Whether you refer to nature as "Mother Nature", "Gaia", or just nature, it should be obvious to all, or at least those who's egos are smaller than Donald Trumps, that nature is a greater force/being than we are, at least individually.  As such, it should be easy to understand that nature is closer to God than we are.  So it logically follows that getting close to nature helps us get closer to God.  
    A few days ago, while I was driving to work in the early morning, I heard an ad for the National Guard on the radio where they bragged that the National Guard helped us fight the "war against nature" as well as the wars against the enemies of the United States of America (those may not be the exact words of the ad, but it is pretty close).  I was shocked and saddened to hear this ad.  First off, I didn't know we had officially declared war on nature even though we act as if we are at war with her and, second, I didn't realize it was something a government agency felt they should brag about!  Apparently, blizzards, floods, hurricanes and earthquakes still haven't taught some people that in a war against nature WE WILL LOOSE.  Besides, Gaia big brother is the sun spirit and you really don't want to get him angry.
    Native Americans, and the aborigines of Australia understand the importance of being close to nature.  In our increasingly urban world, we all need to take a clue from them and learn to appreciate nature and get close to her also.  It will help us in our physical lives for sure, and can also help us improve our spiritual lives.

Forget not that the earth delights to feel your bare feet
and the winds long to play with your hair.
~ Kahlil Gibran