Be Local means getting back to nature at area parks and waterways
Getting back to nature can improve your mood and relieve stress, studies show.
Be Local means making this connection at area parks, forests, hike/bike trails and waterways where officials see these benefits first hand.
“I know I feel relaxed when I’m outside,” said Rachael Mahony, environmental education specialist for Forbes State Forest, comprised of nearly 59,000 acres in Fayette, Somerset and Westmoreland counties.
“That’s why I got into this business. I have lots of memories of my family enjoying the parks — including grandparents, aunts and uncles,” said Ken Brisbee, manager of Ohiopyle State Park, which includes 20,500 acres in Fayette County. “When you look back, that’s what you remember.”
Locally, there are a variety of ways to connect with nature. You can visit a number of hike/bike trails — some are even designated for horseback riding. There are many local waterways in which to fish, boat or swim. You can go for a picnic or camping. Take part in environmental or history programs that help you appreciate these spaces. And there are many who simply enjoy soaking up the atmosphere.
All of this brings people outside where they can forget about their responsibilities and relax. Those who work with these special places notice the results.
“I see people enjoying themselves,” said Andy Lariviere, environmental education specialist for Ryerson Station State Park, a 1,164-acre park in Greene County. “Some are with their kids — wanting them to enjoy being outside. Some are by themselves hiking or fishing.”
“You see people having a good time — smiles on their faces. They talk about how beautiful the scenery is,” Brisbee commented. “You see everything from people walking the trails to riding bikes with their kids to older gentlemen sitting on benches and people kayaking on the rivers. You see that every day.”
“There’s all kinds of people getting out: using the picnic areas, leaf peepers in the fall,” said Cory Wentzel, forest assistant manager with the Bureau of Forestry at Forbes State Forest, noting the popularity of places such as Lick Hollow State Forest Picnic Area, Pine Knob Overlook and Quebec Run Wild Area. “People enjoy the scenic beauty and relaxation and solitude in the forest.”
The Great Outdoors has many benefits that include community development.
Brisbee observed, “People are attracted to places where outdoor recreation is available. That’s where they want to live.”
In fact, Donna Holdorf, executive director, explained the National Road Heritage Corridor became engaged in both the Sheepskin Trail and the Mon River Towns because they advance the mission of community development as well as conservation and preservation of historic structures that tell the story of the National Road and industrial development that came with it.
The Sheepskin Trail will eventually become a 34-mile hike/bike trail that connects the Mon River Trail System in West Virginia to the Great Allegheny Passage in Connellsville while Mon River Towns helps in recognizing the Monongahela River as a potential economic and community asset.
“The NRHC is pleased to play a role in bringing outdoor recreational opportunities forward in the region. The development and improvement of these outdoor assets bring with it economic benefit to communities and small businesses,” noted Holdorf, including opportunities for shops, restaurants and lodging.
Holdorf pointed out, “An excellent example is in Point Marion where both the Mon River and the Sheepskin Trail are accessible and connected by the borough’s park. Folks can paddle and pedal.”
All this is in addition to what being outdoors can do for you personally.
“There are many studies that report the significant benefit of recreation and exercise to address weight loss, diabetes, heart health and so on,” Holdorf observed.
“There’s the health benefits of being active,” said Lariviere. “And you’re more aware of what’s around you in our area — what we have and connecting with it.”
Wentzel noted, “I think some people are trying to disconnect from technology — get way from computers, screens and cell phones. I think people, in general, find it relaxing to get away from the daily grind and enjoy the fresh air.”
Wentzel continued, “I think it makes people happier when they come to the forest. They come back renewed with a sense of wonder. It renews the spirit.”
Those interested in joining the Be Local Network can contact Ted Flowers at 724-425-7231 or by email at tflowers@heraldstandard.com. Discount cards are available at the Herald-Standard, 8 E. Church St., Uniontown, and at the Greene County Messenger, 82 W. High St., Waynesburg.