'Recovery in Nature' stops include locations that are part of Governor Shapiro's Pennsylvania: The Great American Getaway campaign.
Perry County, Pennsylvania -- Today, the Pennsylvania Departments of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP) and Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) joined the
Pennsylvania Mental Health Consumers Association (PMHCA) and individuals in recovery for a Recovery in Nature event at Colonel Denning State Park in Perry County.
The event, held in conjunction with National Recovery Month, featured a recovery-focused hike, butterfly release, and story sharing by individuals in recovery from substance use disorder (SUD).
“Spending time in nature and SUD recovery go hand in hand for so many because it provides a boost in both mental and physical health, which are core principles of recovery wellness,"
said
DDAP Secretary Dr. Latika Davis-Jones. “This event, and the Shapiro Administration's entire Recovery in Nature initiative, marries nature and recovery. I'm grateful for the opportunity to partner with DCNR to spotlight just that here in Perry County during Recovery Month."
PMHCA is DDAP's Region 5 Recovery Hub serving central and south-central Pennsylvania.
DDAP funds
nine regional recovery hubs across the state. The hubs are designed to embed, expand, and promote a Recovery-Oriented System of Care, which is a coordinated and person-centered network of community-based services and supports. These hubs build on the strengths and resiliencies of individuals, families, and communities to achieve abstinence and/or improved health, wellness, and quality of life for those who have or are at risk of alcohol and drug problems.
“Recovery can often feel like a solitary journey, but events like this remind us that we are not alone. By coming together, sharing stories, and supporting one another, we strengthen the bonds that are crucial for sustained recovery,"
said Tyanna Marge, PMHCA Region 5 Recovery Hub Project Coordinator.
Recovery in Nature runs through the remainder of September. It is designed to remind Pennsylvanians of the healing power of nature - particularly for individuals in recovery from SUD - and encourage all Pennsylvanians to enjoy trails and waterways across the Commonwealth.
DDAP and DCNR have identified a corresponding trail or waterway within a state park or trail system near each regional recovery hub.
A number of the trails are included within
Governor Josh Shapiro's Pennsylvania: The Great American Getaway tourism campaign.
“Trails are always a great way to get outdoors and experience the healing power of nature and we are proud of the continued partnership with DDAP to take a creative, innovative, and compassionate approach to addressing this critical issue,"
DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn said.
Recommended locations, in addition to Region 5, include:
Region 1: Philadelphia
Benjamin Rush Trail System,
Benjamin Rush State Park
All of the more than three miles of trails at Benjamin Rush State Park are connected, creating a hike to be as long or short as hikers like. The gravel, multi-use trails wind through forested areas and meadows.
Region 2: Allegheny County
Three Rivers Heritage Trail,
Point State Park
This one-mile trail section within Point State Park has scenic views of the Allegheny River, Pittsburgh bridges, and the city's north shore. The Three Rivers Heritage Trail is a pedestrian trail and greenway system in the Pittsburgh area, covering 37 miles along both sides of the Allegheny, Monongahela, and Ohio rivers.
Region 3: Erie County
Graveyard Pond Trail,
Presque Isle State Park
This three-quarter mile out-and-back-trail follows the shoreline along Graveyard Pond, which legend says was the final resting place for many of Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry's men during the winters of 1812-1814.
Region 4: Montgomery, Bucks, Berks, Chester, Lancaster, Delaware, and Schuylkill counties
Mill Race Trail,
Evansburg State Park, Montgomery County
This one-and-a-half-mile trail is designed for easy walking and is a shaded trail that loops through the woods.
Region 6: Beaver, Butler, Armstrong, Indiana, Cambria, Washington, Westmoreland, Greene, Fayette, and Somerset counties
Copper Kettle Trail,
Laurel Hill State Park, Somerset County
This crushed stone bike trail is about one mile and meanders along the western shoreline of Laurel Hill Lake. It connects Old Mill Picnic Area and the beach area, provides excellent fishing access, and allows visitors to explore the park while bicycling or walking.
Region 7: Crawford, Mercer, Lawrence, Venango, Warren, Forest, Clarion, McKean, Elk, Cameron, Jefferson, and Clearfield counties
Middle Allegheny River Water Trail, Warren, Forest, and Venango counties.
Enjoy a leisurely float or paddle along all or part of the Middle Allegheny River Water Trail, a 107-mile stretch of river canoeable year-round that's both beginner and family-friendly.
Region 8: Potter, Tioga, Bradford, Clinton, Lycoming, Sullivan, Centre, Union, Snyder, Montour, Columbia, and Northumberland counties
Double Run Nature Trail,
Worlds End State Park, Sullivan County
A one-and-a-half-mile loop trail begins and ends on PA 154 across from the park chapel. In Loyalsock State Forest, it travels through rich, fertile woodlands along the west branch of Double Run, which has waterfalls and pools.
Region 9: Susquehanna, Wayne, Wyoming, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Carbon, Monroe, Pike, Lehigh, and Northampton counties
D&L Trail from
Lehigh Gorge State Park to Jim Thorpe, Carbon County
To access
this section of trail, which is just over two miles one way, use the Lehigh Gorge State Park – Glen Onoko Access parking. Travel from there to downtown Jim Thorpe via the Nesquehoning Trestle that provides stunning views as it crosses the Lehigh River below.
Across all systems, Pennsylvania currently has more than 12,000 miles of trails that offer activities such as walking, biking, and horseback riding.
Trails are free outdoor recreation and important to health because:
Their walkable access motivates people to participate in physical activity and to do so more frequently;
Trails encourage physical activity that can improve heart health; and
Parks and trails can provide safe spaces for people to play and exercise, away from busy streets and commercial zones.
Surveys for DCNR's
statewide outdoor recreation plan show that 65 percent of Pennsylvanians believe that trails and parks are an essential component of our health care system, and 55 percent believe outdoor recreation should be prescribed by a doctor to deal with health issues.
DCNR requires all state park officers to be trained in administering naloxone and to carry a naloxone kit including a pair of gloves, two prefilled, needleless intranasal devices and a carrying case while on duty at
DCNR's state parks.
Additionally, many state parks have posted signage containing help for individuals struggling with the disease of addiction, such as avenues to get naloxone, resources for finding SUD treatment, and educational tools.
Individuals seeking SUD treatment or recovery resources for themselves or a loved one can be connected to local resources by visiting treatmentatlas.org or by calling the toll-free PA Get Help Now helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
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MEDIA CONTACTS: Wesley Robinson, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
Stephany Dugan, Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs