The Muskingum Soil and Water Conservation District recently launched a county-wide campaign to encourage people to get outside.

On Saturday, the district began the #5minutenaturechallenge which tasks community members with a simple challenge — spend five minutes outside each day for 21 days.

“Even 5 minutes outside has been proven to provide benefits to our blood pressure, immune function and our mental health,” April Lovejoy said in a media release. “The goal for the challenge is to keep the effort minimal but steady for a prolonged period of time, allowing the activity to become a habit.”

The release cites a National Human Activity Pattern Survey funded through the EPA that showed Americans spend about eight percent of their time outside.

In an effort to get community members, especially children, outside and in nature, the Muskingum Soil and Water Conservation District is offering the opportunity for participants who participate in the challenge to win daily prizes.

In order to be entered into the drawing local residents are challenged to take a photo of their five minute-long outdoor adventure and post it on social media tagging the Muskingum Soil and Water Conservation District on Facebook (@muskingumswcd), Instagram (@mswcd) or Twitter (@Muskingum_SWCD).

Genesis Healthcare Systems, the Muskingum County Health Department, Zane State, OUZ,  Zanesville City Schools and Maysville Local School are all supporting the initiative.

Lovejoy said Maysville is even creating a nature club for students in honor of the challenge.

Here are some local places to enjoy nature:

• Parks, trials and gardens under the Muskingum Valley Park District
• Dillon State Park
• Genesis Healthcare System Fitness Trail
• Blackhand Gorge State Nature Preserve
• Parks in the City of Zanesville