Riverfront Trail Notes No. 33: Community health resource

Though poetically promoted by Henry David Thoreau and so many others through the centuries, we now have a plethora of scientific studies confirming a multitude of health benefits from simply putting ourselves back in nature from whence we came. Anticipate any or all of the following when regular time on the Riverfront Trail or in any natural environment becomes part of your life:

• improve your mood

• Improve your sleep

• reduce feelings of stress or anger

• feel more relaxed

• improve your physical health

• improve your confidence and self-esteem

• help you be more active

• new interest in learning about local flora and fauna

• increase physical endurance

• help you meet and get to know new people

• connect you to your local community

• stimulate your immune system

• reduce loneliness and depression

• cultivate a positive mindset

• make connections to the natural world

The trail as a community resource for physical and mental health is in need of the community’s support to complete a major repair/relocation project to a popular but problematic section of the Trail. The Riverfront Trail Board is still waiting for the final proposal to address the perennial tree roots. Warning signs have been applied to the Trail in anticipation of the construction.

Next will be fundraising to cover the deficit in available monies for the project. In this season of ubiquitous political fundraising appeals, please keep in mind a donation to Riverfront Trail at https://nwprd.org/rivertrail

And do yourself a favor - hit the trail tomorrow morning when it’s cool. You’ll not regret it! See you on the Trail.

“Those who contemplate the beauty of the earth find reserves of strength that will endure as long as life lasts.” — Rachel Carson

Trail notes are brought to you by the Riverfront Trail Board, a group of local volunteers who manage, help maintain and promote The Dalles Riverfront Trail. To sponsor this regular feature please contact us: 541-386-1234 Ext. 100 or email Info@Gorgenews.com