Feeling confined? Why not take a hike and do some forest bathing?
In a recent commentary in the Herald-Leader, Dr. Kathleen Winter, assistant professor of epidemiology in the University of Kentucky’s College of Public Health, had some sage advice for all of us during these unsettling times – take a hike.
That’s not meant as a flip comment from either Dr. Winters or me.
At a time when much of our social interaction is being curtailed due to the rapid spread of COVID-19, Dr. Winters suggests plenty of outdoor activity while maintaining as much physical distance as possible from others with the same idea.
We need this. Until further notice, we can’t go for a friendly pint or a companionable dinner. We can’t see a play or go to a movie. We can’t attend church services. Sporting events – the great unifier of like-minded individuals – are out of the question.
Still, there are only so many episodes of “Friends” or “Law and Order” one can watch without having a meltdown.
According to Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet Secretary Mike Berry said, “as Kentuckians engage in social distancing, Team Kentucky encourages individuals and families to take advantage of outdoor recreation to stay in good physical and mental health.”
Forest bathing for your well-being
Now, more than ever, not just our physical well-being, but our mental and spiritual well-being, are of utmost importance. Jennifer Owens, a Louisville-based eco-therapist and certified Kentucky Master Naturalist, specializes in an outdoor-mindfulness-based approach to wellness.
An advocate of an activity known as forest bathing, Owens takes a small group of people into a forest or woods setting where they bathe – not their bodies, but their senses – in the natural world around them.
At the moment, group activities are not the way to go, but Owens says that the concept is one that can be used by individuals, couples or small family units.
“During an unprecedented situation such as this with very few answers or timelines, caring for yourself is vital for physical, mental and spiritual health,” she says.
Luckily, Lexington and Kentucky are blessed with plenty of open green spaces where we can indulge our senses without risking our health.
Raven Run Nature Sanctuary
This is a good time for Lexingtonians to discover or re-discover Raven Run Nature Sanctuary, a 734-acre woodland preserve within the city limits. While the visitor center is closed, the 10 miles of marked hiking trails remain open. Designed with every level of hiker in mind, the trails range from open meadows filled with spring wildflowers to a scenic overlook above the palisades of the Kentucky River.
The trails are open from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily, and as an extra measure of security the restrooms are closed and sanitized every two hours.
UK Arboretum
At the Kentucky Arboretum across from Kroger Field on the UK campus, the visitor center is currently closed and all programs and events through the end of April have been canceled.
However, its 100 acres which include hiking trails and the Walk Across Kentucky remain open. The latter, a two-mile paved walkway showcases the flora of the state’s seven physiographic regions: Bluegrass, Knobs, Pennyrile, Appalachian Plateau, Cumberland, Shawnee Hills and Mississippi Embayment.
Bernheim Forest
Another beautiful arboretum, Bernheim Forest, just outside of Bardstown, is a great spot to drink in the glories of nature. While the visitors and education centers are closed until further notice, the expansive grounds are open daily from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Sadly, you won’t be able to see Harper and Athena, thought to be the first pair of breeding golden eagles tracked in the United States (one has already left and the other is poised to depart any day), but you will see star magnolia, apple blossom and forsythia in full bloom.
Kentucky Horse Park
Another fan favorite, the Kentucky Horse Park has closed its museums and barns until further notice, but is encouraging visitors to come enjoy the park’s grounds and statues. The campground will remain open and guests will be checked in automatically eliminating the need to register in person.
McConnell Springs
McConnell Springs, the 26-acre natural park located at the historic springs where Lexington was founded, has suspended its public programs until further notice, but trails will be open for recreational hiking.
Parks around the state
Kentucky’s 45 state parks are a source of much pride to residents of the commonwealth. While all parks and sites are currently open for hiking and other outdoor pursuits, there have been changes, according to Gil Lawson, public information officer for the state park system.
He says lodges and cottages at the 17 resort parks remain open, as are park campgrounds, golf courses, marinas and historic homes. However, park events scheduled in March and April have been canceled or postponed, and people should check the website or Facebook page for revised hours and limited services at the park of their choice before visiting.
Restaurants and bars at all the parks are closed, although carry-out food will be available for guests to either dine in their accommodations or enjoy a picnic on the grounds.
The Kentucky Artisan Center is open but artist demonstrations have been canceled. And the Salato Wildlife Education Center grounds remain open, with admission fees waived.
“Our parks and recreation areas offer a number of activities for families to enjoy and allow visitors to continue exploration while at the same time engaging in social distancing,” says Lawson.
According to Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet Secretary Mike Berry, “as Kentuckians engage in social distancing, Team Kentucky encourages individuals and families to take advantage of outdoor recreation to stay in good physical and mental health.”
This story was originally published March 19, 2020 at 4:05 PM.