Lake Co. Forest Preserve Plans 'Walking in Nature' Hikes

The simple act of walking, especially in nature, can improve your overall health, both physically and mentally.

The Lake County Forest Preserves, the Lake County Health Department and NorthShore University Health System have teamed up to bring “Rx for Health: Walking in Nature” to area communities. This program brings together naturalists and health care providers for guided walking tours of Lake County’s forest preserves, according to a news release.

The eight walks are free, open to the public, and require no registration. They will take place rain or shine on specific Saturdays from 4:00 to 5:30 p.m. at the following locations:

• April 8, Hastings Lake, 21155 W. Gelden Road, Lake Villa

• April 29, Nippersink Forest Preserve, 900 W. Belvidere Road, Round Lake

• May 20, Ryerson Woods, 21950 N. Riverwoods Road, Riverwoods

• June 17, Greenbelt, 1110 Green Bay Road, North Chicago

• July 15, Old School, 28285 St. Mary’s Road, Mettawa

• August 12, Van Patten Woods, 15838 W. Route 173, Wadsworth

• September 16, Grant Woods, 25405 W. Monaville Road, Ingleside

• October 14, Lyons Woods, 10200 W. Blanchard Road, Waukegan

While you walk, you can speak with a NorthShore physician about the health benefits of walking and become more engaged with the outdoor environment as you learn from a forest preserve naturalist.

The walks are open to all ages. Those 16 and younger must be accompanied by an adult. All walks range in length from one to two miles. Everyone can walk at their own pace and distance. No pets are allowed with the exception of service animals.

Learn more at: http://www.livewelllakecounty.org/rxforhealth.

Photo via Lake County Forest Preserve District website