New Year, A New Trail Experience

There is something refreshing about a new year. Sure, it’s simply a different digit on the calendar. This year, many of the overwhelming challenges of 2020 have followed us onto a new page, but one of the wonderful things about the woods is that out here, so many of those problems are checked at the trailhead.

2020 taught us all just how important having world-class natural spaces can be for our physical and mental health. Millions of Americans have suffered from COVID-19 directly, but the secondary and tertiary costs have been impactful as well. Isolation, loneliness, and a sense of despair have been pervasive, but even those feelings are no match for the sense of wonder after just a few minutes on the trails.

We’ve worked hard over the past twelve months to continue our efforts to provide a natural space in which we can all escape for a few hours of contemplation. In 2020, we added a number of amenities to the trails, including an expansive wayfinding update, expanded parking, and began our efforts to bring drinking water to the trailheads to make a day at Glacial Hills safer and more convenient than ever.

With restrictions on events and even the size of volunteer groups, plus our own careful efforts to reduce the spread of COVID-19, 2020 certainly forced us to put on our thinking caps. Still, we’re lucky to be in a position to be able to invite our neighbors and visitors out to the woods to recreate safely.

Whether you visit Glacial Hills once a week or once a year, we have a challenge for you. We take a lot of pride in crafting a trail system that caters to a wide array of user groups. With that in mind, we want you to commit to experiencing Glacial Hills in a new way in the new year! We hope you’ll consider experimenting with a different way to move; if you're a hiker, hop on a bike. If you’re a biker, go for a run or a walk. This winter, bring your snowshoes! We’re always surprised at how different Glacial Hills can be at a different pace, especially throughout the different seasons.

Hopefully, the new experience will help you to treasure your time at Glacial Hills and perhaps get you motivated to get more involved. We’re always looking for more trail volunteers and trail advocates to join the mission. We’re also hoping to meet critical funding shortfalls; consider making a donation to the health and vibrance of Glacial Hills if you’re able. We've also got some great merchandise so you can literally wear your love of the trails on your sleeve!

Finally, we’re asking you to share your journey. By tagging Glacial Hills on social media, and simply by encouraging friends to make the trip to Glacial Hills, you’re helping us spread the word about the beauty, importance, and value of natural spaces and just how much they mean to the local community.

The new year has just begun; from everyone involved, here’s to a safe, healthy, but adventurous 2021 for you and yours!