State initiative highlights nature as resource for addiction recovery

Mifflin, Juniata counties included in region served by ‘Recovery in Nature’ program

LEWISTOWN -- Residents are being encouraged to take advantage of Pennsylvania's state parks, trails and waterways as part of a statewide initiative supporting people recovering from substance use disorder.

The Shapiro administration has launched the third annual "Recovery in Nature" initiative, a partnership between the Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs and Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

Mifflin and Juniata counties are included in the initiative's Region 5, along with Huntingdon, Perry, Blair, York, Adams, Franklin, Fulton, Bedford, Cumberland, Dauphin and Lebanon counties. Boyd Big Tree Conservation Area and Colonel Denning State Park are the two featured destinations for the region.

Nearby Centre and Snyder counties are included in Region 8, along with Union, Northumberland, Montour, Columbia, Clinton, Lycoming, Sullivan, Potter, Tioga and Bradford counties. Ole Bull and Worlds End state parks are the featured locations for that region.

The initiative runs throughout September in conjunction with National Recovery Month and includes 18 featured trails and waterways across nearly 20 state parks and conservation areas. The locations correspond with the nine regional recovery hubs operated through the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs.

"Under the leadership of Governor Shapiro -- who, with his family, knows how much enjoyment can come from spending time together in our state parks -- we are proud to continue this initiative as a reminder that no one walks alone on the path to recovery, and that alongside treatment, peer support, and community, spending time outdoors can be a meaningful part of recovery," DDAP Secretary Dr. Latika Davis-Jones said.

The program encourages people in recovery, their families and supporters, as well as anyone interested in the restorative benefits of spending time outdoors, to explore Pennsylvania's public lands during September.

Pennsylvania has 125 state parks, 2.2 million acres of state forestland and more than 14,000 miles of trails.

This year, Recovery in Nature also has been expanded through a partnership with the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs to provide additional opportunities for veterans during Suicide Prevention Month.

As part of that expansion, six "forest bathing" events will be offered during September at state parks in Allegheny, Blair, Chester, Erie, Lackawanna and Philadelphia counties.

Forest bathing is a guided practice intended to help participants intentionally connect with their natural surroundings through mindfulness and wellness activities involving the five senses. For veterans living with or recovering from substance use disorder, the activities are intended to provide healthy ways to reduce stress, build connections and support long-term recovery.

"The Commonwealth's public lands are great places to spend time in nature and experience the restorative benefits natural spaces provide," DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn said. "We are proud to expand our efforts this year and encourage those looking to recover in nature to consider visiting one of our featured locations as a part of the healing journey."

Additional information about the featured trails and waterways and other Recovery Month events is available through the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs.