Mervyn, pictured with his four granddaughters, has long realized that being outside in nature is critical for our health.
Courtesy of Mervyn Weerasinghe

Dr. Mervyn Weerasinghe, 81, says spending time in nature helps him stay active as he ages.

“Being exposed to nature definitely reduces stress and increases a sense of wellbeing,” the Pittsford resident and avid gardener explains. “Because we have chosen to live this far north of the equator, if we don’t spend enough time outside in the sun we don’t get enough vitamin D.”

Mounting evidence suggests low vitamin D levels increase the risk of respiratory illnesses, osteoporosis, dementia, diabetes, and some cancers.

Mervyn grew up and studied medicine in Sri Lanka before moving to the United States. He and his wife Jane have been long-time members, and Mervyn volunteered for many years as a Preserve Steward of Christine Sevilla Wetlands in Caledonia.

I felt a sense of responsibility to make sure it was safe,” Mervyn says. “Preserving precious lands — whether it’s a wetland, something by a stream, some farm — I’m glad to support something so important to our region and our future.”