The best thing about modern-day rural living is the opportunity to live in nature, the ability to feel nature’s elements and life-giving energy, the progression through the seasons on plant and animal life, and to feel yourself as part of nature.  The culture of our society impresses on us the drive to change our environment, and one may carry that tendency into their rural living.  It is fun to do outdoor nature projects, build things, clean up nature’s overgrowth and create park-like spaces.  But  when we moved into the natural countryside, was our purpose to change things?  Didn’t we have the feeling that this was the most beautiful place and we loved it just as it was?  There we were, driving down the country road, up the canyon to the beautiful valley nestled amongst the hills, beautiful country homes, horses,vineyards, and groves of fruit trees. That is exactly what we thought when we bought our little piece of heaven, a meadow below hills of green, giant boulders and mighty oaks . We wanted to replenish ourselves and still have a modern-day rural life.  So, Yes, go ahead do your outdoor natural projects, build things, clean up nature’s overgrowth, create  park-like spaces.  Just don’t take over nature, just enjoy living with nature.