A free, outdoor-wellness program at Hartman Reserve will be launched in mid-May and already has the endorsement of AllTrails, a fitness and travel mobile app used world-wide in outdoor recreational activities. The new program is Trail Rx, a prescription for self-care in the outdoors at Hartman Reserve. It is a collaborative effort between Black Hawk County Conservation staff and Dr. Suzanne Bartlett Hackenmiller, a local integrative medicine physician. An informative introduction to the program will be held May 15 at 2:00 PM in the Community Room at Hartman Reserve. No registration is necessary to attend this event.

  Many physical and mental health benefits of being outdoors have been confirmed through scientific research. The Trail Rx program centers around time spent outdoors, whether exercising, birdwatching, or experiencing quiet, mindful time. Trail Rx offers a framework to accomplish a user’s wellness goals alongside guidance from their healthcare providers. Five trails at Hartman Reserve have been designated as Trail Rx Trails. The trails have been measured and assessed for physical activity goals, and the accumulated data will be available at HartmanReserve.org. Additional information, audio files, and links will also be available on the website with suggested mental health activities designed to help users connect to their senses, slow down, relax, and quiet their mind. 

The Trail Rx webpage will also be accessible by scanning QR codes present on signage along the trails and on a printed map of the trails.

  The main entrance to Hartman Reserve Nature Center is at 657 Reserve Drive in Cedar Falls. For more information on this or any Conservation program, please call 319-277-2187 or visit BlackHawkCountyParks.com under the Events menu.