The Sempervirens Fund land trust launched a new program last week that provides detailed guides to five trails in the Santa Cruz Mountains with suggested activities to promote health and wellness as you walk each trail.
The program, called Trails Rx, includes the Six Bridges Trail in Butano State Park, Atkinson Bluff Trail in Año Nuevo State Park, and trails in Big Basin, Castle Rock and Henry Cowell Redwoods State Parks farther to the south.
Sara Barth, executive director of Sempervirens Fund, said that “Trails Rx not only promotes health but helps illustrate the deep connection between the well-being of these forests and the well-being of our communities.”
Trails Rx guides people to immerse themselves in the environment as they hike along each trail. Webpages dedicated to the trails offer prompts designed to highlight the wellness features of each hike.
For example, on the Atkinson Bluff Trail, the guide invites hikers to take 5-10 minutes to observe their surroundings. “In silence, look up high, look down low, look at objects up close and gaze at your surroundings in the distance.”
Atkinson Bluff Trail in Ann Nuevo state park.
Photo by Orenda Randuch, courtesy Sempervirens Fund
The webpages also provide information and links to research about the health benefits of the suggested activities. The webpage for the Six Bridges Trail describes how it can help reduce blood pressure and depression and boost the immune system.
“Nature has the ability to heal and rejuvenate both the body and soul,” Sempervirens wellness advisor Suzanne Bartlett Hackenmiller, who helped develop the program, said. “Countless studies have shown that spending time outdoors not only improves physical health but mental well-being as well.”
The TrailsRX webpages also provide maps and detailed information about parking, trail difficulty and other features of each destination.
“Providing an authentic welcome, encouragement and clear guidance to walk on beautiful nature trails can promote physical and mental health.” said Curtis Chan, deputy health officer for San Mateo County.
