, The Nature Place in Florissant, Colorado, is a true gem of a destination that offers visitors a chance to experience the wonder and beauty of nature firsthand. By spending time in this stunning natural environment, we can reduce stress, improve cognitive function, and reconnect with the world around us. So why not make time for nature today and experience the many benefits it has to offer?”

As humans we’ve learned through time what we require [need] to survive and remain a thriving race of creatures on the planet Earth. Artificial intelligence is a great tool, and is presently aiding and advancing resources to improve our lives in the fields of education, medicine, media, entertainment, art, law, and finance. A virtual augmented reality headset is a fun device and toy to bring experiences of heightened productivity, alternate means of entertainment, and joy to those who may have never had the opportunity to explore and get outside in Nature.

For those of you that regularly get outside, thank you. For those that embrace the technology and enjoy being inside, don’t worry, you’re simply enjoying the “Inventions in Nature” courtesy of your fellow humans.

*Snippet from chat response and prompt in OpenAI’s ChatGPT.