[Guest Post] Naturally Active – Into the Autumn Woods

 

This is a guest post by Charlotte Stephens - a CentraCare Health Foundation’s BLEND initiative partner for wellness.  After retiring from public service work, Charlotte continues her community involvement as an advocate for the environment and social justice.  She likes to bike, hike, and cross country ski and keeps fit by exercising at Curves three times per week.

 

Cool air, colorful trees, crisp leaves under foot.  Ah, the joys of autumn in the woods!  Not too cold, not too hot, fall weather is just right for being active outdoors.  Plan your own autumn adventure in a regional park or participate in one of these free organized activities.

Saturday, Sept. 29, from 10:00am – 3:00pm at Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge
The Fall Wildlife Festival offers a variety of presentations and activities throughout the day.  Those that might provide the most physical activity include the self-guided nature walk, scavenger hunt, and geocaching.
Event hosts: Friends of Sherburne and Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge 

Every Saturday and Sunday in October from 2:00 – 4:00pm at Rockville County Park
Help remove invasive buckthorn before it takes over the woods and crowds out native plants.  Dress for working in the woods and arrive before 2:00 to be assigned to a work team.  Organizers say children older than 8 can participate when accompanied by an adult.  Leaders, training, herbicide, loppers, hand saws and extra gloves will be provided.
Sponsor: Stearns County Parks

Sunday, October 7, from 1:00 – 3:00pm at Quarry Park and Nature Preserve
Our Woods & Waters Times Fall Fitness Walk offers a one or two mile loop on scenic trails. Participants can meet St. Cloud Times Our Woods & Waters columnists – Douglas Wood, Robert Wichman, Stephen Saupe and Jan Lasar. Children accompanied by an adult, and pets on a short leash are welcome. Parking is free for this event.
Sponsors: Stearns County Parks and Times Media   (In case of rain, check cancellation on Times website)

 

Sunday, October 14 at 1:00pm at St Cloud’s River Bluffs Regional Park
Join members of the Natural Parks and Trails Coalition as we explore our adopted park.  We’ll walk the trails, picking up litter along the way, and explore the special natural features of this park including restored prairie, oak woods, and spectacular overlooks of the Wild and Scenic Mississippi River.  Meet at the parking lot next to Fire Station #5. View map of River Bluffs Regional Park. 
Sponsor: Natural Parks and Trails Coalition 

Get out in the autumn woods and be naturally active!
Charlotte

Natural Parks and Trails Coalition (NPTC) is dedicated to preserving natural areas for public use and enjoyment and to educating the public about the natural environment.  We love to spend time outdoors enjoying nature – and we want that opportunity to be available both now and in the future for ourselves and for generations to come. We hope our blogs will help you find active natural experiences close to home.