Adam Prudhomme
Editor
Napanee Area Community Health Centre is teaming with Queen’s Health Studies to encourage locals to take a hike.
Last month the NACHC conducted an online survey to gauge the interest for a community-hiking group, which would debut once COVID-19 safety protocols allowed.
“The survey was basically asking people if you wanted to go hiking how far you would want to go, would you want to learn about nature while you’re out there, would you want to have a mindfulness component to it, what kind of barriers might people have with transportation or safety and that type of thing,” said Katherine Taylor, a registered kinesiologist with the Rural Frontenac Lennox and Addington Allied Health Team. “We’ve gotten well over 100 responses to that survey.”
Encouraged by the high interest level, they began putting together digital materials that highlight some local trails.
“Now that we’ve got that survey back we’re going to evaluate the results and launch the program,” said Taylor. “The Queen’s students right now what they’re working on, they’re putting together maps of each of the locations that we’re going to go to and on the back they’ve got some kind of general safety and that sort of thing. The plan will be, once COVID allows, to start something once a month to head out to different trails in the area.”
Local trails include Parrot’s Bay in Bath, Menzel Centennial Province Nature Reserve in Roblin and Kingston’s Lemoine Point and Little Cataraqui Creek Conservation Area.
While they can’t meet at present, those interested will still be able to explore the trails in small groups. Throughout the pandemic experts have encouraged getting out in nature for exercise to benefit both physical and mental health.
For more information on the hiking group, email Katherinet@kchc.ca. Taylor says she’s also seeking volunteers to assist with hikes once they can meet in groups, specifically those with first aid and wilderness training. The plan is to include hikes for those wanting to go at a faster or slower pace, as well as one that includes a mindfulness component with information on local flora and fauna. A small amount of hiking poles will also be available for those who wish to use them.
Taylor says she’s also working with local libraries to launch a pedometer-lending program. Once up and running, people will be able to borrow step counters. Taylor says provincial park passes will also be available at libraries again this year for those interested in hiking park trails.
Ideally, group hikes will be able to take place this autumn. If all goes well, there are plans to continue as a snowshoe-walking program through the winter.