Trail Talk – June 2021

Our Woodlands have seen an explosion of visitors since COVID. These warming days of spring and summer are indeed a popular time to be out and gathering out-of-doors and does carry less risk of exposure than indoor activities.

Research published last summer by the European Forest Institute in Bonn found that visits to a monitored tract of forestry in North Rhine-Westphalia during the first and second lockdowns experienced an unprecedented explosion of visitors, with forest recreation doubling. The authors concluded that the coronavirus-induced boom revealed that Germans are once again embracing forest solitude and that forests remain a critical infrastructure for national public health and societies at large.

We have heard much recently of “forest bathing” and its benefits to our psyche. The simple act of putting yourself into a forested area and taking time to sit and listen to what is transpiring around you has been shown to reduce stress. In this regard, hikers have a distinct advantage. By not trying to rush through the trees, by slowing to appreciate flowers and their scents, to hear the bird chatter and the rustling of ground dwellers in the dry leaves, one is tuned into the slower, less hectic pace of life amongst the residents of these wooded areas.

Another advantage of moving more thoughtfully is a natural tendency for folks to space themselves out, making what could be a crowded trail seem less so. Many people have found that carrying a trail journal and spending a bit more time in mindful repose along running water or at more spacious viewpoints, is a good remedy for dealing with stressful events in one’s life.

On a local level, our extensive woodland areas in and near the residential neighborhoods, along with over 50 miles of well-maintained trails, gives our citizenry ample opportunity to be out and about. In Forest Park, the “bench challenge” still proceeds. And, as a bonus, even if you start your walkabout without a journal, at each bench you can find a notebook and pen to jot “I was here” at the very least. Or, if your forest bathing experience leads you to pontificate further, please do so. At a later date, some of the more inspirational bits of punditry will find themselves included in this monthly column.

In a more somber tone, there’s an issue in Forest Park that should be addressed. Over the course of last winter, some unauthorized (not authorized by city crews or the Parks Committee) trail work was done, mainly on weekends. Live trees were cut, steep shortcuts were constructed, vegetation was dug out, including Jacksonville’s signature fritillaria, berms and jumps were constructed… all in violation of city ordinances. Please contact the city offices at the number posted on the kiosks when you spot this type of activity. It’s been said many times; Jacksonville is a special town, and our extensive park system makes it all the more special.