Let’s Go for a Hike!

During the month of June, a great group of parents and youth, aged from newborn to 14 years old, joined the Kalkaska Substance Free Coalition (KSFC) and the Kalkaska Conservation District (KCD) on their first summer hiking event. The group hiked the beautiful trails of the Upper Manistee Headwaters: The Milock Family Preserve, at Grass Lake, in Kalkaska. This event, along with several others planned this summer by the two organizations, encourages youth and families to explore and utilize the many natural resources found in Kalkaska County. Research shows that these types of activities improve not only physical health, but mental health. All too often individuals turn to substances to cope with emotional pain, anxiety, and depression. One of several of the missions of the KSFC is to educate youth, families, and the community on healthy alternative activities to cope with mental health conditions, rather than turning to substance misuse. To learn more about KSFC/KCD upcoming summer activities go to kalkaskaconservation.org/events.