Our Fall Nature Walk was such an amazing experience, we're doing it again! If you missed it last October, we certainly hope you can make it! 

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SATURDAY, MAY 15, 2021

JOHN BRYAN STATE PARK

10:00AM - 5:00PM

$25 Suggested Donation per adult (kids walk free!)

 

 

 

WHAT THIS IS:
Over the past year, Safe Harbor has been exploring the world of "ecotherapy", a therapeutic modality that is based on the idea that humans are connected to and impacted by their natural environment. Did you know that there are a host of scientific studies that have measured and documented the positive effects of "forest bathing", as the Japanese call spending time in nature? Being in nature reduces stress; improves short-term memory and concentration; relieves depression, anxiety, and ADHD symptoms; and of course, has a myriad of physical health benefits. 

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Last fall, we invited all of our champions to join us in this exploration of ecotherapy, and we hosted an outdoor event called "Go the Distance: A Nature Walk Focused on Ecotherapy & Empathy". This was such a worthwhile event that we've decided to host it again, incorporating new insights we've gained over the past 6 months. 

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So, on May 15th (with a "rain date" of May 22), we're inviting YOU to "step into the survivor journey" and join us for a therapeutic, compelling, and family-friendly walk at John Bryan State Park! Our goals are to educate individuals on the survivors' experience and needs, teach about innovative natured-based healing modalities, and raise funds for operations and capital improvements for the Safe Harbor program.

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We are looking for TRAIL GUIDES and EVENT SPONSORS!

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We are recruiting 50 "Trail Guides" for May 15th to bring 8-10 of their family and friends to the event. Come enjoy some sun and fresh AND support Safe Harbor! No hiking or outdoor expertise required; just gather some friends who you think would enjoy learning about experiencing nature therapy!

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We are also seeking Event Sponsors for the walk. Event Sponsors are businesses, organizations, or individuals who want to finally support the work of Safe Harbor. Sponsorship levels are $250, $500, $1,000, $2,500, or another amount of your choosing. We aim to continue providing excellent trauma-informed programming and wrap-around social services t o women recovering from severe trauma, sex-trafficking and substance use disorders. We would greatly appreciate your financial partnership in pursuing this goal! 

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If you decide to commit to a sponsorship, you can mail your check to Safe Harbor House, P.O. Box 124, Springfield, OH 45501, with "Nature Walk" in the memo line. You can also give online securely at HERE and email carin@safeharborhouse.org to designate that gift as an Event Sponsorship.

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We would be delighted to answer any questions you may have about the work of Safe Harbor or our upcoming fundraiser. Please feel free to contact Carin, or our Executive Director, Linda Mortensen at linda@safeharborhouse.org. Thank you for your consideration and support of the women at Safe Harbor!

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WALK DETAILS​

Starting at the ORTON PICNIC AREA at John Bryan State Park, walkers can choose one of 2 paths based on difficulty level and how long they'd like to walk. The main path is approximately a 1 mile walk. It's a very walkable path, but do bring those hiking shoes! The second path is about a quarter mile walk and is completely flat.

 

Arrive anytime between 10:00AM - 5:00PM; the walk is self-paced. We suggest allowing for 90 minutes for the total experience, which will include several stations to stop and reflect.

 

We hope you'll snap some photos along the way, and tag Safe Harbor on Facebook or Instagram. We're using this hashtag for the event:

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#GoTheDistanceWithSurvivors

 

As this is a fundraising event, registration is a suggesteed donation of $25/adult, in advance or day-of. And feel free to bring those kiddos; they walk for free! Registering in advance will help us plan, but feel free to simply show up on May 15th to walk. 

 

You can register below!

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Directions to Orton Picnic Area

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Turn off of Rt. 343 onto Rt. 370 to head toward John Bryan State Park. After approximately one mile, turn LEFT at the entrance to John Bryan (you will see a large sign). Then take the first left, at a sign that says, "New South Gorge Bridge." (Another sign has arrows for Day Lodge and Mountain Biking Area.) Follow the road for 1.2 miles, past the Day Lodge, until it dead ends. There is a sizable parking lot at the dead end. That's where you'll find us!